Aurora Christian thwarts St. Edward's playoff hopes

Opponents in the upcoming Class 1A playoffs of Aurora Christian beware.

The Eagles are strong in all facets of the game.

Led by a strong defense and 143 yards rushing by Cam Ajazi, the Eagles rolled to a 17-7 win over St. Edward in Metro Red Division action in Elgin Friday night.

Ajazi had 96 yards in the second half.

The Eagles moved to 6-2 for the season and have officially qualified for the playoffs.

St. Edward drops to 3-5 and has been eliminated from playoff consideration.

"Given the conditions we had to run the ball," said Aurora Christian coach Dave Beebe. "I love to throw the ball (but) we couldn't tonight. Cam ran hard and our offensive line was outstanding and controlled the line of scrimmage. We made some mental adjustments at halftime and our defense got a three-and-out to start the second half. We didn't play our best but we found a way to win."

Ajazi gave his offensive line all the credit for his success.

"I couldn't have had the success I had with out the offensive line," said Ajazi. "They opened some huge holes for me. Our line had them on their heels all night."

The Eagle defense held the Wave to only 37 total yards and 3 first downs in the second half.

Max Bray, who ran for the only touchdown of the second half on a 5-yard score for the Eagles (3-2 in conference play), tossed a 40-yard touchdown to Than Lindoo with only 1:32 elapsed in the game.

Bray carried the ball 8 times for 74 yards. The other 3 points came on a 22-yard field goal by Jaxon Billups in the first half.

The Green Wave's only score came on a 9-yard run by Jack Wright with 1:16 left before halftime.

Wright gained 56 yards on 8 carries while Joe Betancourt toted the pigskin 12 times for 55 yards. The Wave are 2-2 in league play.

"For the three seniors on the team, I am disappointed we aren't going to be in the playoffs," said Green Wave coach Mike Rolando. "They made more plays than we did. The kids played with great effort. We played with great discipline and class. That's awesome. That's all you ask."