Stevenson shuts down Lake Forest

Stevenson 20, Lake Forest 6

THE SKINNY

The Patriots (6-2, 5-0 NSC Lake) continue their climb back after an 0-2 start with a convincing win over Lake Forest (6-2, 3-2) Stevenson has now won six in a row. Friday night, the offense did just enough in scoring three touchdowns, but it was the Patriots’ suffocating defense that allowed only two Scouts field goals.

TURNING POINT

After a Lake Forest field goal made it 7-3 with 4:53 remaining in the first quarter, Stevenson went on its longest drive of the night. An 80-yard, 11-play drive over 5:31 was capped by a 15-yard touchdown pass from junior quarterback Willie Bourbon (21-of-35 passing, 325 yards and three touchdowns) to senior wide receiver Matt Morrissey.

THE STARS

Stevenson’s defensive line and linebackers were tough. Lake Forest came into the game averaging 252 yards rushing. The Scouts were held to 83 yards on the ground by the Patriots. Leading rusher Hub Cirame managed just 25 yards on 13 carries. Senior linebacker Itai Gerchikov and junior nose tackle Blake Drazner were standouts for Stevenson.

BY THE NUMBERS

Lake Forest hadn’t lost a conference home game since a 17-14 loss to Lake Zurich on Oct. 22, 2010. With its sixth victory, Stevenson clinched a playoff sport for the 25th consecutive year. The Patriots play undefeated Lake Zurich next Friday.

QUOTABLE

“This week was our most focused week. We had good schemes but mainly everyone was doing their jobs. That’s why we were successful.” — Gerchikov