How quickly fortunes, attitudes and the conference standings can change.
Libertyville experienced all three Saturday even before it took the field for its 14-0 victory over visiting Antioch (3-5, 1-5).
That’s because Lake Forest upset North Suburban front-runner Stevenson on Friday night, giving the Wildcats (6-2, 5-1) new life in the conference race. With its victory, Libertyville moved into a tie with Stevenson with a week left in the season.
“All we talked about this morning was the chance to tie for the conference,” Libertyville coach Randy Kuceyeski said. “To be tied at this point in the season feels great.”
Matt Treutelaar scored both touchdowns, but the defense led the way. Libertyville intercepted five passes and held the Antioch rushing attack to 111 yards. Tom Thompson picked off two passes that set up both touchdowns, while Mike Wisner, Cody Ramsey and Rob Roe anchored the defensive line.
“We had a problem communicating throughout the week during practice,” Wisner said. “But we were all talking today and knew exactly where all the plays were going. The chance to be co-champions put a different perspective on everything.”
Providence 55, St. Laurence 21: Adam O’Reel was 16 of 25 passing for 177 yards and four touchdowns and Justin Ruggio rushed for 228 yards and three TDs as top-ranked Providence (8-0, 5-0 Catholic Metro White) rolled to its 50th straight victory. David Popp caught 12 passes for 130 yards for the Celtics. St. Laurence fell to 3-5, 2-3.
Bolingbrook 41, Shepard 6: Antoineo Harris (29 carries) rushed for 146 yards and a 1-yard touchdown run for No. 12 Bolingbrook (7-1, 5-1 SICA Gray). Harris also caught a 46-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Nick Velez. Shepard is 1-7, 0-6.
More Top Picks Best Bariatric Hospital Beds For Heavy Patients
Sandburg 35, Thornridge 14: Brian Corcoran rushed 26 times for 208 yards and three touchdowns as the 17th-ranked Eagles (6-1, 5-1) warmed up for next week’s showdown with Lincoln-Way for the SICA Blue title. Corcoran eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark with his performance against Thornridge (2-6, 2-4).
Aurora Central Catholic 44, Driscoll 7: Paul Walter carried the ball 22 times for 136 yards and three TDs as the Chargers (6-2, 4-2) rolled in the Suburban Catholic. Driscoll is 2-6, 2-4.
Benet 28, Hales Franciscan 8: Bob Barz tossed a 7-yard pass to Tom Carroll and Scott Graves recovered a fumble in the end zone to help lift Benet (6-2, 3-2) past Hales (1-7, 0-5) in the Catholic Metro Green.
Glenbard South 20, Fenton 14: Ben Craig, Chris Kersten and Adam Besand ran for touchdowns as the Raiders (3-5, 2-2) rallied to beat Fenton (2-6, 0-4) in the Suburban Prairie Red.
Kaneland 49, Evergreen Park 0: Kaneland (8-0, 4-0) cruised in the Suburban Prairie Blue as Ryan West rushed for three touchdowns. Evergreen Park is 2-6, 1-3.
Marian Central 27, Montini 7: Ben Hartman (16 carries, 155 yards) had touchdown runs of 24 and 61 yards as the Hurricanes (5-3, 4-2) rolled in the Suburban Catholic. Montini is 6-2, 4-2.
Marmion 56, Immaculate Conception 0: Kyle Saltijeral threw two TD passes and went over from a yard out for another as Marmion (7-1, 5-1) crushed IC (1-7, 0-6) in the Suburban Catholic.
Oak Park 55, Proviso West 34: Charles Williams (17 carries, 102 yards) had four touchdown runs and Talmadge Hill (12 for 16, 184 yards) threw for one TD and ran for another as the Huskies (3-5, 2-3) cruised in the West Suburban Silver. Host Proviso West fell to 1-7, 0-5.
Rich East 62, Oak Lawn 25: Walter Young threw five touchdown passes and rushed for another as Rich East (7-1, 5-1) rolled past Oak Lawn (4-4, 3-3) in the SICA Orange. Richard McNutt caught a 60-yard strike from Young and added a 2-yard TD run.
St. Francis 14, St. Edward 0: Matt Rotta rushed for 159 yards and a touchdown and Geno Mattioda chipped in with 124 yards to lead St. Francis (5-3, 3-3 Suburban Catholic) to the shutout of St. Edward (2-6, 2-4).
St. Rita 14, Brother Rice 7: Vince Thompson rushed for 140 yards and a touchdown to lead St. Rita (4-4, 2-3) in the Catholic Metro Blue. Jeremiah Adesko scored the only Brother Rice (4-4, 2-3) touchdown.
St. Viator 21, St. Joseph 7: John Ramion scored on runs of 3 and 9 yards and Brandon Latta added a 75-yard TD run for the Lions (3-5, 3-2) in the Catholic Metro Red. St. Joseph is 3-5, 2-3.