March 28, 2024
Illinois High School Football News


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DeKalb nabs four interceptions in beating Waubonsie

DeKALB – Tucker Ikens leveled Waubonsie Valley receiver Demari Wilson, and the pass from Ethan Nelson floated in the air.

Like a pitcher calling off a middle infielder on a high pop-up, Donovan Lacey called off Michael Clayton, coming up with his second and DeKalb's fourth and final interception of the night, and returned it 44 yards for a touchdown in a 35-7 win on Friday in a DuPage Valley Conference battle.

"I saw 88 come across the middle, Tuck hit him, and me and Michael Clayton were coming at him at the same time," Lacey said. "I kind of waved him off. He still ran at me but I got it, I saw 60 (offensive lineman Charlie Millington) coming up top on my upfield shoulder. I cut back, switched hands, then I stiff armed one of their receivers to get to the outside and score."

The Warriors (2-4 overall, 0-3 DVC) threatened on their final drive of the first half, but Lacey intercepted Nelson at the DeKalb 10-yard line, the first interception for both Lacey and the Barbs in the game.

In the third quarter on a third-and-10, DeKalb's Kaeden Gunn elevated to come up with an interception in front of Demari Wilson and returned the pick 24 yards to the Warriors' 33. The Barbs (4-2, 2-1) converted a fourth down with Alex Siebens absorbing a hard hit to hold on to a 10-yard catch. Two plays later, Avery Medina went left on a jet sweep and appeared to be stuffed, but cut it back right and went untouched for an 18-yard score for a 21-0 DeKalb lead.

"I think when kids make interceptions like that, they took the time to understand our game plan, and listen to coaches on what's going to happen," coach Keith Snyder said. "And our coaches are doing a great job of teaching the kids and getting them ready."

Cam Grays also had a pick late in the third quarter for the Barbs.

Lacey agreed with Snyder, said the team was prepared by the coaching staff very well for the game.

"Coach Snyder did a great job of preparing for Waubonsie Valley's favorite passes, favorite runs," Lacey said. "We came out here and executed exactly what coach Snyder did for the game plan."

Both also said the defensive line had a big hand in the success of forcing Nelson into the picks.

"They were rushing the quarterback very well," Lacey said. "The quarterback didn't have much time. Our corners and out entire secondary was doing a great job staying on our men. But I'd like to give everything to the D-line."

The Barbs added a touchdown in the fourth quarter when Trenton Kyler faked a handoff to Jalon Redmond, then ran it 54 yards for a 28-0 lead. Waubonsie's only score came with 1:47 left on a 1-yard run by Bryce Logan, ending DeKalb's big for a third shutout on the year.

After a turnover and three-and-out on their first two possessions, DeKalb took a 7-0 lead by putting together a four-play scoring drive, capped by Kyler finding Siebens on a 5-yard hook pattern on third-and-goal. Kyler started the drive with a 42-yard pass to Lacey on a deep out and was leveled on the play, but not before he got the pass off.

DeKalb added a score early in the second quarter when Kyler hit Trenton McCollum on a quick dump, but the shifty McCollum showed of his sprinter's speed, out-accelerating the Waubonsie defense for a 44-yard score and a 14-0 lead.

On the drive before, the Warriors drove down to the DeKalb 18, facing a fourth-and-1, but the Barbs' defense stuffed Bryce Logan to get the ball back.

By the numbers: DeKalb was outgained, 338-260. Nelson was 25 of 37 for 251 yards with the four picks. The Barbs had 129 on the ground, 54 of that on Kyler's run – he led the team with 52 yards on six carries and was nine for 12 for 131 yards, two touchdowns and no picks.

Beyond the stats: It was the first time DeKalb beat Waubonsie Valley. The teams had played as members of the Upstate Eight until 1997, with the Warriors winning the last meeting, 27-0.

They said it: "When you play a team of that caliber with that quality with a great coaching staff that has so many big wins over the years, you can't focus on all that," Snyder said. "You can only focus on your job and the task at hand – beating the man across from you every snap for four quarters."

Up next: The Barbs host Naperville North with a chance to clinch a playoff berth, while the Warriors host Naperville Central.

Eddie Carifio

Eddie Carifio

Daily Chronicle sports editor since 2014. NIU beat writer. DeKalb, Sycamore, Kaneland, Genoa-Kingston, Indian Creek, Hiawatha and Hinckley-Big Rock coverage as well.