Larkin blitzes Streamwood
After the homecoming celebrations subsided, the Streamwood Sabres faced off in an Upstate Eight River matchup with host Larkin Royals Friday night at Memorial Field.
Both team offenses poured on the points, however, the Royals would outlast the Sabres 51-28.
The Royals registered 21 points in the first quarter alone. They scored 14 points on their first two offensive possessions. The Royals posted 20 points in the fourth quarter.
Royals' junior quarterback Kyle Newquist connected for a 9-yard touchdown reception with senior wideout Miguel Villafane and a 30-yard long ball touchdown catch with senior receiver Trevor Whitehead in the first quarter.
Newquist was 16 of 24 for 297 yards and 3 touchdowns.
"We have a young team, and we are beat up pretty good (this season)," said Royals head coach Mike Scianna. "It's nice to have a win for homecoming. We have Geneva last (on our schedule). We'll see if we have what it takes to play at their level.
"We have the kind of kids we need in this program. We have the tradition going in the right direction."
To complement the pass game, the Royals' offensive line had a consistent push against the Sabres' defense to open up holes for the run game.
Royals' senior tailback Brent Cooks attained the bulk of the carries as he scampered into the end zone on three occasions. Cooks ran for 173 yards off 26 carries including a 58-yard touchdown run.
"I have to give credit to the line, and I got good blocks from my fullback," Cooks said. "(Coach) told me to leave everything on the field and play with no regrets.
"A win like this for homecoming makes us feel like we can play better against every team."
Frustration did not set into the mind of the Sabres even though they came into a 14-point deficit.
The Sabres had a stellar performance from senior running back Steve Sandoval, who ran for 104 yards on 8 carries, scoring twice. Sabres junior quarterback Dalton Lundeen had 2 touchdown runs of his own.
The Sabres had no problems moving the ball on offense. The game was not far out of reach for the Sabres, as they were trailing 28-14 at half. However, the Sabres had many problems in stopping the Royals' offensive arsenal.
"We have a lot of young guys that came up from the sophomore level," said Sabres coach Cal Cummins. "We're a little banged up, but I thought we ran the ball well."
"(The Royals) had three big plays that set the stage for them to win. They have great combinations, and were tough to stop tonight."