Maloof powers Vernon Hills past Wauconda

Updated: October 22, 2011 1:02AM

Powerful running by Sam Maloof and a stingy defense keyed a Vernon Hills victory over visiting Wauconda 33-6 Friday.

The win is the Cougars third straight and fifth of the year qualifying them for post-season play.

“I give all the credit to the seniors for rallying the team together, coach Tony Monken said. “At 2-4 I said to them, ‘you take it.’ They’ve done an incredible job.”

After an early Wauconda turnover, Maloof ran for a 25-yard touchdown to put Vernon Hills on the board. He finished the game with 105 yards and three touchdowns.

“Our offensive line has just been doing a great job,” Maloof said. “I just tried to find the holes and run hard.”

Without placekicker Jeremy Cohen for the majority of the first half, the Cougars attempted a pair of two-point conversions, but were unable to convert. Then just minutes before half, Cohen came trotting out of the locker room in time to knock through the extra point on Vernon Hills’ third touchdown.

After the break, Vernon Hills continued to successfully run the ball and hound Wauconda’s quarterback Branden Rowe. The Bulldogs offense didn’t pick up a first down until a pass interference penalty midway through the third quarter. Wauconda’s lone touchdown came with 1:15 to play. Austin Hagan, Tyler Peterson and Wayne Didier led the way for the Vernon Hills defense.

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