Lakes stops Wauconda
Lakes Community High School honored it senior fall athletes Friday night before the host Eagles took on Wauconda.
The night was also significant for the Eagles in that another victory would guarantee them a spot in the state playoffs for the second straight season.
The Eagles locked in that second straight playoff berth by defeating the Bulldogs 32-21 in the North Suburban Prairie matchup and improving their record to 6-2 overall and 3-2 in the Prairie.
“We're really proud of our program, to get here again, said Lakes coach Luke Mertens. “But we will be treating next week's game (against grant) like a state playoff game as we are playing one of the best in our conference.
Eagles receiver Donte Arnold (game-high 121 receiving yards) hauled in 2 touchdowns. The second touchdown catch was thrown by fellow wide receiver Josh Pohlman. Pohlman took a reverse and spotted Arnold streaking downfield and connected for the 55-yard score.
“We were practicing that play for a couple of weeks, said Mertens. “The players get really excited about running those types of plays. We ran the play and executed it perfectly.
Wauconda (2-6, 1-4 Prairie) took the opening kick off of the game back 71 yards to set up great field position. However, Wauconda fumbled the very next play and Lakes linebacker Tyler Menheer scampered 70 yards to score the first touchdown.
Wauconda quarterback Brian Kent (99 yards rushing) scored 3 rushing touchdowns to lead the Bulldogs. However, Kent was unable to get the passing game going as he finished with only 9 completions on the night.
“By our record, we had 7 dropped passes tonight, which is not acceptable by our standards, said Wauconda coach Dave Mills. “Honestly, we wasted a pretty good defensive effort tonight. We just couldn't take advantage of it.
“We were just one step slower tonight. Gives Lakes all the credit and good luck to them in the state playoffs.