Maine West, Williams produce happy ending

Maine West football coach Chris Hare could not ask for more from his team on Friday.

On Hare's 39th birthday, the Warriors (1-1) edged North Chicago 14-6 in dramatic fashion in the nonconference game in Des Plaines.

The name of the game was defense for both squads. The Warriors and Warhawks (0-2) both stuck with the ground game through the first half.

West senior running back Calvin Williams (16 carries, 80 yards) led the offensive charge as he reached the endzone twice.

"I give all the credit to my offensive line," Williams said. "We showed our fans how we wanted to play. We practice and bleed on this field. I give it up to the team, too. It was a sweet win in our first home game."

The Warriors rushed for 197 yards with Williams and senior quarterback Ziggy Krycka (18 carries, 79 yards).

After halftime, the Warhawks changed their game plan as they turned to the passing game. Warhawks senior quarterback Jermaine Garrett (5-for-14, 47 yards) connected with senior wide out Daryle Pearson for an 8-yard touchdown.

Following a failed 2-point conversion by the Warhawks, the Warriors took the ball back for their game-winning drive.

While subtracting a substantial amount of time off the clock, Williams would reach the end zone for his game winning 8-yard touchdown run with six minutes remaining.

"We didn't give up," Hare said. "Our game plan was to control the clock because North Chicago has some fast athletes.

"We expect a lot out of Calvin as a senior and leader of this team. We told him that he need to carry this team, and that's exactly what he did."

The Warhawks obtained the ball with 2:36 remaining in the game. In their final drive, junior quarterback Abel Williams (4-for-10, 43 yards) entered the game after Garrett was injured.

After marching the ball from their own 15 to the Warriors 19, the Warhawks attempts were unsuccessful and they turned the ball over on downs with 6.5 seconds left.

"Our 'D' did a nice job keeping the game close," said North Chicago coach Glen Kozlowski. "In this game, it always comes down to three or four plays, and Maine West made them. I give credit to Maine West. Those kids always play hard."