PR sets back Grayslake C.
At the beginning of the year, Grayslake Central coach Nick Goshe and the Rams had one clear goal to make the playoffs for the first time since Grayslake high school divided into Central and North.
Coming into their Week 7 contest against Prairie Ridge, the Rams needed to win two out of their last three games to make that goal a reality.
“As soon as we walk off the field, we have to forget about this and focus on our rival, coach Goshe told his team in the postgame huddle after falling to the Wolves 26-7.
The Rams (3-4, 3-2) generated 192 yards of total offense but could not get on the scoreboard until there were only 16 seconds left as quarterback Ray Beckman (9 of 19, 69 yards) found tight end CJ Stempeck (4 catches, 28 yards) in the corner of the end zone.
“Nobody has been moving the ball on them all year, Goshe said of Prairie Ridge (6-1, 4-0). “They are aggressive, fast, disciplined and very well coached.
Senior running back Jahard Nelson (11 carries, 37 yards) got the most opportunities with the ball for the Rams.
“No push, Nelson said, as the Wolves defense was all over the field.
For the most part, the Rams defense kept their team in the game with fumble recoveries by Tyler Hanna and Jake Paust, but Prairie Ridge running back Connor Greenwald (15 carries, 102 yards, 2 TDs) was just too productive.
“That was fun, Greenwald smiled, “I'm lucky to get to do stuff like that.
Greenwald did everything except sell concessions at half time. He kicked a 25-yard field goal to open the scoring, ran for 2 touchdowns, kicked 4 extra points, and threw a 33 yard touchdown pass on a halfback option to tight end Nick Margiotta.
“I was surprised and excited when they made the call, Greenwald remembered. “I never get to throw the ball.
Now the Rams will have to win their last two games to get to the postseason.
“The seniors don't want to stop now, Goshe said, “Our backs are against the wall, and now it's our rivals.
As soon as the game was over, the Grayslake Central coaches were talking about the Knights and the week ahead.
“It's going to be hardcore, Jahard Nelson said of the game's importance, “It would mean a lot to make the playoffs and beat our rivals to help get us there.
Rams running back Vinnie Culhane had a couple of explosive plays and tallied 79 yards on just 4 carries.
After Grayslake North, Central will host Mount Vernon High School from southern Illinois in Week 9.