Reavis coach Tim Zasada knew that if his team could survive the third quarter going up against a fierce north wind, it had a shot in the fourth.
The Rams allowed only one score in the third and owned the final quarter, scoring two touchdowns to advance with a 17-7 Class 7A win over T.F. South. Reavis (8-2) avenged a 34-14 loss in Week 8 against the Rebels (6-4). The Rams won their first playoff game since 2007 and will meet Lincoln-Way East in the next round.
“This wind was heavy and we knew if we can get to the fourth quarter we can let it rip,” Zasada said. “7A is big boy football and we earned our home field advantage and took care of business tonight and I’m proud of our football staff and players.”
Zasada was also proud of junior quarterback Isiah Alpuche, who scored both fourth quarter touchdowns. The first was from six yards out with 3:52 left following a Rebels’ turnover. The second from a yard out sealed the win with 1:12 left.
Alpuche finished with 14 carries for 65 yards. He was also effective in the air, where he completed three of his five passes for 41 yards in the fourth, all to Marc McClinton. Alpuche was 5-for-10 for 54 yards.
Travis Liszewski was the work horse on both sides of the ball for the Rams. He had 15 carries for 114 yards while adding three tackles for a loss on defense. Teammate Vincent Vertucci had two tackles for a loss while Davonte Wilson had an interception and Mateusz Jachna recovered a fumble.
Rebels senior Torian Lewis had 18 carries for 103 yards and added an interception.
“Rematches are tough and conditions were horrible for both teams,” T.F. South coach Tom Padjen said. “We were able to pass more last time but the conditions prevented that tonight.
“We lose some great senior leaders — Torian, (Adam) Kessler, and the others. It’s tough.”
The Rebels had a tumultuous last two weeks of the season. Losing on the last play of the game against District Rival T.F. North last week and the season-ending loss to the Rams on Friday.
