Sycamore continues quest for I-8 title in game against Rochelle

SYCAMORE – In Sycamore’s two closest football games this year the Spartans have turned the ball over seven times.

After coughing the ball up four times against Morris, a game which they won 21-14 in the closing minute, coach Joe Ryan said that can’t continue against Rochelle at home Friday.

“I think certainly it gives you confidence you should win a close game,” Ryan said about the two close wins, which also includes a 12-6 victory against Kaneland in overtime. “In those two games we won close games, we were pretty charitable with the ball. Hopefully, we’re not as charitable on Friday and we can score a few more points with our offense not giving it away.”

Sycamore enters the game 4-0, while the Hubs are 1-3 after winning a close contest of their own, coming back from two touchdowns down in the final 9 minutes for a 13-12 win against Sandwich.

The Spartans are one of two undefeated teams left in the Interstate 8, along with LaSalle-Peru. But the Cavaliers’ final two games are against the two teams that pushed Sycamore the most, Kaneland and Morris, and they still only have one loss each.

“We want to come out of Friday 5-0, and then we’ll work on that next one after that, hopefully,” Ryan said. “The conference is the main thing we focused on this year to make sure we had a chance to win. There are two undefeated teams right now with LP and us, so we just need to get better every week to take care of ourselves, and hopefully Kaneland and Morris can help us out.”

Against Morris, Nathaniel Altepeter ran for 139 yards and two TDs on 22 caries. He scored the game-winner with 23 seconds left.

“I think we’re doing pretty good, especially after that game with Morris,” Altepeter said. “Ever since that week we’ve had really good preparation and been really good at practice.”

Lincoln Cooley, who has been anchoring a Sycamore defense that has allowed 27 points in four games, said the team is focused on doing its part to win a conference title.

“I think we’ll be prepared,” Cooley said. “I think we’re all playing as a team and getting to the ball as a group.”

Altepeter said the focus of the team is good.

“I’m trying my best to treat every team like they’re my rival,” Altepeter said. “We can’t really mess up on anything. Winning conference is always something that’s really amazing to do.”

Sophomore Garrett Gensler came into the game for the Hubs in the second half, running for 142 yards and sparking Rochelle in the comeback.

Ben Harvey had 89 yards and a touchdown in the win as well.

Ryan said the Spartans have to contain the Rochelle runners.

“If you don’t win the line of scrimmage it makes it really difficult for you,” Ryan said. “With a wing offense you have to be gap sound with your shoulders square ready to tackle. If you don’t, then they run through your tackles then it’s four yards, four yards, four yards, and that’s OK for them. I get it.”