Rams remain unbeaten with key FVC win

Updated: October 1, 2011 12:20AM

It wasn’t pretty, but Grayslake Central got the job done on Friday with a key Fox Valley Conference Fox Division victory over visiting Crystal Lake Central 10-7.

The Rams improved to 6-0 overall and 4-0 in the FVC Fox plus, more importantly, clinched a spot in the IHSA playoffs for the second consecutive season.

It’s the best start to a season for Grayslake Central since 1965.

The Tigers dropped to 3-3 overall and 2-1 in the division.

“It feels great (to qualify for the playoffs in September), I would have to say,” said Grayslake Central coach Nick Goshe. “It is not unexpected, because these kids put in a lot of hard work.”

Both teams struggled to find the end zone in the opening half.

Grayslake Central finally broke through on a 36-yard field goal by Jon Gurchak after a 52-yard drive for a 3-0 lead with 11:42 left in the second quarter.

Crystal Lake Central’s best chance to score came late in the first half, but a 43-yard field-goal attempt in the final seconds was wide left.

Grayslake Central senior quarterback Ray Beckman heated up after a strong opening quarter (5-for-5, 72 yards) early in the second half, as he completed a trio of passes to wideout Vince Smith before capping a 56-yard scoring drive with a 3-yard touchdown run of his own for a 10-0 Ram lead.

Smith finished the game with five catches for 106 yards.

Crystal Lake Central got on the scoreboard with 4:53 left in the fourth quarter when Connor Hines rushed in from 3 yards out to cut Grayslake Central’s lead to 10-7.

The Rams were then able to run out the clock to preserve the victory, surving despite a pair of turnovers (fumble and interception) in the second half.

Joey Valdivia (22 carries, 78 yards) helped kill the clock with some clutch runs.

“I was pleased that we responded to the adversity (of the second-half turnovers,” said Goshe.

Beckman completed 12-of- 22 passes for 172 yards, plus his rushing touchdown.

Grayslake Central will visit Woodstock North next Friday in another FVC Fox battle.

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