The Wheaton Academy football team opened the season with a 21-0 win over crosstown rival West Chicago. The Warriors held a tenuous 7-0 lead heading into halftime after overcoming turnovers and mistakes in the first half. They played a stronger second half scoring twice to secure the victory.
After turning the ball over three times in the first half, the Warriors held firm on defense, limiting the Wildcat option attack and controlling the passing game. The Warriors put a late drive together in the first half, scoring with 3 second on the clock before halftime on a
Ben Thorson 21-yard touchdown pass to receiver Miles VanderKlok.
The Warrior defense was stout again the the second half, and the home team was able to put together two more drives that resulted in scores. The first on a 2-yd touchdown run from running back
Cristian Carstens, the second on a 1 yd quarterback sneak from
Ben Thorson. The final score of 21-0 marked the first time the Warriors have shutout an opponent since 2015.
The Warriors tallied 380 yards of total offense. Quarterback
Ben Thorson completed 13 of 19 passes for 174 yards with 1 touchdown and 1 interception.
Kent Harmon was the leading rusher, tallying 12 total carries for 79 yards.
Noah Jones lead all receivers with 6 catches for 76 yards.
On defense, linebackers
Dimitrie Skakavac and
Jay Callentine lead the way with 11 tackles apiece. Defensive tackle
Sean Blum also had a good game, recording 4 TFLs and 2 sacks.
Next week the Warriors travel to play Al Raby. Kickoff is at 7:15 PM on Hanson Field.
