Evans, Vernon Hills tip Grant

It never rains in California. At least that's what some people believe, like California native Sebastian Evans.

But here in Lake County its a totally different story as it poured on Friday night. Still, Evans, a Cougars running back, stuck with the game plan.

Evans had his number called on a halfback option pass for the first time, which led to the winning touchdown early in the second half and a 7-6 victory over host Grant in a North Suburban Prairie Division game on Friday night.

It's the first time Vernon Hills finished the regular season with an (8-1) record and locked up second place in the Prairie (5-1).

Evans recovered a fumble on defense and scored the game-winning touchdown on a 2-yard run with 9:48 remaining in the third quarter.

Just a play earlier, Evans threw a 24-yard pass to Zach Kisley down to the Bulldogs' 2-yard line.

"I'm not used to throwing a wet ball," Evans said. "I didn't threw it particularly good but (Kisley) made a play on it. I'm from California and I don't know how to throw a wet ball. My hands were all wet on that one. It was a planned play, they called it and I was a hero."

Vernon Hills found itself trailing for the second time this season, similar to a situation against Lakes a few weeks ago, and turned this one around on the opening play of the second half. The Cougars' Ian Sonnenberg recovered his second fumble in the game at the Bulldogs' 40-yard line.

"Actually, I did bring up Lakes (at halftime), Vernon Hills coach Tony Monken said. "It was a different type of discussion there. What we talked about is what we can control. We can't control lightning delays, we can't control the rain. But we can control our focus and our energy.

"We came out and got the quick turnover and the defense made some turnovers."

Grant (6-3, 5-2) took a 6-0 advantage with 9:01 left in the second quarter as Dan Hourihan scored on a 1-yard run. That score was set up an earlier play as Tom Bychowski (5 catches, 72 yards), in his first game back after battling mono, caught a 42 yard pass from quarterback Justin Cokefair.

"I felt pretty good and ready," Bychowski said. "I just made a double-move and Cokefair threw a nice ball. We just need more plays, that's all.

"I think we can do more damage in the playoffs."