At last, Eagles have soared

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LAKE STATION -- Lake Station hasn't seen what it is like to celebrate a sectional victory since the 1998 season, the same season that saw it eventually bring home a sectional title.

But after knocking off rival River Forest 12-6 Friday in the Class 1A first-round matchup, the Eagles hope the days of lackluster playoff performances are behind them.

"I mapped out those sectionals and the best players on those sectionals so these can understand," said Eagles coach Tim McCormick of the win. "This is just a very good feeling for the players and coaches."

McCormick made it very clear that he was going to rely heavily on his seniors and they didn't disappoint. Eagles' workhorse Matthew Austin did everything he could do to make sure the playoff drought ended before he was carted off clutching his shoulder late in the third quarter with the Eagles up 12-6.

"That is what we wanted to do (with his seniors)," McCormick said of his senior running back. "If that is the case (Eagles playing without Austin) we still have guys that can handle it and we are just going to have to do it again."

Austin finished with 26 carries for 159 yards prior to his injury, but got the scoring started with a five-yard scamper, capping off a 55-yard drive early in the first quarter.

The Ingots (1-9) would come right back with a score of their own when freshman Hasonie Walters found an seam on the right side for a 12-yard touchdown. Walters finished with 82 yards on 12 carries.

The Eagles (1-9) would strike again before the half as they found Austin for a touchdown on a screen pass from Richard Medellin that went 30 yards for a touchdown. "I waited till the last second and tossed it to him, we worked all week on that play," Medellin said.

"With this win, Eagles' football is back," Medellin added of advancing in the tournament. Medellin completed 5 of 8 passes for 57 yards and touchdown, but he also carried the ball 10 times for 13 yards.