Cary-Grove downs Jacobs for 3rd straight win
Losing 18 starters from last season's Class 6A state championship team, many people weren't sure how good the 2010 Cary-Grove Trojans would be.
After starting 0-2, a losing season seemed a possibility for the Trojans. Forget it. The Trojans have regained the winning touch.
Winning for the third straight time, Cary-Grove opened Fox Valley Conference Valley Division play with an impressive 49-21 win over Jacobs in Algonquin Friday night.
"We came out with great intensity tonight and had a tremendous first series," said Cary-Grove coach Bruce Kay. "That first series set the tone for us. This was a good measuring stick because we were playing a good football team in Jacobs. We are getting better every game."
The Trojans (3-2, 1-0), who led 35-0 at halftime, got a great effort from sophomore back Ryan Mahoney, who gained 167 yards on 12 carries and scored 3 rushing touchdowns on runs of 17, 2 and 26 yards. He also caught a 28-yard touchdown pass from Corey Laktas.
Laktas, who ran 16 times for 146 yards also threw a 35-yard scoring strike to Joe Ryan. Laktas completed 3-of-5 passes for 88 yards and 2 scores.
The Trojans ran for 413 yards and compiled 23 first downs. Sophomore Patrick O' Malley also scored on TD runs of 11 and 12 yards.
"We had a very good first half," said Laktas. "The linemen opened up huge holes and I was able to read the option and get some yards. Our backs were running well and seeing the holes and getting to the outside."
The Cary-Grove defense, which blanked Jacobs (3-2, 0-1) in the first half, held the Golden Eagles to 33 yards of total offense during the first 16 minutes. Junior defensive back Owen Carey intercepted a Jason Judson pass in the first half.
Jacobs did get 3 consolation touchdowns from junior running back Caz Zyks in the second half. Zyks scored on TD runs of 7, 33 and 22 yards.
"Cary-Grove came ready to play and we were not in the proper state of mind to play," said Jacobs coach Bill Mitz. "Cary-Grove stubbed their toe the first two games, but they are on a little roll now. They are playing good football. We were not disciplined against their option and they got some big plays. I told our team not to give up in the second half and they got some things going."