The Antioch Community High School Sequoits redeemed themselves last Friday night with a thrilling 34-29 victory over the Schaumburg High School Saxons. After losing to the Saxons last season, with the loss from the previous season looming over their heads as they stepped onto the field, the Sequoits were determined to prove themselves, and it showed.
The game started out strong with the Sequoits receiving a kickoff and senior Colin Arquilla scoring by the sixth play, securing them an early lead. The Sequoits’ defense struggled to hold back the Saxons in the first half due to the Saxons’ offense avoiding the Sequoits’ strongest players, such as senior Owen Shea. The Saxons fumbled the ball at the 12-yard line, recovered by junior Alexander Herstowski for a long return. Herstowski gave the ball back to the Sequoits and led to a long 43-yard touchdown by Junior Gavin Stone a few plays afterwards.
After another long drive by the Saxon offense, they score a passing touchdown. The Saxons would return to offense afterwards with a touchdown and a failed extra point being blocked by senior Marcus Macias after he broke through the offensive line. Long returns from senior Jack Bucar on the kickoff return team and extra point kicks from junior Jack Hulting took the spotlight for the Sequoits’ special teams crew.
The game was a back-and-forth battle for the whole night, with touchdowns from Arquilla and defensive saves from Shea, along with slip-ups from the Sequoits, resulting in several touchdowns from the Saxons. The Saxons battled the Sequoits for the rest of the game, ending with a close score of 34 to 29; the ACHS Sequoits squeaked out the win. Mistakes from both sides were obvious, and the game ultimately came down to the team with more motivation and drive to win.
Now, with momentum on their side, the Sequoits are preparing for their highly anticipated home opener Friday, Sept. 5, against Lake Zurich High School.
