Sixth straight win still sweet

Elgin High School fans were hoping for a close game against their crosstown rivals this year.

The annual Elgin-Larkin varsity football game started out that way, but in the end, the Royals still won by double digits, 53-35, keeping the Town Jug at Larkin High School for the sixth year in a row.

"We've won the jug since I've been here," Larkin Principal Richard Webb said.

Larkin's win Saturday means Larkin will be the 44th and last school engraved into the jug that has been passed between the Elgin high schools since 1964.

There is no space left on the original jug, and the new jug, a replica crafted by Larkin art teacher Sean Murray, is already in Larkin's display case.

Larkin's win also means the Royals will be eligible for the playoffs if they beat their next opponent, Waubonsie Valley.

But Saturday's loss dashed Elgin's playoff hopes.

"We'll see you in basketball season!" said Elgin Principal David Smiley, smarting from the second-half drubbing.

Both teams can share in the dubious honor of scoring more points in any Elgin-Larkin game since the crosstown games began in 1962.

The Maroon and Royal offenses racked up 88 points, besting the previous record of 84 points set in 2005.

But Larkin scored more of those points -- 53 in total.

Even Larkin fans and athletic staff were expecting a closer game than the 53-35 final score would indicate.

"We kind of figured a shootout," Larkin Athletic Director Jim Juliano said. "Elgin's a solid team, and we knew we were going to have to put a lot of points on the board."

Gil and Candy Doty, both Elgin graduates, were hoping the Maroons would finally snap Larkin's winning streak.

"That quarterback does nothing wrong and this guy drops nothing, but what can you do?" Gil Doty said of the pass-reliant Larkin offense.

"Whoever loses can hold their head high because they're both …" Gil started, "… playing with a lot of heart," Candy finished.