Neuqua likes underdog role
This underdog stuff suits Neuqua Valley pretty well.
Quickly evicted from the 2006 playoffs despite a 13-seed differential in its favor, this year the No. 14 seed Wildcats dispatched a No. 3 seed to reach today's Class 8A second-round game against Lincoln-Way East.
"It was a gratifying win and it's a gratifying place where we're at right now," said Neuqua Valley coach Bryan Wells, who hopes to gain the quarterfinals for the first time in six straight playoff berths.
If this year's pattern persists, Neuqua Valley (6-4) has the sixth-seeded Griffins right where it wants them.
Of course Lincoln-Way East (8-2), the 2005 Class 8A undefeated state champion, might be saying the same thing.
Neuqua Valley beat Lyons Twp. 31-14 despite losing 1,400-yard tailback Anton Wilkins to a sprained ankle before halftime. Wells said Wilkins remains "questionable."
But along with a defensive secondary Wells said played "probably the game of their lives" -- holding Lyons to 4-of-29 passing with 4 interceptions, 2 by Mitch McGilliard, while Denzel Neal defended 8 passes -- and quarterback Alex Lincoln hitting Conner Yearian for 3 touchdown passes, the man of the moment was Nate Pena.
In one game the junior slasher doubled his carries on the season, running 18 times for 105 yards and a touchdown. He helped kill the clock and move the chains on a key 12-play, 72-yard scoring drive after Lyons pulled within 28-14 early in the third quarter.
While Pena unexpectedly starred for Neuqua, Lincoln-Way East also has a new hero.
Not running backs Lloyd Burchett or Griffins all-time rushing leader Dan Cebula, who gained 105 and 93 yards, respectively, in the Griffins' 24-10 win over Naperville Central. They've been there.
In Week 9, 150-pound junior Spencer Stanek replaced starting quarterback Blake Hammond, who returned to receiver. Last week Stanek ran for 55 yards and threw for 95 passing with a touchdown. Kicker Brett Thomaston heads solid special teams.
Wells praises Griffins coach Rob Zvonar's philosophy on offense and defense as "methodical" -- content to move the chains and make opponents toil to do the same.
"The yards don't seem to be a concern as much as the points. And that's going to win games," Wells said.
He would know.