Wheaton Academy moved to a 3-1 record with its 21-17 win over Elmwood Park on Friday night. The Warriors won a tough road test, overcoming penalties and sloppy play in the first half to come back from a 10-0 deficit in the 3rd quarter for the victory.
Wheaton Academy struggled to get going in the first half. They played stout defense and were able to keep Elmwood Park off the scoreboard until the final play of the half. The Tigers were able to convert a field goal to take a 3-0 lead into halftime.
The Warriors started with the ball in the second half but were forced to punt after a stalled drive. Elmwood Park promptly marched the ball 83 yard down the field and scored on a QB sneak to extend the lead to 10-0. Wheaton Academy answered on the next drive, capitalizing on some big plays from
Cristian Carstens.
Ben Thorson connected with Miles VanderKlok on a 15-yard touchdown pass for the Warriors' first score of the game. The Wheaton Academy defense forced an Elmwood Park punt, and the offense struck quickly again, this time on a long touchdown run by
Ben Thorson. The Warriors capped their scoring on a 10-yard run by Cristian Carstens and took a 21-10 lead. Elmwood Park would score on a late deep ball, but failed to secure the onside kick, and the Warriors ran out the clock for the 21-17 victory.
On offense, the Warriors were led by running back Cristian Carstens, who had 95 yards on .
Ben Thorson completed 11 of 16 passes for 167 yards and 1 touchdown. Miles VanderKlok was the leading receiver with 4 catches for 58 yards and 1 touchdown.
One defense the Warriors were led by
Dimitrie Skakavac with 13 total tackles, 1 for loss.
Jay Callentine contributed 12 total stops.
Kent Harmon also had 7 tackles, 1 for loss and 1 sack.
Next week the Warriors travel to take on Riverside Brookfield. Kickoff is at 7:15 PM.
