West Aurora edges closer to playoff bid

A five-win season all but assures a bid to the state playoffs for DuPage Valley Conference teams.

West Aurora (4-4) moved one step closer to the postseason with a 55-32 road win against Glenbard East (3-5) Friday. Keeping their playoff hopes alive was the most important outcome on a night that saw the Blackhawks tie a school record for points scored in a game.

The West Aurora defense settled down and gave up just one second-half touchdown after allowing 24 first points in the first two quarters.

"We decided to step it up in the second half," said senior Matt Souvannasing. "We came in trying to get three turnovers and we did."

Souvannasing had a monster night, recording three touchdowns, a fumble recovery and interception.

On Glenbard East's first possession, senior quarterback Steve Kinney connected with wide receiver Kevin Priebe, his favorite target, for a 47-yard touchdown. Priebe had 8 catches for 152 yards.

Souvannasing was responsible for defending Priebe on the touchdown pass, but he made up for it by returning the ensuing kickoff 85 yards to paydirt.

"It was a short kickoff," Souvannasing said. "I saw an opening in the gap to the left and from there it was a foot race."

The game continued to flip back and forth throughout the remainder of the first half.

Late in the second quarter the Blackhawks turned to backup quarterback CurtisTownsend and he delivered. Townsend completed his first two passes, including an 11-yard touchdown strike to Marcus Waller.

With 23 seconds to play before halftime, the Blackhawks tacked on another touchdown. After Townsend connected with Souvannasing on a 22-yard touchdown pass.

West Aurora led 27-24 at the half and completely dominated the final two quarters on both sides of the ball.

"We got good field position all night and we just started making plays on defense," said West Aurora coach Buck Drach. "We got tougher against the run."

Blackhawks junior Shon Enoch broke away for a 26-yard touchdown run in the first drive of the third quarter. A Souvansang fumble recovery led to a 4-play, 43-yard touchdown drive shortly after, and the Blackhawks led 31-24.

The second-half explosion of Blackhawks offense continued with two short touchdown runs, before Souvannasings 44-yard interception return for another touchdown.

West Aurora senior Carlotta Mayen became the first female Blackhawk in school history to see action in a varsity game when she entered late in the fourth to play tight end.