York has fun in first victory

Kevon Robinson and the York football team knew they had nothing to lose.

Winless on the year, Thompson and the Dukes knew they might as well open up their entire playbook.

"That was definitely the plan," Robinson said. "We put in a lot of new plays."

The Dukes ran several trick plays, end arounds and other gadget plays in an effort to catch Proviso West napping. It paid off, as the Dukes claimed a 35-26 West Suburban Silver win.

"At this point we had to do everything we could to get a 'W,'" York coach Matt Monken said. "Plus, you want to have fun. It's the end of the year and you want to do some things to keep the excitement, keep the kids going throughout practice.

"Throwing in some of that stuff just makes it more enjoyable."

York (1-7, 1-4) was happy to snag its first victory.

"It feels great," defensive back Luis Rozon said. "It finally feels like it's all paying off."

The Dukes started their trickery on the first play of the game. Quarterback David Leonard threw a lateral across the field to Robinson, who chucked the ball up field to Joseph Chiappetta for a 22-yard pickup.

"We executed them," Monken said. "Some of those we had been working on and just (had them) tucked away."

Robinson capped that ensuing drive off with an 8-yard touchdown run. Robinson finished with 83 yards on 12 carries, 2 rushing touchdowns and a passing touchdown.

Proviso West (2-6, 0-5) hit back. Quarterback Deveon Bryant capped off a 69-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown run.

York reverted back to the gadget play on the very next play. On their own 10-yard line, Josiah Scott, lined up in the slot, scored on an end around that gave the Dukes a 14-6 lead.

"We knew their defense was really vulnerable," Robinson said. "We could take advantage of (them)."

In the third quarter York extended the lead to 21-6 when Joey Jaeger rushed in from 3 yards out.

The Panthers hit back. Proviso West scored 12 straight points to trim the lead to 21-18 with 11:46 to play.

After York went three-and-out, Proviso West took over at midfield, with a chance to tie or take the lead.

"When you haven't won, you always worry," Monken said.

Zane Heemsoth eased Monken and the Dukes' worries.

The junior linebacker made an interception over the middle and returned it to the Proviso West 46. The Dukes marched the ball down the field and Robinson scored from 13 yards out.

"We got a lot of disciplined guys," Rozon said. "We just execute."

York seemed to kill off any hopes of a Proviso West comeback on the ensuing drive.

Rozon made another interception for the York defense at his own 5-yard line and returned it to the Panthers 48.

"I saw the ball in the air, decided to play it (and) I don't know much else," Rozon said with a chuckle. "It was great, a lot of the guys had great things to say."

York capped off the drive with another trick play.

The Dukes ran a play similar to the one they opened the game with, as Leonard threw a lateral to Robinson who chucked the ball downfield to Chiappetta for a 57-yard touchdown.

"Our team fought," Robinson said. "We've worked hard; off-season, summer camp, practices. We persevered through all of it."