THE SKINNY
Crete-Monee (6-1, 3-0) survived Bloom’s upset bid in a sloppy game that had 21 penalties called. Deshaun Smith’s 42-yard run was good for a first down with 1:00 left in the game, closing Bloom’s chance at the win.
TURNING POINT
On a fourth-and-15 from the Crete 15-yard line with 2:03 remaining in the game, Bloom backup quarterback Jordan Benavides’ throw into the end zone was long, Crete getting the ball back on downs.
THE STAR
Trevon Smith finished with 73 rushing yards on 12 carries, including the go-ahead 40-yard scoring run with 7:57 left in the third quarter.
BY THE NUMBERS
Bloom (4-3, 2-2) scored late in the second quarter on a Justus Brantley 59-yard touchdown scamper but could muster no more offense. The Blazing Trojans need one win over the season’s final two weeks to be eligible for the IHSA playoffs. Crete quarterback Frank Douglas hit Kevon Love in the second for a 13-yard score.
QUOTABLE
“The idea is ‘Never break.’ We stopped Bloom every time, and I’m very proud of my team. We’re fighters to the end, and the defense held strong.” — Crete linebacker Nyles Morgan
