Lake Park shuts out West Aurora
Lake Park finished its season on a high note with a 35-0 win over West Aurora on Friday in Roselle to close out its first DuPage Valley Conference season.
The Lancers played an inspired game, with five players scoring touchdowns. Junior quarterback Michael Perry stepped into the starting role for the second time this season.
Perry looked impressive filling in for injured starter Bobby Accetura, who saw limited action due to an injury. Perry completed 5 passes in 13 attempts for 77 yards and 1 touchdown pass.
“I just wanted to go out there and get the win for our seniors,” said Perry, who will be the starting quarterback next season. “I’ve been prepared the whole season, and Bobby has helped me so much.”
Following a scoreless first quarter, the Lancers got on the scoreboard with an 11-yard run by Antonio Shenault. A 26-yard pass from Perry to Dom Terry put the ball on the Blackhawks’ 26-yard line. On the next play Shenault ran for 15 yards and capped the drive with an 11-yard run to put the Lancers ahead 7-0.
Later in the quarter, Perry sent an airmail strike to Tommie Jackson for 26 yards and a touchdown to give the Lancers a 14-0 lead at the half.
“I think there was a mixed amount of emotion in the first half,” Lancer coach Chris Roll. “At halftime we pulled our leaders together and said make sure we go out with the style of football we preach here. I’m proud of the second half.”
The Lancers were even better in the second half. Curtwan Evans showed his speed picking up a Dequan Cross fumble and dashing 85 yards for a touchdown.
“It was exciting,” Evans said. “I scooped the ball and ran. Joseph Spitalli came in with a block to help me out, and I was able to bring it in.”
Zach Thomson and Accetura each scored on 1-yard runs to seal the win for the Lancers. But it was the defense that did the job shutting down the Blackhawks.
“The physical play of our defense has changed our program,” Roll said. “I wanted to make us a defensive program this year. We had some real troubles with our offense at the beginning of the year. The fact that we were able to get better against the best teams in the state, I’ll take that anytime.”
The Blackhawks completed its last season in the DVC with 0-7 record, 1-8 overall. The school will return to the Upstate Eight next season.
“It wasn’t a good season for us,” said Blackhawks coach Nate Eimer. “It’s been that kind of season. We just haven’t put things together.”