Lakes rallies past Grayslake North

Updated: August 27, 2011 1:32AM

Host Lakes scored two touchdowns in the final five minutes of the game to rally past Grayslake North 16-7 on Friday in the season-opening prep football game for both teams.

Lakes led 3-0 at halftime on a 36-yard field goal by Tanner Blain.

But Grayslake North drove 80 yards in 11 plays after taking the second-half kickoff to take the lead.

The points came a one-yard pass from quarterback A.J. Fish to Charlie Pine.

From there, it was a defensive struggle, as turnovers stymied both clubs throughout.

For the game, Lakes had five turnovers — three in the red zone — and Grayslake North had two.

But in the final period, Lakes made the big plays.

After a short punth, Lakes drove 35 yards in three plays, capped off by a 21-yard TD pass from Levi Haymaker to Justin Bergeron.

North then drove from its own 20 to the Lakes 27. But Fish was sacked by David Gregory on third down, and the fourth-down pass with 1:56 left was incomplete.

On the very next play, Lakes gave the ball to running back Direll Clark, and he took it 72 yards to the house to secure the victory.

For the game, Clark had nine carries for 101 yards.

For the game, North’s Fish was 12-of-21 for 110 yards, a touchdown and an interception.

North’s David Collins carried 20 times for 76 yards.

“We were able to overcome our turnovers for the win tonight,” said Lakes coach Luke Mertens. “Give the credit to the defense for keeping us in the game.”

Haymaker played quarterback for the injured Chris Hoffman, who should play next week.

“Levi did a phenomenal job leading the team,” Mertens said. “He threw a great pass for the winning touchdown.”

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