VH, Grant get ready to do it again

When the IHSA announces the pairings for the first round of the state football tournament, a mad scramble can ensue.

First, the coach of one team has to find the phone number and make contact with the opposing coach. Then, they have to arrange to meet somewhere to exchange video tape.

Of course, none of that planning will be necessary Friday when Vernon Hills plays host to Grant in the first round of the Class 6A state playoffs.

Not only do the two teams both play in the NSC's Prairie Division, they just met Friday in the final game of the regular season. On a night where there was a lightning delay and persistent rain, Vernon Hills emerged with a 7-6 victory.

"It would be more fun to play Grant in the third or fourth round," Vernon Hills coach Tony Monken said. "We have a great rivalry with Grant and a lot of respect for what they do year in and year out."

Vernon Hills (8-1) earned a No. 4 seed, its best seed in school history. Grant (6-3) was seeded No. 13.

The Cougars began playing football in 2000, and they have qualified for the playoffs 7 out of 9 years. The only other time they 8 games was in 2001 (8-4). The 2005 team advanced to the state quarterfinals.

At least through the regular season, Monken said this could be the best team he's coached at Vernon Hills.

"You'd have to say this is as good or better than we've ever (been)," he said. "It ranks right up there. This is certainly one of the most explosive offensive groups we've had. Defensively, I'd compare us to the 2003 team. We find a way to get it done and have guys flying to the ball and making plays."

In Friday's game, Monken said the weather prevented both teams from playing at their usual level.

"I would throw it out," he said. "Both teams battled but it was hard to be consistent."

The Cougars are hopeful sophomore wide receiver DaVaris Daniels will be able to play. He missed the last two games with an ankle injury. Daniels practiced early in the week, and Monken said he will be a game-day decision.

Senior Sebastian Evans did his usual work on the ground against Grant (17 rushes, 68 yards).

He also proved he can throw the ball. Vernon Hills ran a halfback option to Evans, and he completed a 24-yard pass to Zach Kisley. Evans then scored from 2 yards out.

"He threw it high in the air; it kind of looked like a punt," senior quarterback PJ Marsek said with a smile. "It felt like it took forever for it to come down and Zach made a nice grab."

Marsek was all too glad to watch Evans connect on a throw.

"I couldn't complete a pass to save my life," he said.

Marsek made up for it on the ground. He rushed 18 times for 100 yards.

Vernon Hills limited Grant to six points. The only other time the Cougars allowed less than seven points was in a 41-3 Week 2 victory over South Elgin.

Senior Ian Sonnenberg had one of those games you dream about. He forced two fumbles and recovered two fumbles. He finished with 5 tackles and 1 QB sack.

"He played absolutely his (best) game," Monken said. "We made a change to our scheme, and it allowed him to run a little more and create some turnovers."

E.J. Lannon had 7 solo tackles.

"There was a lot of hard hitting going on," Monken said. "Our defense shut them down and played great."