Deal with it: Grayslake North sinks McHenry

In game that resembled a high-stakes card game, Grayslake North ended up trumping McHenry on Friday night.

The contest certainly suited one key Knights player, quarterback A.J. Fish. He drew three sixes, i.e. touchdown runs, during the Knights' 20-17 victory over the host Warriors.

According to Grayslake North coach Steve Wood, it was the best 48 minutes in the history of Grayslake North football.

"Without a doubt," said Wood. "We played really well. We did an absolutely awesome job with our front three and a couple of our linebackers completely shut down their run game and forced them to throw the ball even more."

The Knights came up aces in the final 3:38. Trailing 17-12, Andrew Soulis made a 38-yard juggling reception on fourth down to set up Fish's go-ahead 10-yard scamper with just over a minute to play. On the ensuing 2-point conversion, Fish fumbled but receiver Josh Cokefair pounced on the football in the end zone to give Grayslake North (2-1) a 20-17 lead.

McHenry (0-3) raced down the field poised to tie the game on a 26-yard field goal attempt with seven seconds left. But Hector Silva swooped in and got his big hand on the kick, sending one side of McCracken Field into a frenzied celebration of the school's first ever 2-1 start.

"I saw an opening in the middle," said Silva. "I told one of my teammates to scoot over and I saw the opening and just went for it."

Fish not only carried the offensive scoring load for the Knights, but he also carried the ball bags after the game. He did, however, have time to reflect on his final touchdown run and the victory.

"It was the greatest feeling ever," said Fish. "There are no words that are able to describe this feeling. I saw the hole and was able to get there. It is great to spoil (Mchenry's) homecoming."