Cary-Grove 63, Grayslake North 14

After suffering its first regular-season loss in 29 games just one week ago, Cary-Grove's football team took a total of one quarter to get back into the swing of things.

The Trojans (2-1) fell behind by 14 points to Grayslake North in the first quarter but after scoring 42-points in the second, the Trojans cruised to a 63-14 victory over the Knights (0-3) in a Fox Valley Conference crossover game at Al Bohrer Field Friday night.

"In the beginning we just didn't execute well and they took advantage of it," Trojans' coach Bruce Kay said. "Then we settled down and started playing defense and our offense got going. Then we were OK."

Helping give Cary-Grove a much-needed spark was sophomore Alex Hembrey. His 65-yard punt return helped set up the first touchdown of the game, which was scored on a 1-yard run by A.J. Hoger.

On the very next defensive series, Hembrey was at it again, this time intercepting a timing pass thrown by Knights quarterback Nick Harrington. It didn't take too long after that for the offense to put the ball in the end zone. On the second play of the drive, Eric Chandler spun his way free from defenders and was able to score from 25 yards out, tying the game at 14. The Trojans would rush the ball for a total of 336-yards on the night.

"I think we underestimated that team," Hembrey said. "The first drive they completely drove up the field on us. We made a few adjustments and our defense just stepped it up the rest of the game. We played a lot more physical and created a lot of interceptions and turnovers. That is what a defense has got to do to come back into a game."

The defense continued to step up its play in the second quarter with consecutive interceptions by Paul Rands and Matt Nelson. With a few key blocks, Nelson was able to take his up field for a touchdown from 30 yards out. A 57-yard run by Hoger and a 45-yard punt return by Hembrey helped cap the 42-point quarter and really push the game out of reach.

"It is always important to get back on the right track," Kay said. "I think we have responded very well. We have responded to the deficits two weeks in a row and I think the kids showed a lot of courage and character and played well."