Libertyville snaps 2-game skid, keeps playoff hopes alive
Libertyville has taken a another step in trying to clinch a spot in the football playoffs.
The Wildcats had to deal with a stingy Zion-Benton team, but pulled out a 30-20 road victory in a North Suburban Conference game in Zion on Friday night.
Libertyville improved its overall record to 5-2 and 3-2 in the NSC, while Zion-Benton lost its fifth straight and dropped to 2-5 and 0-5.
"There were times that it was good and times it wasn't good," said Libertyville coach Mike Jones after seeing his team break a 2-game losing streak. "We have some young guys in our secondary that are getting better, but aren't there yet. So there's a little bit of work to do. It's high school football and there's always something to work on."
The Wildcats played without starting running back Tommy Latka, who was out with an injury for a second straight week, and there were several other players that missed the game.
"We've taken a big step from last week to this week," Jones said. "They were kind of thrown into the fire last week. They had a week of practice and got a little bit better. But, we still have things to clean up. It's was big, because we lost two in a row. It changed the momentum and our outlook."
Charlie True filled in for Latka with 14 carries for 154 yards and scored 3 rushing touchdowns (10, 50 and 5 yards).
"It was great playing with Tommy out, since he's injured," True said. "I've been working hard in practice and it showed tonight. We were just playoff ready and we treated this as a playoff game. The O-line eats yards and they're great amazing players. They gave me space. They're the reason I got those yards."
Wildcats' quarterback Connor Dickson (20 carries, 134 yards) scored the other touchdown on a 30-yard run and Luke Kompere kicked a 33-yard field goal.
Zion-Benton hung in the game within a couple of scores and was down to one possession late in the second quarter until Libertyville extended the lead to 23-7 by halftime.
"Our kids battled back," Zion-Benton interim coach Macarthur White said. "They fought through some adversity early in the game. Sometimes, your true character has to show and I believe I believe our true character showed here tonight. I'm most proud of them to finish strong."
Zee-Bees running back La'zarious Geater led the way with 18 carries and 125 yards. Quarterback Tyshion Gordon threw for 2 touchdowns to Deshon Twyon for 50 yards and for 38 yards to Tra'don Jones-Pugh. Gordon also scored on a 2-yard run for the other score.