Defending Class 2A state champ Wilmington is one of the elite small-school football programs in the state and one that causes big problems for any opponent.
Peotone coach Tolly Tsiamas knows that, but also knows his team could have played a lot better against the Wildcats in a 42-point loss in Week 3.
So Tsiamas was in a better mood after Peotone bounced back to beat visiting Lisle 52-6 on Sept. 11.
“We kind of got back to our roots, so to speak,” Tsiamas said. “The kids responded in a good way. … There was a clear message sent to them that what happened (against Wilmington) … was not the standard we want to uphold.”
Peotone (3-1, 1-1 Illinois Central Eight) ran 37 times for 413 yards against Lisle, an 11.2 average, and attempted only one pass.
Nick Cronin had 11 carries for 120 yards and one touchdown, Eli Chenoweth finished with eight carries for 104 yards and a TD, Cole Swanson added four carries for 95 yards and two scores and Declan McMaster contributed 10 carries for 94 yards and three touchdowns.
“They’re running the football well, they’re all blocking for each other really well,” Tsiamas said.
So are the tight ends and offensive linemen: Charles Canby, Ryan Hitz-Easton, Jake Voss, Jimmy Iozzo, Rob Bennett, Carter Mather and Carter Camba.
Leading the Peotone defense were McMaster and Anthony Cronin with seven tackles each, one more than Eli Chenoweth and Swanson.
Peotone travels to Streator Sept. 18. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
Crete-Monee 48, Thornridge 6: Amarre Carey ran for 190 yards and a touchdown and Dominic Jackson rushed for 133 yards and three scores as Crete (3-1, 2-0 Southland) won easily on Sept. 11 at home.
The Warriors play at Thornwood at 6 p.m. Sept. 18.
Manteno 27, Reed-Custer 12: Nick Honkisz had 12 carries for 153 yards and two touchdowns as Manteno (4-0, 2-0 ICE) won at home on Sept. 11.
Logan Bufford ran for two touchdowns had passed for 55 yards for the Panthers. Briggs Cann had three catches for 42 yards.
Manteno hosts Wilmington at 7 p.m. Sept. 18.