St. Charles North wraps up Elgin
The regular season is now over for St. Charles North and there will be no practice on Saturday. However, unlike the last 4 years it's not because the North Stars are done playing, but instead it's because coach Robert Pomazak wants his team to enjoy a day off before getting ready for its first playoff appearance since 2009.
The North Stars (7-2, 5-2) put the finishing touches on a stellar season Friday night with a 41-12 Upstate Eight River Division win at Elgin (1-8, 1-6). The North Stars rushed for 261 yards with the tandem of Dominick Sidari and Eric Lins leading the way. Sidari had a team-high 85 yards on 17 carries and a touchdown. Lins rushed for 66 yards on 13 attempts and scored 3 touchdowns.
"We just want to savor the moment," said Pomazak. "We have been working for a long time toward hearing our name called at the playoff pairing meeting. We want to take (Saturday) to enjoy it as a team. I'm looking forward to seeing who we are playing and then it's back to get ready 110 percent."
North got off to a shaky start after Elgin recovered an onside kick on the opening kickoff and scored the game's first touchdown 3 plays later. Then the North Stars' first offensive possession then stalled in Maroons' territory.
The North Stars didn't panic and eventually got on track scoring touchdowns on their final 4 possessions of the first half on drives of 77, 37, 70, and 69 yards to take a 27-6 lead.
Lins had the first two touchdowns with runs of 22 and 3 yards. He added a third touchdown in the fourth quarter on another 3-yard run.
"Me and Dominick have a nice combination going," said Lins, who is a sophomore. "I was brought up when he got hurt earlier in the season and it's kind of worked out good since he came back where we both get a good number of carries. I thought the whole team did a great job tonight. We're confident. It's a great team with great leaders."
North quarterback Nathan Didier added a nice balance to the North Stars' offense completing 12 of 21 passes for 145 yards, including a 12-yard touchdown toss to Jack Callaghan.
"We wanted to come out tonight and stay sharp and keep that competitive edge," said Pomazak. "I was pleased with the way we moved the ball. It's nice to have that balance with the running game and the passing game."
Elgin's effort was outstanding as it gave North a battle the whole way. The Maroons' first touchdown came on a 35-yard pass from Dontrell Gaddy to Jordan Smith. Gaddy also ran for a 4-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter to cap a 70-yard drive. Gaddy had a 38-yard run on the drive. He finished 68 yards on 12 carries and also completed 10-of-21 passes for 154 yards.
"We still aren't where we need to be, but we are getting closer," said Elgin coach Kyle Rohde. "The effort was excellent. The seniors really bought into the program. We got a lot of support from the parents. I feel we are moving in the right direction."