Mundelein 48, Round Lake 27

Nothing wrong with a bird's eye view -- except, perhaps, when you're asked to coach from within the press box.

Fortunately Mundelein football coach Dave Whitson was able to enjoy the sights as his Mustangs marched past visiting Round Lake 48-27 in a North Suburban crossover in Mundelein on Friday night.

"At the beginning of the season, I wanted to do that," Whitson said. "But, to be quite honest, it was the decision of the administration made earlier in the week. It was based on the reactions and conduct after the game last week against Waukegan.

"I respected their decision and we did what we had to do tonight."

Whitson ended up liking the new perspective.

"It really gives me the opportunity to see the front side, back side and how we set up our blocking schemes," Whitson said. "I felt all along it's the best thing for us anyway. So it's probably a blessing in disguise."

Mundelein (2-1) didn't miss jumped out to a 28-0 lead by the end of the first quarter and led Round Lake (1-2) at halftime 42-7.

"We knew with their size, there would be a distinct possibility of being dominated up front," Round Lake coach Doug Moss said. "They just pushed us around at will in the first half. Our guys kept fighting and played better in the second half."

Mustangs senior quarterback Mike Petlak had a nearly perfect night, throwing 5-for-6 for 123 yards and 2 touchdown passes all in the first half.

"As a team, we we're able to connect on running and passing." Petlak said. "The run opens up the pass.

"It was one of my best nights. What helps the most is when the other team knows we can run the ball and then you can hit them deep."

The Mustangs' Tyler Kennedy caught one for 37 yards and Jamal Ross had the other on a 10-yard reception.

Mundelein gained a total of 419 yards, including 296 rushing.

Cody Gokan rushed for a 28-yard touchdown but left the game with ankle injury in the first half for Mundelein. The Mustangs' other scores on the ground came from Brian Arnold, Mike Matranga, Dan Katz and Kenny Jernigan-Hunter.

Round Lake had both of its running backs compile 100-yard games. Sophomore Cameron Gillespie had 15 carries for 132 yards and touchdowns of 10 and 44 yards and senior Ray Bryant had 22 carries, 125 yards and scored from 8 yards.

Also, Matt Novak caught a 15-yard TD from reserve quarterback Matt Ortiz for the other Panthers score.