As the calendar flips to October, Crete-Monee has been rolling along with an eye toward the future.
The Warriors moved closer to clinching an IHSA playoff berth by cruising past visiting Thornridge 60-6 on Oct. 3 for their fourth straight win.
Derrin Couch was 10-of-11 passing for 274 yards and five touchdowns for Crete (4-2, 4-0 Southland). Dorian Patterson had six catches for 130 yards and three touchdowns, while D’Arion Yarbrough caught two passes for 100 yards and two scores.
Couch has thrown for 1,316 yards and 21 touchdowns this season.
“We’re trying to utilize our entire roster and get everybody on the same page as far as offense and defense are concerned,” Warriors coach John Konecki said. “… We’re pleased with where we’re at.”
Konecki was honored for picking up his 100th career win the week before on the road against Danville. He is 101-33 in his 13th season with the Warriors.
Crete has showcased some depth at running back with sophomore George Butler-Cegers among those stepping up.
“Right now it’s tailback by committee,” Konecki said.
Up next for Crete is a home date against Rich at 6 p.m. Oct. 10. The Warriors host Bloom on Oct. 17 before going to Kankakee on Oct. 24 for a game that likely will determine the conference champ.
Coal City 55, Manteno 0: The Panthers (3-3, 1-3 Illinois Central Eight) were held to 51 yards in the home loss to the Coalers (5-1, 3-0).
Jacob Boeschel and Carter Stell had five tackles each for Manteno.
The Panthers play at Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley on Oct. 10. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
Reed-Custer 31, Peotone 28: Tristan Randall kicked a 32-yard field goal as time expired to lift the Comets (3-3, 2-2 Illinois Central Eight) past the visiting Blue Devils (3-3, 2-2).
Alex Chenoweth only threw three passes, but both of his completions went for fourth-quarter touchdowns: a 15-yarder to Tucker Cain and a 50-yarder to Nick Cronin.
Chenoweth also had eight tackles, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and a kick return of 58 yards.
Cronin finished with 146 total yards on 11 touches: 10 carries for 96 yards and the one catch for 50.
Ethan Bialko added an interception for the Blue Devils.
Peotone hosts Coal City at 7 p.m. Oct. 10.