John Robles gives Leyden special teams a spark against Willowbrook

VILLA PARK — Leyden needed a spark Friday night when it trailed West Suburban Gold foe Willowbrook 21-0 in the final seconds of the first half.

John Robles was more than happy to provide it, as he took a Warriors’ kickoff and returned it 85 yards for a score with just 9 seconds left in the half.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to fuel a Eagles’ comeback and Leyden suffered a 42-21 loss to Willowbrook (2-6, 2-3) in Villa Park.

Kicking to Robles was risky all night, as he finished with four returns for 105 yards.

“[I saw] open field on the [touchdown] return, because my blockers were giving me open field and leading the way,” Robles said. “Leave me open field and I can make some plays happen for us.”

Robles is an extremely important component in almost every phase for Leyden (1-7, 1-4), as he plays wide receiver and defensive back, in addition to returning kicks and punts.

“He is a two-year starter and he is probably the best athlete on the field for our team,” Leyden coach Tom Cerasani said. “He knows what he is doing and he is a leader. He never leaves the field. He is valuable all around; we really cannot sacrifice him on defense or offense.”

Robles caught five passes, including an 18-yarder in the third quarter.

“He is a guy that can make things happen in the open field,” Cerasani said. “We try to isolate him offensively and get him the ball in the open field. When he is in space, he is dangerous.”

• The 21-point hole Leyden dug early proved to be too much to overcome. The Warriors scored their first four touchdowns through the air, including two first-half TD passes from Billy Degnan to 6-5 receiver Kyle Rushing.
• Rushing, a senior, was difficult for the Eagles to contain, as he led all receivers with nine catches for 99 yards, including a 4-yard TD catch in the third quarter. “It is tough to guard 6-foot-5, that is what it is,” Willowbrook coach Nick Hildreth said. “He has continued to work on his route running and just the technical, finer points of things. He just keeps getting better with those things.”
• Degnan threw for 240 yards, completing 18 of 28 passes. He connected with four different receivers, including Ronnie Reitz (5 catches, 67 yards).
• David DeMarais broke loose for a 84-yard TD run for Leyden in the fourth quarter. He finished with 137 yards on 22 carries.