Kaput 4 TDs help Buffalo Grove stay unbeaten with win over Schaumburg

Behind another great performance from senior running back Matthew Kaput, Buffalo Grove played its best game yet Friday night in a Mid-Suburban League crossover game against Schaumburg.

The Bison (3-0) stormed out to a 35-7 lead over the Saxons at halftime before rolling to a 49-7 victory as Kaput scored four touchdowns to pave the way to the victory. The game had a running clock from early in the third quarter on before the game had to be abruptly called an official game after severe lightning struck the area just 19 seconds into the fourth quarter.

"The first two games we weren't consistent offensively, but the kids came out and did a great job by scoring on every drive in the first half," said Buffalo Grove coach Jeff Vlk, whose team took a quick 14-0 lead on TD runs of five and one yards by Kaput.

"Our guys up front were just absolute men tonight. It was another big game for him (Kaput), and he's obviously our best weapon on offense. But we have good weapons around him which opens it up for him and he's just an absolute beast."

A four-yard touchdown run by Kaput (141 yards on 18 rushes) followed by Hunter Fredell's extra point made the score 21-0.

Schaumburg (0-3) responded strongly when quarterback Dylan Ramirez (9 for 16, 56 yards) hit Thomas Poldek with a 76-yard TD pass on a short pass and long run down the right sideline by Poldek. The extra point by Eli Kacsh cut the lead to 21-7, and it looked like the Saxons were ready to put up a good battle.

But Buffalo Grove's Jaleel Marshall returned the ensuing kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown to put the lead right back to 21 points. To make matters worse for Schaumburg, Buffalo Grove's Owen Erickson intercepted the next pass thrown by Ramirez and raced 21 yards for a touchdown and a commanding 28-point lead.

"Our defense has been playing really good all year. They're very disciplined, and Owen (Erickson) did exactly what he was supposed to do to get that pick-six there," added Vlk. "I'm just really proud of our kids. They came out and took care of business and that's what we hoped for."

Buffalo Grove quarterback Nathan Raef (5-for-6, 95 yards) was also sharp as he faked a handoff and hit Matthew Hong (42 yards on 2 carries) with a quick pass before Hong raced 45 yards for the touchdown to account for the final score.

Schaumburg's Michael Creaney had 56 yards on eight attempts.

Kaput credited his offensive line for much of his success.

"The offense has been rolling. I wouldn't be anything without my offensive line, and the boys up front have been working really hard at practice to get the ball moving down the field," said Kaput. "All of our games have been gritty, and it shows our determination to win and battle."