On Friday, September 20, 2024, Libertyville’s varsity football team held their 4-0 winning streak with a final score of 29-14 against Lake Zurich High School. The action-packed game helped secure the team a ranking of 19th out of all Illinois high schools according to MaxPreps.
Within half of the first quarter, Libertyville took the lead with junior Blaise LaVista (4) scoring a touchdown assisted by a pass from senior Quinn Schambow (7).
“They’re just very resilient. They just got something about them that’s special, they’ve worked the whole offseason, and they seem to get better every week,” head coach Mike Jones said.
Within minutes of the second quarter, Schambow showcased an incredible throw to sophomore Brock Williams (13) that brought the Wildcats up to a 13-0 lead.
“I’ve played with these guys ever since we were kids and stuff, like in multiple sports. The family aspect of it is pretty fun,” Schambow said.
Further on in the game, the Lake Zurich Bears attempted to make their mark on the scoreboard with a single touchdown. However, due to the proactive work of the Wildcat offense, the Bears once again were left in Libertyville’s dust, ending the half 20-7.
Players and coaches reportedly recognized the need for improvement defensively.
“We gotta continue to drive, gotta keep pushing. We also need to eliminate penalties,” junior Holden Caudillo (74) said.
By the end of the third quarter, the Wildcats built up their lead to 26-7 thanks to wide receiver LaVista’s second touchdown of the night.
With three minutes left of the fourth quarter, senior Benjamin Ratner (18) had claimed the final points for the Wildcats with a 22-yard field goal.
The Lake Zurich Bears finalized their score with a rushing touchdown by senior Alex Pirrone (2) with a minute left on the clock, leaving a final score of 29-14.
“We have lost the past three years in a row to them, so it’s pretty special to me,” said Schambow.
The team will be back on home turf for a game on October 4 against Waukegan.
