Lakes 27, Antioch 26

As a certain Chicago baseball team prepares for Game 3 of their playoff series, a playoff-type atmosphere gripped Lakes Community High School on Friday night as the host Eagles took on their rivals, the Antioch Sequoits. In Game 3 of their all-time series.

In a memorable contest that had a little bit of everything, it was only fitting that the contest was decided in overtime as Lake prevailed 27-26.

With the score tied at 20-20 heading into overtime, Lakes (2-5, 1-4 in the North Suburban Prairie) took possession first at the Antioch 10. Two plays later, senior quarterback Randy Ratajczyk hooked up for a 7-yard TD pass to junior running back Josh Gaido. David Tomis's extra point gave the Eagles a 27-20 lead.

Antioch (3-4, 1-3 in the Prairie) then took their possession into the end zone on their first play as junior Cam White (18 carries for 161 yards) scored his second touchdown of the game from 10 yards out.

Sequoits coach Brian Glashagel called a timeout and called for a 2-point conversion attempt. The Sequoits pushed forward with a run up the middle but the Lakes defense stopped them at the 1 to end the game.

Glashagel defended his decision to go for the win on the road: "With the offense that we have, we should be able to get the 3 yards on that play."

Lakes jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the first half. Senior Marcus Williams took a short pass from Ratajczyk 36 yards to the end zone to open the scoring. After a successful on-side kick, the Eagles went down the field again in 12 plays as Gaido took it in from 11 yards.

Antioch took their ensuing drive 12 plays and 65 yards as White ran it in from 3 yards out.

Lakes then made a little bit of history. At their 5-yard line with under three minutes left, Ratajczyk dropped back to pass and from his end zone hit a streaking Kevin Guirand down the right sideline for a 95-yard touchdown pass. According to Lakes coaches and staff, that play was the longest pass play in the school's history.

Ratajczyk sang the praises of his offensive lineman: "The offensive line did amazing tonight. We have the best offensive line in the conference."

Lakes coach Luke Mertens talked about the play-calling in that situation.

"We were just trying to take some chances down the field. It's what we have always done as an offense."

Antioch came back with two rushing scores from senior quarterback Matt Romani and a 2-point conversion to tie the game from sophomore running back Steve Lorenzini with 2:38 left in the fourth quarter.

"Every time we've played each other, it's been a great atmosphere. Rivalries are always fun," Mertens said.