Coyle plays pivotal role in Lake Zurich’s comeback win over Mundelein

Six games into his first varsity football season, Lake Zurich sophomore Logan Coyle is making his mark on offense and defense.

On Friday, the 5-foot-9, 160-pounder had one perhaps his best two-way game against Mundelein in a pivotal North Suburban Conference home game.

But Coyle admitted he did not expect making such an early — and big — impact for the Bears.

“Obviously, in Week 1 in my first varsity start, I was anxious and it was all about controlling those emotions,” Coyle said. “I just went out and tried to go out and play my game and help my team win. I had high expectations for myself this season, but this has been truly a blessing and exceeding all my expectations.”

Coyle displayed veteran two-way traits at the start against the Mustangs. Coyle intercepted two passes and hauled in a key fourth-down catch to set up the winning touchdown in the final minute to power the Bears to a thrilling 15-9 comeback win over the Mustangs on homecoming night.

Coyle, who had five receptions for 80 yards, saved his best and most important catch for the final minute of the fourth quarter. Trailing 9-7, the Bears (4-2, 4-0) were faced with a fourth down and 17 at their own 47-yard line. Senior quarterback Joey Wessman lofted a pass toward the sidelines, allowing Coyle to grab a 23-yard reception to move the chains.

“It was fourth down and I had to go up and make a big play and that’s exactly what I did,” Coyle said.

Three plays later, Wessman faked a handoff and darted 26 yards for the winning touchdown with 49.5 seconds left. Wessman showed off his right arm and legs in the victory, helping revive the struggling offense with 136 yards passing with an interception and rushing for 123 yards and two TDs. Besides Wessman, the Bears managed just 65 yards on the ground.

With the Bears scoring just seven points through the first three quarters, Wessman shifted gears and relied on his legs to move the chains.

And it worked perfectly.

“It was definitely not a normal Lake Zurich pound-the-ball game,” Wessman said. “I like to run the ball, and coach called my number on the winning (TD). Logan set it up. I trusted him on that play. I know he’s a stud and that he can go get it.”

Coyle sealed the victory with an interception with 43.9 left in the game, hauling in a lofting pass for his second pick.

“Playing both ways is not an easy thing to do because you get tired easily, so I just had to calm myself down and just give my maximum effort,” Coyle said. “I saw the ball go up in the air and it dropped right into my hands and I knew the game was over on that last (interception).”

Lake Zurich coach Dragan Teonic said Coyle is one of nine sophomores playing heavy reps this season. Teonic, though, admitted Coyle is a special underclassman.

“He’s a starter on defense for us and been a two-way player for us all year,” Teonic said. “He’s not playing the entire two ways for us. Joey was forced to play more today due to an injury. He’s a great athlete and really blessed to have a good young core of guys and we have great senior leadership from guys like Joey. ”

The Bears remained unbeaten in league play, overcoming committing four turnovers and ending a possession on downs.

“We were trying to give this one away, but we found a way to win,” Teonic said. “Give Mundelein credit because they played well. We played undisciplined.”

The Mustangs (3-3, 1-3) spoiled a solid defensive effort. Mundelein senior quarterback Tyler Johnson got off to an inauspicious start.

Johnson threw three straight incompletions before tossing an interception on his fourth attempt.

Johnson rediscovered his passing touch right before halftime, firing a 23-yard touchdown toss to Cameron Earing for the Mustangs’ lone touchdown.

Leading 9-7, the Mustangs managed to maintain their lead due to defense forcing turnovers. Mundelein wide receiver Jackson Rejczyk’s stunning catch in the fourth quarter was the highlight of the game. The 6-3, 185-pounder leaped high and hauled in a one-handed 10-yard reception along the sidelines on third down with 5:17 left in the game.

Johnson said the Mustangs had numerous positive moments in the stinging defeat.

“I think we were able to move the ball in the passing game,” Johnson said. “We started off slow, but we got it working in the second half. This was a tough loss. Our defense played great and really held their own.”