Oct. 10--A potent ground attack was the main cog in Lincoln-Way North's six wins to start the season. An opportunistic defense carried the weight Friday night.
The host Phoenix forced four turnovers, three in their red zone, to help forge a 28-26 Southwest Suburban Red triumph over previously unbeaten Thornton. The win wasn't sealed until the Wildcats' last-minute two-point pass try sailed through the end zone.
"A lot of games can be won on defense with changes in momentum like the ones we had tonight," said Lincoln-Way North linebacker Dave Lux, who had the first of two fourth-quarter interceptions of Thornton quarterback Sam Taylor III. "We had to keep up with their speed and continue to hit them hard, even when they were marching down the field."
No. 20 Thornton's last-minute effort at tying the game culminated with Taylor's 32-yard scoring toss to Tionte McDaniel with 28 seconds remaining. Trailing 28-26, the Wildcats (6-1, 4-1) were forced to go for two, but Taylor's pass to the right corner of the end zone was too strong for Master Powell to reel in.
Lincoln-Way North (7-0, 5-0) went up 28-20 four minutes earlier on Joe Peters' 30-yard run, his second rushing score. That drive started after the Phoenix's fourth takeaway, an interception by cornerback Aric Feller.
"I blame this loss on myself," Taylor said. "I made some mistakes at the wrong time tonight and I can't do that as the leader of this offense."
Peters paced the Phoenix ground game, which accounted for 258 of the team's 293 yards. Jake Arthur made his only completion count, hooking up with Drew Slager for a 35-yard third-quarter TD that put West ahead 21-12.
McDaniel's 8-yard touchdown run and subsequent two-point run four plays later cut the Wildcats' deficit to 21-20, but Lux and Feller picks ended Thornton's next two possessions.
Steve Reaven is a freelance reporter for the Chicago Tribune.
Player of the game: Joe Peters, Lincoln-Way North, 33 carries, 138 yards, 2 TDs.
Key performers: Lincoln-Way North -- Jaylin Branch, 11 carries, 56 yards, TD; Thornton -- Sam Taylor III, 16-for-21 passing, 226 yards, 3 TDs, 13 carries, 115 yards.
