Streaks want to stop Chandler

If Woodstock is to improve on the result of last week's 27-7 loss to Cary-Grove in tonight's Class 7A playoff rematch, the Blue Streaks have to key on one very elusive young man.

"Their fullback is a key for our defense -- Eric Chandler -- he's where their offense starts," Woodstock coach Steve Beard said. "When you look at how to stop them, you have to first stop Chandler, then stop (quarterback A.J.) Hoger, then their two wingbacks (Kyle Gray and Andrew Schuh)."

Chandler, a sophomore, wreaked havoc on the Streaks last week, rushing for 146 yards and a pair of first-half touchdowns that provided the springboard to Cary-Grove's 24-0, third-quarter lead.

But stopping the Trojans' option attack is easier said than done because it means overcoming the blocks of a Cary-Grove offensive line that has improved throughout the season. That group includes strong-side tackle John Carroll (6-2, 242), strong guard Brandon Coleman (6-3, 257), center Kevin McCowan (5-8, 186), weak-side guard Mike Yocius (6-4, 290) and weak tackle Ryan Grambo (6-2, 172).

This rematch comes just seven days after Cary-Grove clinched its fourth straight undefeated championship title in the Fox Valley Conference, quite a feat and a real tribute to head coach Bruce Kay and a staff that includes John Bryan, Don Sutherland, Ryan Passaglia, Make Walston, Mike Manning, Troy Bruley, Paul Reinke and Jim Miller.

In the game last week, Trojans defensive back Matt Nelsen intercepted 3 passes by Woodstock quarterback Derek Brown and the Cary-Grove defense held Woodstock's top running back, Cole Freund, to 18 yards on 10 carries, not bad considering Freund averages 105 yards per game.

Cary-Grove jumped out to its lead, thanks to Chandler's rushing, a 95-yard kickoff return by sophomore Alex Hembrey and a 24-yard field goal by Marcus Kerrigan. Chandler rushed for 146 yards on 25 carries.

"We just have to keep it simple for the kids," Beard said of the rematch. "You don't want to create a whole new game plan. We lost because of turnovers and special teams. We fumbled on our own 20 and gave up a kickoff return for a touchdown. Cary-Grove made plays, but we helped them a lot."

Jumping on a team early and never looking back is hardly new to Cary-Grove. The Trojans have decimated their last four opponents the same way. In fact, when Woodstock scored in the third quarter last week on a touchdown pass from Brown to top receiver Ryan Ortmann, it snapped a streak of 10 consecutive shutout quarters by the Trojan defense.

But don't write off the Blue Streaks just yet. When Cary-Grove reached the Class 7A title game in 2004, they did so only after escaping a first-round dogfight against Woodstock, which Cary-Grove won 27-20 in overtime.

How do you beat the same team two weeks in a row?

"Playing good defense is always about the same things," explained Kay, "being aligned properly, getting off your block, running to the football and being fundamental on your tackles.

"And to defend the pass you have to get pressure on the quarterback to limit his time, decipher their routes and get into coverage. It's just fundamental football."