When Lisle suspended its varsity football program because of low numbers this season, the rest of the Illinois Central Eight had to figure out what to do.
Some teams, including Peotone, decided to take a forfeit win. Others, including Manteno, looked to find another opponent so they could still play nine games.
The Panthers booked a road game for Week 7 against Class 1A state-ranked Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley. It turned out to be a good decision.
Manteno piled up 375 total yards en route to a decisive 35-13 win on Oct. 10.
Nick Honkisz had 18 carries for 140 yards, including touchdowns of 30, 57 and 50 yards during a 27-0 Manteno run spanning the second and third quarters.
Connor Harrod ran 23 times for 105 yards, including scores of 4 and 5 yards. He also completed 6 of 9 passes for 130 yards Kalub Jankuski had two catches for 60 yards, while Honkisz and Jake Stevens both had one reception for 30 yards.
“The (offensive) line did a good job,” Manteno coach RJ Haines said. “Nick and Connor ran hard and the receivers did a good job of blocking downfield. We were able … to control the game with our run game. We didn’t throw a lot, but when we did they were big.”
After Manteno (4-3) went three-and-out on its first possession, Gibson City (5-2) went down and scored. But then the game flipped and the Panthers scored the next four touchdowns.
“We made some adjustments and dug in a little deeper,” Haines said.
Gibson City was 0 for 3 on fourth-down conversions as Manteno’s defense held strong. Jacob Boeschel had eight tackles, including two for loss. Shaun Chantome also had two tackles for loss, while Stevens and Joseph Coley added one each.
With each succeeding stop, Haines said, “You could just kind of see the confidence leave the stadium.”
Up next for the Panthers is a short ride up Route 50 for the annual rivalry game vs. Peotone. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Oct. 17.
Haines isn’t expecting an easy game against the Blue Devils.
“Their kids play extremely hard, they’re tough and they’re well-coached,” he said.
Coal City 49, Peotone 7: The Blue Devils (3-4, 2-3 Illinois Central Eight) lost at home.
Tucker Cain had 10 carries for 71 yards and a touchdown for Peotone, while Eli Chenoweth ran 12 times for 52 yards.
Crete-Monee 35, Rich 0: The host Warriors (5-2, 5-0 Southland) cruised to their fifth straight win as Derrin Couch was 19 of 28 passing for 271 yards and two touchdowns.
Jeremiah Stonewall had six catches for 93 yards and a TD, while D’Aarion Yarbrough had five receptions for 51 yards and a score.
George Butler-Cegers ran for two TDs and Karion Young ran an interception back for a touchdown.
Crete hosts Bloom at 6 p.m. Oct. 17.