Waubonsie Valley clinches playoff berth

Waubonsie Valley guaranteed itself a 10th game Friday night.

A 51-0 Senior Night win over East Aurora clinched the Warriors' sixth win of the season and a berth in the IHSA playoffs.

Waubonsie Valley (6-2, 4-1) welcomed back senior quarterback Tom Kolzow, who was playing in his first game since sustaining a concussion during a Week 3 win over Bartlett.

Friday night was also the night that the Waubonsie Valley community honored Adnaan Rahman, a senior defensive back who died in a car accident two days before the season started.

"Feels great to be back," Kozlow said. "Senior Night against East Aurora was all about representing our buddy Adnaan and clinching a spot in the playoffs."

Warriors coach Paul Murphy had nothing but praise for Rahman.

"Adnaan was one of those guys in the weight room that was always pushing his teammates to do another rep or run another sprint," Murphy said. "He was a quality young man that always put the team first.

"It was the kids' idea to dedicate the season to him," Murphy continued. "I told them that (Adnaan's) spirit will always be with them. He's on your shoulder during the game; use him as your inspiration."

Waubonsie Valley wasted little time getting on the scoreboard against East Aurora as Kolzow found Eric Josupait on a 3-yard slant pattern to stake an early 7-0 lead three minutes into the contest.

Despite four first-half turnovers, the Warriors held a 30-0 lead at halftime after a first-half highlighted by Jakobi Johnson's 55-yard punt return for a touchdown.

"We had the turnovers early, but once we settled down, I was very pleased with our execution," Murphy said. "Our kids battled, they righted the ship, and I was very pleased with how we played after the first quarter."

Waubonsie Valley scored on its first three possessions of the second half with a pair of touchdown runs by Austin Guido and a 54-yard scamper into the end zone by Jordan Johnson.

Derrick Manoly stopped East Aurora's only real scoring threat in the fourth quarter when he recovered a fumble by quarterback Laquan Brown deep in the Tomcats' territory.

The Warriors travel to South Elgin next Friday looking to clinch a share of the Upstate Eight Valley title, which would be the school's fifth conference title.

"You couldn't ask for a better scenario this time of year," Murphy said. "It's exciting to be playing for something so important at the end of the season."