Grayslake North turns in another exciting win

After its thrilling last-minute victory at McHenry last Friday, Grayslake North was poised to match last year's win total going into its Fox Valley Conference crossover with visiting Dundee-Crown on Thursday night.

The defense made sure the Knights posted their first 3-1 start, forcing Dundee-Crown quarterback Tanner Kotlan into 5 interceptions in a 28-14 victory.

Kurtis Boyd and Jake Geary each had 2 interceptions for the Knights. Hector Silva, last week's hero with a blocked field goal in the closing seconds, also picked off a pass for the Knights.

Boyd returned his first interception 38 yards into the end zone. It was the first-ever interception return for a touchdown in Grayslake North's football history and extended the Knights lead to 21-0 in the second quarter.

"The receiver ran his own route and didn't bother to tell anyone else," Dundee-Crown coach Mike Davis said. "The quarterback threw the ball where he was supposed to, but the Grayslake North defensive back was standing right there."

Grayslake North defensive lineman Steve Sass got consistent pressure in the backfield and recorded sacks on back-to-back plays to set the tone for the Knights defensively.

"They were double-teaming me," said Sass. "I was able to spin out of the double team and get pressure on the quarterback. We studied our scouts and did really well in practice. Our defensive backfield also played really well."

Dundee-Crown (0-4) was unable to get anything going on the ground and managed a total of 20 rushing yards on the night. However, the Chargers got into the end zone as Tulsa Bates hauled in a 4-yard touchdown pass from Kotlin in the second quarter.

Kotlin then scored in the fourth quarter on a 6-yard run to trim the Knights' lead to 21-14.

Grayslake North's offense made sure the defensive effort held up, as David Collins (game-high 175 rushing yards) scored from 1 yard out with just over three minutes left.

Collins tallied a 71-yard touchdown on the Knights' first drive of the game.

"Our offense was opportunistic," Grayslake North coach Steve Wood said. "Our defense played really well. They constantly put pressure on the quarterback and forced errant throws. Steve Sass is such a force in the middle and forced triple teams."