Stevenson rolls over Vernon Hills

THE SKINNY

Stevenson (3-2 overall) pounded visiting Vernon Hills (1-4) Friday night, 52-7, in a NSC Lake crossover matchup that was never close.

TURNING POINT

Stevenson set the tempo early, outscoring the Cougars 17-0 in the game’s first 12 minutes. They never looked back.

THE STAR

Stevenson QB Willie Bourbon (9 for 14, 179 yards, two passing TDs) played only the first half, but was extremely efficient for the second straight week. Eight of Bourbon’s nine completions were for 15 yards or more, and he added a 1-yard QB sneak for a score just prior to halftime.

BY THE NUMBERS

Junior Jake Ruksakiati, who is usually the team’s No. 3 quarterback, led the Patriots with 137 yards rushing on 13 carries after taking over behind center in the second half. He also picked up a pair of rushing TDs. Stevenson’s defense, meanwhile, held Vernon Hills to just one total yard of offense in the first half and 77 total for the game.

QUOTABLE

“Our entire defense has been playing really well lately. When we’re able to force them to punt as often as we did tonight, it makes us that much more dangerous as a team. Our offensive and defensive lines deserve a lot of credit for this win.” — Stevenson junior OL/DL Nick Dillon