Glenbard East strikes last, edges West Chicago

After 48 minutes of executing their misdirection rushing attack superbly, West Chicago was slowly choking the life out of Glenbard East.

Then, with 2:25 left in the game, everything changed. A late change of possession on downs led to a dramatic length-of-the-field drive and winning field goal as Glenbard East prevailed 16-15 on Friday night in DuPage Valley Conference play.

Glenbard East (3-1,1-1) jumped out to an early 7-0 lead as quarterback Steven Kinney sprinted 66 yards for a touchdown.

West Chicago (1-3,0-2) then seized control of the game via its running attack. After an earlier drive stalled with a blocked field goal, the Wildcats were able to convert eight straight rushing plays, culminating with a 25-yard Kyle Molskow touchdown run with just a minute left in the half to tie the game.

West Chicago picked up where it left off to start the second half as running back Bradley Wilson caught a 64-yard pass up the middle of the field. Wildcats quarterback Josh Stein then ran it in for the 2-point conversion for a 15-7 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

"We were pounding them down and the offensive line did a great job," Wilson said. "Once we scored on that pass I was just focused on holding onto the ball and getting more yards."

Wilson did just that as he ran 18 times for 139 yards to go along with his long touchdown catch. West Chicago ran for 231 yards as it set up for a chance to methodically run out the clock.

Then the duo of Kinney and Kevin Priebe took over in the fourth quarter.

Kinney found his favorite receiver for a 24-yard touchdown strike 32 seconds into the fourth quarter as Priebe hauled in beautiful pass in the back of the end zone. The Rams, however, failed on the 2-point attempt to draw the score to 15-13.

After a couple of lengthy drives by the Wildcats, including a recovered Rams fumble on a fourth-and-44, West Chicago appeared to be right where it wanted to be.

The Wildcats drove deep into Glenbard East territory, but faced a fourth-and-1 at the Rams' 5-yard line.

The Rams' defense finally held serve as they stuffed the attempt, giving their offense a chance with just 2:24 to play.

"We wanted to be patient with the running game," West Chicago coach Paul Reinke said. "If we get that first down with two minutes left, it's a different ballgame."

Then the dynamic duo struck again for the Rams as Kinney hit Priebe for a 64-yard completion, setting up a game-winning field goal attempt with 8 seconds left.

"We were feeling the pressure on the goal line when it was third down and long," Kinney said. "Coach made a good call, Kevin ran a good route, and I had enough time to get it to him.

Kicker Frank Loconti came on and calmly split the uprights to give Glenbard East the 16-15 lead, and ultimately the victory.

"I have all the confidence in the world in Frank, he's great," Kinney said. "I knew he was going to make it. Good snap, good hold, game over."

Loconti's leg ended the game, but yet again Kinney and Priebe came through with the big plays.

"We thought we had a good matchup with Priebe and their corners, we just didn't get the time all day," Glenbard East coach Dennis Lueck said. "That last drive the kids gave us some time and we did a good job setting up the field goal."