Kaneland dominates DeKalb
The Kaneland football team has a bad habit of getting itself in a hole early. That trend continued as the Knights gave up a 92-yard touchdown on the first play of the game against Western Sun Conference foes DeKalb.
This time, however, Kaneland was able to come roaring back with 35 unanswered points and came away with a 49-21 victory in front of a large home crowd there to celebrate Kaneland's 50th Homecoming.
"Unfortunately, we have had to come back a few times this year," said Kaneland coach Tom Fedderly. "We have to learn to play every play in this league and you have to play hard every play, but we kept playing and got the win."
The defense redeemed itself, as junior Blake Kendrick came up with an interception the next time the Barbs had the ball. The Knights (4-3, 3-2) only allowed DeKalb (1-6, 1-4) to gain 50 more yards in the half.
In the meantime, sophomore quarterback Joe Camiliere got the offense clicking on all cylinders. Camiliere threw for three touchdowns and ran for another as the Knights were able to go right down the field against the DeKalb defense most of the night.
Camiliere, who was missing his leading receiver in Blake Serpa, was able to find wideouts Ryley Bailey and Pat Fleming all night long. Both junior receivers had over 100 yards receiving on the night, Fleming had 10 receptions for 162 yards and two touchdowns and Bailey had 6 catches for 100 yards and he also had a TD grab.
"Blake is an important part of this team, but we have a deep team and I'm very proud of the way guys stepped up tonight, " said Fedderly.
"They were playing a cover two guarding against the deep ball and we were able to find zones in there and make plays," said Fleming.
Fleming made a huge play in the game as the Barbs rallied to cut the lead to 35-21 with just over a minute to play in the third quarter. Camiliere was flushed from the pocket but found Fleming who made a great fingertip catch and raced down the sidelines for a 56 yard TD that gave the Knights back a comfortable cushion.
"That was not a designed play," said Camiliere. "We both just saw the opening and Pat made a great catch. All night we were just trying to take what they were giving us ."
"That was big to answer there," said Fedderly. "You have to give (DeKalb) credit, they are well coached and they don't quit."
Senior running back Tyler Suerth made the most of his opportunities. Suerth had two carries in the first half, both were 1-yard TD dives and Suerth added another 1-yard TD plunge in the second half.