Cary-Grove sets FVC wins record, aims for playoffs
Patrick O'Malley was so excited he could hardly speak, so he let his actions speak for themselves.
The Cary-Grove sophomore's 3-yard run in overtime gave the Trojans a hard fought 23-20 win over McHenry in a Fox Valley Conference Valley Division game at McHenry's McCracken Field Friday night.
"This is the biggest touchdown of my career," said O'Malley. "Coach (Bruce Kay) told us in the overtime to just focus. The offensive line was awesome. They opened some big holes. "
In the overtime, the upset-minded Warriors (1-6, 1-2) had first crack to score. But the Trojan defense rose to the occasion. Led by a 5-yard sack from Rich Kersten and a 10-yard sack on a blitz by linebacker Sam Babick, the Trojans (5-2, 3-0) forced the Warriors back to the Cary-Grove 25-yard line.
On fourth down, McHenry kicker Ray Espedal booted a 42-yard field goal to give the Warriors a 20-17 lead.
It was the only points McHenry would score in the second half.
"We used a different front on defense in the second half and were able to stop their spread better," said Kersten. "We had trouble with the no huddle in the first half and got punched in the mouth pretty good. "
Kay was glad to leave McHenry with the win, the Trojans' 41st straight in conference play, a new FVC record.
"We seemed a step slow all night, but the kids gutted it out," said Kay, whose team plays at undefeated Crystal Lake South next week. "They kept competing and we were able to get the win."
Down 10-0 early in the second half, the Trojans' defense came up with a huge play. Cary-Grove junior linebacker Max Kersten was able to break through the Warrior line and tackle quarterback Robert Tonyan in the end zone for a safety, which pulled the Trojans to within 8 points, 10-2, with 8:12 left in the first half.
McHenry didn't waste any time extending its lead. Tonyan, running the spread offense to perfection, found speedy wide receiver Corey Szamlewski for a 74-yard touchdown pass and with 5:14 left before intermission the Warriors held a 17-2 lead.
Needing only 3 minutes and 9 seconds to go 79 yards, the Trojans got a little closer before the half. A 16-yard run by Ryan Mahoney with 2:05 remaining cut the Warrior deficit to 17-9. That was the score at halftime.
With neither team scoring in the third quarter, Cary-Grove finally knotted the game with 10:08 left.
Mahoney scored from 6 yards out to make the score 17-15. Going for the 2-point conversion, quarterback Corey Laktas rolled to the right and connected with tight end Cole Connington in the end zone to tie the game at 17.