‘Cats run over Sandwich

Was that the same Sandwich football team that scored a respectable 32 points in the season opener?
Even though they lost 52-32 to Manteno in Week 1, that wasn’t the case Friday when they squared off against Wilmington. The Wildcat defense didn’t give up a first down until late in the third quarter and by then the fast clock was already ticking.
What does that say about the defending 2A state champions?
“It’s shows we know our stuff,” said senior linebacker Ryan Nelson. “We're really good at practice, going over schemes over and over again. And we communicate well. I think that communication was key coming into this game.”
The Wildcats knew what to expect from Sandwich’s wing T attack.
“We knew they lost the Manteno, but we didn't take them lightly at all. They scored 32 points in that game, a sign they're a good team. I'll give them credit for that. But we did our homework, watched film, and went over it in practice. I’d say our coaches had us well prepared and once again, communication is key,” Nelson said.
It helped too to have an explosive offense as Wilmington ran up a 40-0 lead by half-time to win 40-15 to remain undefeated at 2-0.
The Wildcats scored on every possession in the first half. It started with a 5-yard run by senior sensation Kyle Farrell at the 7:00 mark and less than two minutes later he bolted 44 yards to make it 14-0.
Then it was Ryan Kettman’s turn. The junior ball carrier capped a five-play, 50-yard drive by punching it in from one-yard out to start the second quarter.
On the next series the Wildcats had just crossed midfield when senior Shawn James was handed the ball. He was stopped in his tracks for no gain. But James turned nothing into something two plays later at the 39-yard-line when he ran left, was stopped at the line, then bounced right and raced for the end zone.
“Everyone was flying left and there was nothing there for me,” James said. “I cut right and saw a wide open field and took off. There was one Sandwich defender left and all I kept thinking was don’t let him catch me.”
While James admits he may not be the tallest nor fastest on his team, he had enough speed and smarts to angle away from the last defender down the far sideline.
“That guy almost got me but I made it and it felt great. It’s a great feeling when you turn and all your teammates are there to congratulate you. I hopes that happens a lot for us this season,” James said.
Up 26-0, Farrell wasn’t through. With good field position at the Sandwich 36, the ‘Cats shuffled through two running plays before the Wildcat standout broke for an 18-yard scoring run. A Reid Waldon PAT kick was good making the score 33-0 with 4:01 left before the intermission.
Wildcat fans hoping for one more score before the half to get the fast clock the rest of the game got their wish when Farrell scored his fourth TD of the night with a 20-yard run.
“We obviously ran the ball well tonight,” said Wilmington coach Jeff Reents. “Both backs had a really good night and I was real happy with the way the offensive line was getting off the ball. The key was we established ourselves early and took advantage of having good field position in the first quarter.
“That is a testament to our defense who kept Sandwich in three-and-out situations. I thought that was really big for us against a good team like Sandwich.”
Nelson anchored the Purple D with four tackles and two sacks. Nate Cupples stepped up with five tackles and one assist. Lineman Logan Van Duyne finished with three tackles and two assist.
Making two tackles each were William Wilson, Hunter Osipavicius, Farrell, James and Zach Ohlund. Also helping out were Declan Moran, Joe Van Duyne, Evan Kuypers, Jay Nevels, Floyd McKendrick, and Waldon.
The ‘Cats rushed for 342 yards in 38 tries. Sandwich finished with 83 yards rushing and 50 yards passing.
Farrell led all rushers with 169 yards in 11 attempts. Kettman contributed 87 yards in 10 tries while had 49 yards in three carries. McKendrick gained 23 yards, Dierks Geiss 8 yards and Nevels 6 yards.
“One thing with our drives tonight is we didn't turn the ball over,” Reents said. “And we stayed away from penalties which I also thought that was big. We got a nice win, got to play our sideline guys the entire second half and everyone got in some playing time. You like to see that because they put in just as much time and work as our starters so we’re always happy when we’re able to play them.”
That just may be the case again Friday when Wilmington travels to Lisle. The Lions have yet to win a game.