Antioch wins NLCC opener but Watson hurt
It was all good for Antioch's football team. Which shouldn't be s surprise since it was a Northern Lake County Conference game.
The Sequoits posted their second shutout in a row in the NLCC opener Friday night, scoring on their first five possessions of the first half.
While Antioch rolled to a 38-0 victory over host Grayslake North, the only concern for the Sequoits was an apparent injury to two-way star Tre Watson. The senior left the game in the third quarter and was on crutches after the game.
Minnesota recruit Athan Kaliakmanis (7-of-11 passing for 212 yards) threw touchdown passes to Brandon Reynolds, Watson and Dino Kaliakmanis. Reynolds had 2 rushing TDs, and kicker Adam Weir made a 26-yard field goal.
"Our defense has been playing phenomenal," Antioch coach Brian Glashagel said. "It wasn't always perfect, but we made up with hustle, speed and good old-fashioned hitting."
Antioch's defense caused 4 turnovers, including a pair of interceptions.
Offensively, the Sequoits put together their best performance of the season,
"Week 1, we didn't play well or the way we should have," Glashagel said. "That was our first game. Our inside run and option was really sharp and so was our throwing the ball. We had a lot clicking for us."
Watson injured his leg and there's concern moving forward for Antioch.
"He will get it checked (Saturday). There's not too much of a concern," Glashagel said. "He will have a MRI to make sure. They're thinking that it's a sprain. There was a blocking play on our sideline where he got leg-whipped from behind or from the side and fell down."
Antioch (2-1) jumped out quickly, with Athan Kaliakmanis hooking up on touchdowns to Reynolds for 26 yards, Watson for 27 yards and his brother Dino for 34 yards for a 21-0 lead in the opening quarter.
Reynolds added a 2-yard run and Weir's field goal made for a 31-0 halftime lead.
"Antioch hasn't won 22 conference games for nothing. They are a good football team," said Grayslake North coach Sam Baker, whose team is 1-2. "We're clearly a young football team and we did a lot of good things. We moved the ball and we would fumble or give up an interception."