The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
By: Mike Rodeffer, The Quill
IW Picks Up 5th Victory
The Illini West Charger football team put together two scoring drives in the fourth quarter to break a 12-12 tie. Nick Voorhies capped off a 67 yard drive with a 38 yard run of his own for a TD. Colton Sargent ran the 2-point conversion in to give IW a 20-12 lead. Rushville-Industry took the ensuing kickoff at their own 35 yard line and marched down to the IW 24 yard line. IW defense stopped R-I on 4th and 3 to get the ball back.
The Chargers then went on an 11 play drive and scored to seal the victory. Sargent ran the final 2 yards in for the score. Jackson Porter passed to Carter Boyer for the 2-pt conversion for the final 28-12 score. The chargers used up almost all the time leaving just 1 1/2 minutes left for R-I. In the drive Voorhies had runs of 2, 3, 4, 4 and 7 yards. Michael Lord had a 13 yard run, and Sargent had runs of 9, 12, 2, 1 and 2 yards. Sargent intercepted a pass on the last play of the game to end the R-I drive.
In the first half, Rushville-Industry dominated the statistics amassing 206 yards to IW 71. R-I took the opening kick-off at their own 18 and drove 70 yards to the IW 12 yard line. IW defense stopped R-I on a 4 and 7.
The Chargers took over and only gained five yards and were forced to punt. R-I took over near midfield and quickly scored on 6 running plays totaling 55 yards. Extra point was no good but R-I led 6-0.
The Rockets defense again held IW offense. Lord gained 4 and 2 yards and Voorhies 2 more. On 4th and 2 at their own 43 yard line IW went for the 1st down, Voorhies could get only 1 yard and the Rockets took over. The Rockets moved the ball down to the 31 yard line. 3 short runs and 2 penalties had the Rockets facing a 4th and 16 yards. IW defense held and got the ball back at their own 35 yard line.
Sargent ran for 15 and 13 yards for 2 quick 1st downs. A Rushville off side call and a Voorhies 6 yard run gave IW another first down. Sargent ran for 12 and 8 yards and Voorhies ran the final 6 yards for a TD to tie the score at 6-6. Extra point was no good.
With 1:17 left in the 1st half R-I took over on their 24 yard line. The Rocket's backer ran 41 yards and was hauled down by a touch down saving tackle by Jake Cole. Time ran out to end the half and score remained 6-6.
On the opening 2nd half kickoff, Michael Lord got to the outside and ran it to the Rockets 35 yard line. Sargent ran for 4 and 5 yards, Voorhies ran for 6, and Sargent ran 3 more times for gains of 9, 2, and 8 yards, Jackson Porter ran the final yard for the score. Extra point was stopped but IW had their first lead of the game at 12-6.
The Rockets received the kickoff and put together a 14 play, 71 yard drive for another TD. Extra point failed and score is again tied at 12-12 as the 3rd quarter ended.
The Rockets out rushed IW 347 yards to 235 yard. For IW, Voorhies ran for 94 yards, Sargent ran for 102 yards, and Lord had 47 yards.
IW may need a victory next week to make the playoffs. This win gives IW a 5-3 record. Depending on play-off points, 5 wins may not get you into the playoffs. Six victories would ensure a berth.
Illini West will host south Fulton next Friday night for the 7:00 p.m. game.