Nov. 15--Thirty minutes before Saturday's Class 6A quarterfinal between Nazareth and Lake Forest, a transformer popped near the stadium and caused a power outage.
The Roadrunners' offense never shut off.
Power was restored minutes before kickoff, and Nazareth's dominated Lake Forest 54-24 in LaGrange Park.
Nazareth (12-0) advances to the program's first state semifinal. Lake Forest (8-4) fell in the quarterfinals for the eighth time in the program's nine appearances.
The Roadrunners will host St. Francis next weekend with a trip to Champaign on the line.
"Our offense is powerful, and we know that we can score at any moment of the game," junior receiver Julian Love said. "Big plays are kind of common for us. It helps because we know we have some cushion on defense."
Nazareth scored on six of its seven first-half possessions, with quarterback Jonah Beauduy and Love each running for two scores. The Roadrunners tallied 462 first-half yards and led 41-10 at the break.
Sophomore running back Ivory Kelly-Martin added depth to the backfield after making his season debut. He injured his knee during a preseason practice.
Love added a 58-yard score on a punt return in the fourth quarter.
Running back Nolan Dean had plenty of touches despite three first-half fumbles, only one of which Lake Forest recovered. He ran for two touchdowns and freed up the passing game.
"The only thing that really restored my confidence was my team had my back the whole time, and they rallied with me," Dean said. "We just had to stay focused and be one unit today."
Nazareth topped 50 points for the fifth time this season.
Player of the game: Julian Love, Nazareth, 114 rushing yards, 2 TDs; punt return TD; fumble recovery.
Key performers: Nazareth -- Nolan Dean, 23 carries, 178 yards, 2 TDs; Jonah Beauduy, 7-for-11, 154 yards; 2 rush TDs. Lake Forest -- Daniel Corollo, 17-for-28, 259 yards, 2 TDs; Wesley Janeck, 21 carries, 55 yards, TD.
