by ROSCOE VILLAGE, IL – The Oswego Panthers, fueled by three blocked kicks and three forced turnovers, broke open a 10-10 halftime tie to defeat the Lane Tech Champions, 45-10, Saturday afternoon in the second round of the Class 8A IHSA playoffs.
The Panthers (9-2) defense forced vital turnovers and blocked kicks that resulted in 35 unanswered points, allowing the Champions to score only three points for the last three quarters. The Champions finished their state playoff run with a 9-2 record.
First Quarter:
The Champions struck first, working their way up to the Panthers territory. Now on the Champions quarter back Blake Perkins connected with Taylor Clay for a touchdown pass from the 18-yard line despite tight coverage from two Oswego defenders. Nico Donoso’s extra point put the Champions ahead 7-0 with 8:38 remaining.
Oswego answered quickly. Panthers running back Ammar Banire returned the ensuring kickoff to the Champions 43-yard line. Panthers quarterback Drew Kleinhans then orchestrated a drive that reached the Champions 2-yard line. Kleinhans handed the ball off to Banire who easily ran through Champions defense for a touchdown. Kaleb Stumpenhorst’s extra point was good and tied the game 7-7.
A key defensive play changed the course of the game. Panther’s, Dontrell Young blocked Champions punter Atticus Whitted, kick giving the Panthers possession at the Champions 23-yard line. The Panthers stalled to gain a first down and was forced to kick a field goal 42-yards out from the end zone. But that was no problem for Stumpenhorst as he nailed the field goal, putting the Panthers ahead 10-7 entering the second quarter.
Second Quarter:
The second quarter turned into a defensive struggle defined by sacks and injuries. Both teams were unable to reach the end zone. The Champions’ defense came up with a massive interception from Aiden Boywind deep in Panther’s territory, ending a scoring threat. The turnover led to a tying field goal by Whitted, knotting the score at 10-10 with just over a minute left before halftime.
Third Quarter:
Despite starting a drive pinned at their own 5-yard line due to a penalty, the Panthers moved their way up the field into Champions territory once again. Banire powered the drive, scoring his second rushing touchdown of the day on a 9-yard run. Stumpenhorst’s kick was good and gave the Panthers a 17-10 lead with 6:34 remaining in the third.
The Panther’s defense capitalized on a Champion possession by sacking Perkins and forcing a punt, which Panthers Caleb Miller recovered at the the Champions 42-yard line. Banire received the ball for a gain of 7 yards on the play, and the Panthers had a second down on the Champions 35-yard line. On the snap, Kleinhans looked to his right and connected with Teddy Manikas who was wide open in the end zone. Stumpenhorst kick made the score 24-10.
Fourth Quarter:
Oswego scored 21 points to seal the victory in the last quarter, leaving no room for doubt.
An early interception by Devin Mata set up the Panthers in good field position on the Champions 18-yard line, which led to another touchdown. This time it was Mariano Velasco, was wide open on the right side of the endzone and Stumpenhorst’s conversion put the Panthers ahead 31-10.
After an assortment of incomplete passes by Perkins, the Champions were forced to punt. Cam Loghmani was quick on his feet and blocked the punt, Mata recovered the ball on the Champions 25-yard line. Kleinhans and his offense began to move up once again in Champions territory and he connected with Dekker Zelensek who ripped through the defense to score a rushing touchdown. Though a penalty was enforced, the Panthers settled for a 5-yard field goal from Stumpenhorst to extend the lead 38-10.
The final score came with 1:35 left in the game when Quinten Jackson Jr. intercepted a pass and retuned it toward the end zone. An excessive celebration penalty negated the touchdown, resulting Stumpenhorst to attempt 25-yard field goal. Stumpenhorst’s kick ended the day finalizing the score at 45-10.
Next Week:
The Oswego Panthers advance to the Class 8A quarterfinals and will face Maine South, date for the game is TBD. Although the Lane Tech Champions are out of the Illinois state playoffs they will continue its season in the Chicago Public League City playoffs. Information on who they play is currently TBD.
Oswego: 10 0 14 21= 45
Lane Tech: 7 3 0 0= 10
