Oct. 31--Niles North earned its biggest win in 23 years Friday, as Barrington Wade led the Vikings to a 39-14 victory against Young at Lane Stadium. The playoff win was the program's first since 1992.
Wade rushed 24 times for 169 yards and two touchdowns, and the Vikings rebounded from a 14-8 first-half deficit by scoring 31 consecutive points.
"We came out feeling like we have the best offense and the hardest-working defense," said junior receiver Jordan La'Belle, who scored touchdowns on two of his three receptions. "We came here to do anything and everything to get this done. We knew it wouldn't be easy, but man, does it feel great."
Despite allowing 111 yards to Young running back Ke'Vaughn Chappell, North (6-4) kept him out of the end zone and forced three turnovers.
Young quarterback Jordan Hall, who completed seven passes in the regular season, threw touchdown passes of 22 and 38 yards to stake the Dolphins (9-1) to a 14-8 lead early in the second quarter. The Vikings scored three times in the final 2 minutes, 8 seconds of the half, beginning with Wade's 4-yard run.
Romario Gayle's 32-yard punt return following a Young three-and-out gave the Vikings field position in Young territory, and quarterback Markhus Taylor hit La'Belle for a 10-yard score and a 22-14 edge.
One play later, Richard Azunna picked off a Hall pass and returned it to the Dolphins' 1-yard line with 15 seconds left in the first half. Nick Mihalic booted a 30-yard field goal with no time remaining to give North a 25-14 halftime lead.
Taylor hit La'Belle with a 28-yard TD pass on North's first drive of the second half, and Wade sealed the win with a 46-yard score up the middle with three minutes left.
Young, which went 1-8 in 2014, dressed 21 players for the game.
"Obviously the numbers weren't so good for us in such a physical game," Young coach Tim Franken said. "They're a good team and they were just too physical for us. Our kids played hard and had a great year. We just didn't have enough to finish tonight."
Phil English is a freelance reporter for the Chicago Tribune.
Player of the game: Barrington Wade, Niles North, 24 carries, 169 yards, 2 TDs.
Key performers: Niles North -- Richard Azunna, 14 carries, 83 yards, TD, INT; Markhus Taylor, 5-for-13 passing, 70 yards, 2 TDs. Young -- Ke'Vaughn Chappell, 20 carries, 111 yards.
