Murray’s late touchdown lifts Wheaton North over St. Charles East, keeps Falcons undefeated

Just before kickoff of Friday’s Wheaton North game against visiting St. Charles East, the Falcons sound system blasted an iconic Black Eyed Peas song, the one with the line ’Tonight’s gonna be a good night.’

It certainly was that for the home team — just like every other game night this year.

Wheaton North improved to 5-0, 3-0 in the DuKane Conference with a 16-12 victory. They have already earned two more wins than last season.

Senior Falcons running back Mac Murray rushed for 149 yards and scored the game-winning touchdown on a one-yard run with 4:10 remaining after St. Charles East rallied and took a late lead on an 11-yard scoring pass by quarterback Cruz Herrera.

Wheaton North senior defensive back Aidan Lucas sealed the win with an interception in the final minute.

The contest started on a high note for the Falcons. On the very first play, a flea-flicker saw quarterback Rory Burke complete a 68-yard bomb to receiver Drew Mazeska for a quick touchdown.

Wheaton North continued to control the line of scrimmage early, and the Falcons tacked on a field goal to make the score 9-0 in the second quarter. 

Murray had 84 rushing yards in the first half, while junior Adrian Segura and the defense were making life uncomfortable for the Saints.

Then St. Charles East, who came into the game with three wins in its first four games, responded. Behind the running of Rowan Slovick, who finished with 121 yards on the ground, the Saints (3-2, 1-2) advanced to Wheaton North’s 14-yard line where Herrera found receiver Christian Hirniak in the end zone to make the halftime score 9-6 Falcons.

But the Saints couldn’t overcome Wheaton North down the stretch.

After the game, Wheaton North coach Joe Wardynski said his team has been resilient this year.

“It’s nice to come out on top,” Wardynski said. “We knew it was going to be a four quarter battle, just watching them (St.Charles East) on tape. They’ve got a good ball team, their offensive line does a great job and their quarterback does a great job.

“We’ve gotten some timely turnovers in games (this season), and tonight we had a big strip on a receiver that led to our last touchdown. We’ve been good at getting turnovers this year."