Waubonsie Valley tops Neuqua in OT

Updated: October 8, 2011 12:12AM

It is amazing how one play can erase two years of bad memories.

Outscored by a combined total of 71-13 in their last two matchups Waubonsie got not only some redemption but also secured a playoff berth with a 27-21 overtime victory over Neuqua Valley on Friday at North Central College. Neuqua (5-2, 3-1 UEC) chose to go on offense first in the overtime session after three straight runs by Joey Rhattigan the Wildcats decided to go for it on fourth down. The pitch to Rhattigan was snuffed out by the defense and he was tackled at the one setting up Waubonsie needing a score to win the game.

Dylan Warden delivered the victory on second down with a six-yard touchdown run on a quarterback options play.

“Dylan grew up tonight and he had to read and react. We didn’t panic and we told our kids on the sideline that we just needed to execute,” Warriors coach Paul Murphy said. “You can see now the kids are starting to believe and that’s something that we didn’t have when he nearly came back against Bartlett.”

Waubonsie (6-1, 3-1 UEC) trailed 21-14 with 5:09 remaining in the game after Rhattigan scored on a 21-yard touchdown run. However Waubonsie responded on their ensuing drive and scored thanks to a 15-yard touchdown run by Warden. The play was set-up by a fourth-and-11 conversion where Warden found teammate Austin Guido for 16 yards inside the Wildcat 20.

It has been a wild ride for Warden who took over after senior quarterback Mitch Stefani went down with an injury earlier in the season.

“This is a dream come true for me. I didn’t think I would be playing at all to start and here I am beating Neuqua,” Warden said. “Our defense did a good job setting us up and we just had to hold onto the football and score.”

Warden finished the game rushing for 93 yards on 18 carries and two touchdowns. He also threw for a touchdown and passed for 117 yards.

Joey Rhattigan led Neuqua with 252 yards on 33 carries and scored all three Wildcat touchdowns.

“Tonight you saw two good football teams on display and we are going to go out, collect ourselves and get ready for next week,” Neuqua coach Bryan Wells said.

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