Neuqua Valley puts win on line
Neuqua Valley was 1-3 entering Friday's Indian Prairie Classic against Waubonsie Valley.
What counted was 3-5, the Wildcats' defensive set that stymied the Warriors in Neuqua's 28-7 Upstate Eight Conference victory at North Central College's Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium in Naperville.
Neuqua Valley quarterback Joey Ippolito ran for a 78-yard touchdown on the first play from scrimmage. Neuqua (2-3, 2-0) ran downhill thereafter to deliver a first conference loss to Waubonsie (3-2, 2-1).
"I thought our defensive line tonight did a fantastic job," said Neuqua coach Bryan Wells, citing tackle Christian Ebel and ends Andrew Skowronski and Michael Ippolito - Joey's sophomore brother, who made an interception, as did cornerback Alex Malandro.
"The whole second half we only really brought three-man pressures," Wells said. "People were covered and our D-line still got after it. It was a fun night to play defense."
Waubonsie's 2 interceptions, 2 lost fumbles and 6 fumbles overall helped Neuqua take an 8-3 series lead on just 177 yards of offense and 8 first downs.
"In the beginning of the season, we had 13 turnovers (through three games). Tonight we went right back to it," said Warriors quarterback Kenny Clay, who ran for 57 yards and broke the shutout on a 31-yard touchdown pass to Scott Kuehn with 1:21 left to play.
Neuqua offensive coordinator Bill Ellinghaus didn't need to dig to strike paydirt. From the Wildcats' 22-yard line Joey Ippolito pierced a gaping hole over left guard Kevin Butcher and outlasted Waubonsie cornerback Jalen Love's pursuit.
"It got us going," Michael Ippolito said of his brother's jaunt. "We were going before, but it got us going more."
A muffed long snap and panicked punt to end Waubonsie's first series gave Neuqua possession at the Warriors 24-yard line. Five plays later Joey Ippolito scored. Trent Snyder's kick gave the Wildcats a 14-0 lead it took into the second half, the defense holding Waubonsie to 89 yards.
Wideout Bobby Herzberger's 30-yard flea-flicker pass to Dan Meaney set up a 2-yard Joey Ippolito touchdown run. Michael Ippolito's interception and 23-yard return led to Snyder's 1-yard touchdown run and 28-0 lead with 5:29 remaining.
"This is how we should be playing week in and week out," Joey Ippolito said.
<div class="infoBox"> <h1>More Coverage</h1> <div class="infoBoxContent"> <div class="infoArea"> <h2>Photo Galleries</h2> <ul class="gallery"> <li><a href="http://football.dailyherald.com/story/?id=324423">Waubonsie vs. Neuqua Valley </a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div>