Sports
Football: Oswego East Takes Down Romeoville, Keeps Playoff Hopes Alive
Oswego East 37, Romeoville 12: Three first-half touchdown passes by quarterback Sean Kennedy enabled the Wolves to remain in the hunt for their first playoff berth.
Breaking It Down: Oswego East had problems protecting the ball in its game last Friday against Minooka, which led to a lopsided 31-7 loss.
In the first quarter, the Wolves' turnovers persisted with an interception by Sean Kennedy and a fumble. This time, however, the Oswego East defense was able to minimize the damage in a 37-12 victory over Romeoville on Friday night. The Wolves limited the Spartans to six points off of turnovers and pulled away to win their homecoming game.
The offense took care of the rest. A terrific 48-yard punt return by Branden Lowe set up an 18-yard screen pass to running back Chris Cooper. And that put the Wolves in front 8-0. After Romeoville scored on a 5-yard run by Miguel Ford to cut the lead to 8-6, the Wolves responded less than a minute later with Cooper scoring on a 1-yard carry to make it 16-6.
Find out what's happening in Oswegowith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Kennedy tacked on two more touchdowns in the second quarter with an 8-yard pass to receiver Joe Talton and a 12-yard pass to Scooter Smith with six seconds remaining in the first half.
The Spartans managed occasional moments of inspiration, including forcing three first-half turnovers, but they were unable to turn the tide. A 61-yard flea-flicker pass from Ford to receiver Ivan Diaz late in the fourth quarter was their only other score in the 37-12 loss.
Find out what's happening in Oswegowith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Patch’s MVP: Sean Kennedy, Oswego East. Kennedy overcame his early interception and put together a very consistent passing attack in the cold weather. He went 17-of-27 for 174 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions. He also had eight carries for 55 yards and scored on a two-point conversion in the first quarter.
Oswego East Stat Pack: Chris Cooper had 14 carries for 78 yards and two TDs. He also had three receptions for 23 yards and a TD. Receiver Chase Skenandore had seven receptions for 123 yards and four carries for 20 yards.
Romeoville Stat Pack: Mark Hammond, who filled in for quarterback Jacob Bambule after a leg injury in the third quarter, had nine carries for 55 yards and two turnovers. As a receiver, Hammond had four receptions for 69 yards. Ivan Diaz had two receptions for 90 yards and a TD.
Quotable I: Oswego East coach Tyson LeBlanc on striving for a playoff berth: “We’re gonna need some help, but we gotta take care of our own business next week (against Plainfield North).”
Quotable II: Oswego East quarterback Sean Kennedy: “I was glad we were able to come out and get a win on homecoming weekend. Makes the pain tomorrow feel not as bad.”
Team Records: Oswego East is 4-4 overall and 2-4 in the Southwest Prairie Conference. Romeoville is 0-8 and 0-6.
What’s Next: The Wolves look for a playoff berth on Oct. 19 in the regular-season finale at home versus Plainfield North. The Spartans look to avoid a winless season with a home game against Minooka on Oct. 19.
Scores of Interest: Plainfield North defeated Minooka 28-20. Oswego smashed Plainfield South 52-7. Plainfield Central blanked Plainfield East 28-0. For more scores, go to ihsa scorezeone.
