Nov. 01--A loose ball finally went Neuqua Valley's way late in Saturday's game against Hinsdale Central.
After the Wildcats lost a pair of fumbles in the first half, Neuqua Valley running back Greg McClellan pounced on his own fumble in the end zone for the deciding touchdown in a 29-26 victory in a Class 8A first-round playoff game in Hinsdale.
Midway through the fourth quarter, McClellan fumbled a handoff at Hinsdale Central's 8-yard line, but the ball took a few hops before landing in McClellan's hands for a touchdown, padding Neuqua Valley's lead to 29-19.
"We were just fortunate enough to get to the last fumble, " McClellan said. "A lot of things went bad on that play. I definitely picked up the ball outside the end zone, but one of my linemen helped push me into the end zone."
The Wildcats (7-3) will host rival Waubonsie Valley in the second round. Neuqua Valley defeated Waubonsie Valley 28-7 on Sept. 11.
Although McClellan rushed for only 19 yards, his fumble recovery helped the Wildcats end a two-game losing streak. The Wildcats overcame three turnovers and one drive ending in downs to knock off the Red Devils (7-3).
"We have a bad reputation right now for turnovers," McClellan said. "We've had problems with turnovers killing us these last couple of weeks."
The Red Devils' offense had its own problems gaining traction on offense for most of the game due to the absence of quarterback Michael Sessa (injury) and Michigan State-bound center Matt Allen (suspension). The Wildcats scored touchdowns on consecutive drives, but committed three turnovers to cling to a 14-13 halftime lead.
Hinsdale Central running back Christian Bobak (25 carries, 144 yards, two TDs) helped stabilize the offense in the second half, scoring on an 11-yarder on fourth down to hand the Red Devils a 19-14 lead.
Neuqua Valley scored two straight touchdowns, with Isaiah Robertson hauling in a 27-yard reception and McClellan's touchdown, to seize a 29-19 edge. Hinsdale Central senior wide receiver Kareem Muhammad caught a 9-yard touchdown to slice the deficit to three points, but Neuqua Valley ran out the clock for the victory.
Robertson caught seven passes for 101 yards and two touchdowns, and Nick Osikowicz had 21 carries for 113 yards and a score.
"Our coach told us not to let up on this team because they can come back," Robertson said. "We now get another shot at Waubonsie. Playing them is always fun, but getting to play them twice is special."
Bob Narang is a freelance reporter for the Chicago Tribune.
Player of the game: Isaiah Robertson, Neuqua Valley, 7 receptions, 101 yards, 2 TDs.
Key performers: Neuqua Valley -- Nick Osikowicz, 21 carries, 113 yards, TD; Greg McClellan, 9 carries, 19 yards, TD. Hinsdale Central -- Frank Saltiel, 2 fumble recoveries; Christian Bobak, 25 carries, 144 yards, 2 TDs.
