Zotto, Libertyville step it up
Last week, Libertyville running back James Zotto saw a limited work load.
This week, with fellow running back Kevin Penny out due to a bum shoulder, Zotto played the role of workhorse for the Wildcats (4-2, 3-1) in a North Suburban crossover win against the Lakes Eagles, as Libertyville's runners held their own homecoming parade on the artificial turf.
"We knew with Penny down, James was going to get his carries," said Libertyville coach Randy Kuceyeski. "He and Nick (McDowell) did a great job."
Not only did Zotto (18 carries, 102 yards) run for a touchdown, he also had a 16-yard TD reception from quarterback AJ Schurr (9 carries, 66 yards, TD).
Zotto's running partner, McDowell (7 carries, 112 yards, TD), got the Wildcats going with a 77-yard touchdown run with five minutes left in the first quarter.
It was not only Libertyville's offense that helped the Wildcats to their third straight win. The defense downright dominated Lakes (3-3, 2-2).
Libertyville's defense only gave up 45 yards in the first half and did not allow a Lakes first down.
"Wow, I didn't know that," said coach Kuceyeski. "They're an explosive team with a lot of potential."
Also in the first half, Libertyville contained Eagles explosive back Andrew Tubek (11 carries, 64 yards), holding him to just 11 yards rushing and forcing him to fumble twice.
"We knew we had to stop him," Kuceyeski said, "He only had one big run. He is one of the better runners in the county."
For the third week in a row, Libertyville's gave up a touchdown on special teams, this time on an Andrew Tubek 95-yard kick-off return just after Tubek fumbled in the end zone. That miscue was recovered by Libertyville defensive back Nick Glass for a touchdown.
"I worry about our special teams every game," Kuceyeski said. "We have to do better on special teams."
Lakes running back Tyler Menheer (9 carries, 59 yards), added a 6-yard touchdown run in the third quarter and kicker Mike Beckman booted a 39-yard field goal in the fourth quarter.
In the postgame huddle, the entire Libertyville team roared two words: "Stevenson Week!"