Christian Life runs to victory over CLA

Christian Life capitalized on two special teams mistakes by Christian Liberty and used a pair of long touchdown runs by running back Jay Huber to defeat the host Chargers 35-8 on Saturday afternoon in Arlington Heights.

The Eagles blocked a punt that gave them the ball at Christian Liberty's 2-yard line and led to a 1-yard touchdown run by Huber. They also scored on a 6-yard fumble return by Brandt Kuntze, which came after Chargers' punter Winston Scott had trouble corralling the snap.

Huber was the star. He carried the ball 7 times for 90 yards and had 3 rushing TDs to go with a 46-yard fumble return for a score.

"He's a captain and a leader," said Christian Life (7-1, 7-1) coach Chuck Leonard Sr. about Huber. "He's a young man that is opportunistic but also a young man who finds a way to win, and he's done that for us. He's a senior, but we could use a few more weeks like that."

Huber said he got some great blocks from his lineman, especially on his 1-yard touchdown run, which came after the Eagles were stuffed on 3 previous run attempts from the 2-yard line.

"We were coming into the game ready to win, and we just have to get focused for next week now," Huber said.

Huber's other 2 rushing TDs came on runs of 40 and 35 yards, both on sweep plays to the outside of the tackle box.

"You always have to look for the hole, and as soon as you see it you've got to take off, and hopefully break a couple tackles to get through," Huber said.

Christian Liberty (0-8, 0-8) got nice performances from two sophomores. Running back Dan Glad gained 46 yards rushing on 13 carries and also had 2 catches for 17 yards before leaving the game with an injury. Quarterback Jonathan Dulinsky completed 5 of 11 passes for 81 yards.

"Our goal at halftime was to get on the board and to stop the sweep," said Christian Liberty coach Jim Calkins. "Our defense did pretty good. Obviously we had some problems with the sweep and special teams."

Senior running back Jared Edmonds scored the Chargers' lone touchdown on a 2-yard run, and sophomore Blake Adelsberger added the 2-point conversion on a run.

"We wanted to play a good game against Jim," Leonard Sr. said. "Jim Calkins is a great guy here at Christian Liberty, and these are some great young men."