The Woodstock Blue Streaks were defeated 42-20 by the Johnsburg Skyhawks Oct. 6 in Johnsburg The loss was the Streaks third, dropping them to 4-3, and 2-2 in the Kishwaukee River Conference.
Head coach Tommy Thompson said the team’s biggest challenge going into the game was going to be stopping the Skyhawks’ fast pace, especially their ability to get rid of the ball quickly.
Johnsburg got on the scoreboard first for a 7-0 lead. Late in the first quarter the Streaks tied the game when Michael Gardner recovered a Skyhawk fumble, running 75 yards for a touchdown. Before the clock ran out, Johnsburg answered with a touchdown to end the quarter at 14-7.
The Skyhawks added two unanswered touchdowns in the second quarter, bringing the score to 28-7 at the half. Another Johnsburg touchdown extended the lead to 35-7 at the end of the third quarter.
The Streaks fought back in the fourth when Dylan Grisolia caught a 50-yard pass from Carl Anderson for a touchdown (35-14). The Skyhawks answered with a touchdown (42-14). The Streaks got on the board one last time with a touchdown on a 4-yard run by Caleb Casson. A missed extra point left the Streaks with a final score of 42-20.
“We tried to be as physical as possible with them, and I thought our defensive front seven got good pressure on the quarterback,” said Thompson in an email. “We did not have any turnovers the entire game, and that was a small victory for us. I thought defensively we were more consistent being around the ball, and offensively we have some things we can continue to build on.”
The Streaks will take on crosstown rival Woodstock North in the First National Bank Challenge, at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13, at Larry Dale Field.
“The boys are excited about this week’s challenge and eager to play this Friday,” said Thompson. “We will emphasize ball security on offense, and knowing our assignments on defense.”