Woodstock North was doing everything right Saturday during its first-ever meeting with neighboring Marian Central in a Class 5A second-round state playoff game.
Until the final 26.1 seconds of the first half.
That is when the host Hurricanes scored twice, giving themselves a little breathing room, and more important, momentum going into the break. They would hold on to that lead in the second half and walk away with a 41-20 win over the Thunder (7-4).
With the win, Marian Central (11-0) advances to the quarterfinals against Montini, which has knocked them out of the post-season the last three seasons. The two teams met in Week 7, with the Hurricanes winning 49-24.
"We know state goes through Montini," Marian Central coach Ed Brucker said. "We have a challenge for us."
Minnesota recruit Chris Streveler finished 10-of-16 for 146 yards and three touchdowns. He also ran for 104 yards on 15 carries.
Streveler found Greg Walczak for a 9-yard touchdown pass to extend the Hurricanes' lead to 14-6 with 21.6 seconds left in the half. Then, an inadvertent kick that ricocheted off a Woodstock North special team player was recovered by Marian Central.
On the next play, Streveler hit Tony Milone for a 47-yard bomb and a 21-6 halftime lead. Streveler sat out the first five series of the second half. Trent Faunce filled in for Streveler and was 2-for-4 for 37 yards, including a 22-yard touchdown pass to Tom Klinger for a 27-14 lead late in the third.
"I was feeling a bit under the weather and it was killing me to not be out there," said Streveler, who on his first drive back threw an 8-yard touchdown pass to Brett Olson.
Shane Zieman had two interceptions for the Thunder, while quarterback Brian Loftin was 7-for-10 for 96 yards, a touchdown and an interception. He had 13 carries for 154 yards, including a 31-yard touchdown run.
Ephraim Lee had 16 carries for 142 yards, including a 75-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter that put his team up 34-20.
Tag(s): Fox Valley Fox Woodstock North Suburban Christian Blue Marian Central Top News
