Grayslake N. becomes fans of Central

It wasn't easy to stomach.

Grayslake North hit a double whammy by losing its cross-town rivalry game to sister school Grayslake Central on Friday night, 34-7.

The Knights not only drop to 1-3 in the series, but they also will likely miss the opportunity to play in their first playoff game in school history.

Even if they get a win next week and finish with the minimum five victories for playoff consideration, they'll likely miss the cut with too few points.

And yet, in the wake of such disappointment, the Knights showed great sportsmanship when they respectfully watched the players from Grayslake Central hoist the trophy that goes to the winner of the rivalry game.

On top of that, the Knights have now become some of Grayslake Central's biggest fans.

If 4-4 Grayslake Central wins its regular season finale next week against Mt. Vernon, chances are good that the team will earn a spot in the playoffs with enough points.

It will be only the fourth time in history that a football team from Grayslake has made the playoffs. The Rams qualified in 1989 and 1990 and most recently in 2003.

Since the 2003 team went 8-3, there's been a drought in the town of Grayslake.

Grayslake Central has won only nine total games over the next six seasons, excluding this season. Meanwhile, Grayslake North, which is now 4-4, entered this season with only four wins in three seasons.

“All in all, best of luck to (Grayslake Central), Grayslake North coach Steve Wood said. “It's about time Grayslake gets a little bit of respect. I sure hope (Central) can get it for us.