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Amboy showcased their offensive prowess and championship pedigree, cruising to a 54-14 victory over West Central in a one-sided affair that solidified their status as defending back-to-back state champions.
The Clippers, now 8-1, overwhelmed the Heat (7-2) with a relentless attack and opportunistic defense, improving their standing as the regular season nears its close.
The game started with Amboy asserting dominance early. Starting at their own 40, the Clippers quickly marched down the field, with Caiden Heath capping the drive with a 25-yard touchdown run.
A successful two-point conversion put Amboy up 8-0 with 10:05 left in the first quarter. West Central’s offense struggled to respond, going three-and-out from their own 30.
Amboy capitalized on the short field after a Heat punt, starting at their own 48. Colt McCoy punched in a four-yard touchdown, and another two-point conversion extended the lead to 16-0 with 4:25 remaining in the first.
West Central showed signs of life on their next possession, starting at their own 41. After losing two yards on the first play, quarterback Colton Spence connected with Aidan Garner for a 62-yard touchdown pass.
The two-point try failed, leaving the score at 16-6 with 2:51 left in the first. However, Amboy responded swiftly.
Starting at West Central’s 49, McCoy broke free for a 42-yard touchdown run, and another successful two-point try pushed the lead to 24-6 as the first quarter ended with the Heat facing 4th and 12.
The second quarter saw Amboy’s dominance continue. A fake punt by West Central was intercepted, giving the Clippers prime field position at midfield.
Heath scored from two yards out, though a 15-yard personal foul penalty made the two-point attempt an 18-yard try, which failed, leaving the score at 30-6 with 9:12 left in the half.
West Central’s woes continued as a kickoff went over their heads, forcing Garner to retreat and resulting in a tackle at their own 11.
Despite picking up their first first down of the game at the seven-minute mark, the Heat faced 4th and 4 at their own 29, called a timeout, and ultimately punted.
The punt was blocked, and Amboy took over at the Heat’s 15. Tanner Welch connected with Cody Winn for a 14-yard touchdown pass, and a two-point conversion made it 38-6 with 5:16 left in the half.
Amboy wasn’t done. After West Central’s Jordan Kane slipped on the kickoff return, the Heat started at their own 10 and went three-and-out again.
Amboy’s punt return set them up at the Heat’s 25, and Heath added a 10-yard touchdown run, followed by a two-point conversion, to make it 46-6 with just over two minutes left in the half.
West Central managed a late spark, with a big kickoff return by Kane and a pass interference call on Amboy moving them to the 25.
A quick pass from Spence to Cameron Robinson set up a 15-yard touchdown pass to Robinson with 5.5 seconds left. Cooper Gibb caught the two-point conversion pass, cutting the deficit to 46-14 at halftime.
The second half saw Amboy’s lead grow insurmountable. West Central started at their own 25, and after a first down aided by a Clippers’ pass interference penalty, they reached midfield.
However, Graham Kelly fumbled, and Clipper’s Winn scooped it up for a touchdown return.
Amboy’s two-point conversion triggered a running clock with the score at 54-14 and 8:43 left in the third.
West Central managed a first down but was forced to punt, and Amboy brought in their second-team offense as the game wound down.
West Central’s offense struggled to find traction, particularly on the ground. Graham Kelly managed just 14 yards on eight carries, while Cameron Robinson had 25 yards on eight attempts. Colton Spence completed 4 of 6 passes for 88 yards, throwing two touchdowns but also an interception.
Aidan Garner’s 62-yard touchdown catch was a highlight, and Robinson added two catches for 25 yards and a score.
Amboy’s balanced attack and stifling defense made the game look easy, as they improved to 8-1.
West Central, now 7-2, will look to regroup for their playoff matchup at Mount Carroll against West Carroll this Saturday at 1:00 p.m.