Kougars come back for big win

WHEATFIELD | Blake Jarrette is just glad that football games last four quarters.

After two fumbles earlier in the game, the Kankakee Valley fullback came up with a key punt block in the fourth quarter to set up the Kougars' go-ahead score in a 34-24 victory over rival North Judson.

"I had two fumbles earlier, but I didn't want to give up," Jarrette said. "I saw that punt there and got it right off my hand."

The Kougars (2-4) were led on the ground by running back Dylan Patrick who rushed for 101 yards and three touchdowns on 29 carries.

"Our line did one heck of a job making holes in the second half," Patrick said. "We just out-played them in the second half."

North Judson (2-4) started the scoring with a 52-yard touchdown run by halfback Andrew Frasure. The Kougars quickly responded with a 15-play, 83-yard scoring drive of their own to tie the game at 6-6.

After a second Bluejay touchdown drive, Kankakee Valley answered this time with a quick-strike, 63-yard drive highlighted by a 32-yard touchdown run by Jarrette.

With K.V. down 24-20 to start the fourth quarter, Jarrette's block on the North Judson 37-yard line set up the second Patrick rushing touchdown of the night and gave the Kougars the lead for good.

"That's what we preached all week," Kougars coach Mike Peo said. "Play the next play. If something happens, you make a mistake, you just play the next play and you never know what will happen."

A Kyle Higgins interception just minutes later turned into the third and final Patrick touchdown, which sealed the game for Kankakee Valley.

"We couldn't move the ball offensively in the second half," North Judson coach Kevin Cox said. "I think we just wore out more than anything else."

PREP FOOTBALL

Kankakee Valley 34, North Judson 24

Dylan Patrick had 101 yards rushing and three touchdowns for the Kougars.