Wildcats want to make amends

Neuqua Valley calls do-overs.

In an emerging theme of atoning for past losses, the Wildcats see just such an opportunity in their Class 8A first-round game against No. 3 seed Lyons Twp.

Last week No. 14 seed Neuqua Valley (5-4) crushed playoff-bound St. Charles North 45-0. Tailback Anton Wilkins, the Wildcats' career leader in rushing yardage and touchdowns, made 3 touchdown catches to set another record.

Coach Bryan Wells suggested the win over St. Charles North was a makeup for Neuqua's last loss, 17-14 in Week 6 at St. Charles East.

Winning its last three games to reach the playoffs a sixth straight year, Wells sees another chance for amends.

"I kind of feel like this is almost a do-over with Waubonsie," he said of a 10-6 Wildcats loss in Week 4.

"We've even likened it to a do-over with Lockport" -- the 2002 Class 8A champion that barely escaped Neuqua's first-round effort, 13-10.

Another observer might see retribution for Neuqua's 2006 first-round loss to Hinsdale Central, a No. 15 seed over a No. 2, 11-7.

Neuqua got a first-hand look at the powerful West Suburban Silver, where this year Lyons (8-1) is co-champ.

Led by safety-linebacker Alex Sewall the Lions had 4 shutouts and allowed 67 points, trailing only Morgan Park's 43 among 8A teams.

"We have to execute on offense," Wells said. "Their defense has been very stingy, and I'm not sure stingy is even a strong enough word."

Last week's program-tying 5 touchdown passes to three receivers by Neuqua quarterback Alex Lincoln gave Lyons more to consider than Wilkins on the ground.

Lyons' spread/option offense goes through three-year starting quarterback Eddie Viliunas.

"We're going to have to be good tacklers, use sound fundamentals and we have to attack," Wells said. "And I think those things we're doing right now."