Kaneland roughs up Rochelle

Updated: September 24, 2011 12:04AM

Versatile Kaneland athlete Quinn Buschbacher got a state championship baseball ring prior to Friday night’s game against Rochelle.

Then the senior went out and made sure the Knights stayed on track to get the ring that eluded them last year.

Buschbacher scored a touchdown rushing and receiving in the first half, and sophomore quarterback Drew David threw for 283 yards and three touchdowns as Kaneland roughed up the Hubs 35-14 in a battle of undefeated teams.

“I keep it in the back of my head knowing that we had the experience of getting all the way to semis last year, wishing that we should have been (in the championship),” Buschbacher said. “But you gotta keep it with you and use it as momentum to help you get there again.”

Buschbacher scored on a 27-yard run to open the game, caught a 23-yard touchdown and finished with over 200 multipurpose yards as Kaneland built a 28-7 halftime lead.

David shredded the Hubs in the first half to the tune of 12-of-20 for 261 yards and three touchdowns. He did throw two interceptions, but the Knights’ defense did its job containing Rochelle’s misdirection offense.

“With them defensively, all 11 guys have to do their jobs,” Kaneland coach Tom Fedderly said. “It’s assignment football and we had to play disciplined. The turnovers are always big when we play Rochelle. I think whenever we can get a two touchdown lead that’s to our advantage.”

Rochelle turned the ball over three times and Kaneland capitalized on the carelessness. Both teams had a lot riding on the Northern Illinois Big 12 East contest, but the Hubs (4-1, 2-1) found their power wing ground game couldn’t keep pace with high-octane spread formation Kaneland (5-0, 1-0) displayed.

Sean Carter caught four balls for 101 yards and two touchdowns, the middle seam being the route of choice from quarterback to receiver.

“It’s my favorite route,” Carter said with a smile. “Having me and Quinn, it’s good because we’re opposites. I’m taller and can jump and he’s smaller and quick. We complement each other really well. And Drew’s worked really hard and gotten down all the routes we’re good at. He might not throw it 60-70 yards down the field, but a couple small ones, it all adds up.”

Knights sophomore running back Jesse Balluff kept the clock moving in the second half and finished with 101 yards and a 10-yard touchdown.

Rochelle must rebound against Yorkville, while the Knights head to DeKalb looking to deliver another lightning-quick knockout.

“Everyone on this team has their part and we all do it,” Buschbacher said. “Hopefully, things work out. Sometimes they do, sometimes they don’t. But it is huge for our offense and it gives us momentum as a team to keep playing harder and harder.”

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