Wheaton North dominates in all three phases to roll past Rolling Meadows

Final score: Wheaton North 35, Rolling Meadows 0

Records: Wheaton North improved to 7-3 and will play Geneva or Carmel in the second round while Rolling Meadows ended its season at 3-8.

Player of the game: Wheaton North quarterback Grant Mazeska orchestrated a sharp offensive attack, firing four touchdown passes including three to Mac Murray to lead the Falcons to a decisive first-round victory.

Other statistical leaders: Wide receiver Ryne Shroff caught a 26-yard touchdown pass. Quarterback Rory Burke added a late rushing touchdown. Defensively, Aidan Lucas blocked a field goal, while Jack Clark, Jay Doherty and Johnny Clayton each recorded interceptions. Kickers Anthony Del Preto and Ryan Chrusciel went a combined 5-for-5 on extra points.

Quarterback Gavin Prickett and running back Ryder Smialowicz drove the Mustangs offense, with Marcus Stienstra contributing key receptions and defensive plays.

Turning point: Early in the second quarter with Wheaton North holding a 14-0 lead, Rolling Meadows drove into the red zone attempting to cut into the deficit. Linebacker Lucas broke through to block a Mustangs field goal attempt, preserving the momentum and keeping the shutout intact.

First-half highlights: Wheaton North struck first on its opening possession as Mazeska found Murray for a 1-yard touchdown pass. Following an interception by Clark, Mazeska threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to Shroff to extend the lead to 14-0. The Falcons defense turned away two Rolling Meadows scoring threats in the second quarter, utilizing Lucas's blocked field goal and a red-zone interception by Doherty to maintain a 14-0 lead at halftime.

Second-half highlights: Wheaton North put the game out of reach in the third quarter when Mazeska hit Shroff for a 26-yard touchdown strike. After Clayton grabbed the Falcons' third interception, Mazeska connected with Murray for a 3-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter to make it 28-0. Backup quarterback Burke sealed the victory late in the fourth quarter with a rushing touchdown.

X-factor: Wheaton North’s relentless defense and special teams, which forced three turnovers, blocked a field goal, and kept Rolling Meadows off the scoreboard entirely.

Quote: “It was a two-score game at half,” said Wheaton North coach Joe Wardynski. “They played us really tough in the first half, and I think us getting the ball in the second half and putting a score up was important for us. Then at the end it did get a little one-sided, and that enabled us to get some of our starters out and get some of the other kids that worked so hard in practice a chance to play, which was great.

“The farther you go, the better the teams are you're going to see, so we'll have to have a great week of preparation for whoever it is, whether it's Carmel or whether it's Geneva, and try to get our kids ready to go and give them the best chance that they can for us to get a win next week.”