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Defense Rules in 34 War

Plano Narrowly Escapes Sandwich For 16 th Straight Win

By Bill Lidinsky

Over the past two seasons the annual gridiron meeting between Sandwich and Plano High Schools commonly know as the ‘War on 34’ have been more akin to skirmishes rather than all out wars. In 2005, the Reapers tore through the Indians 38-14. Then in 06, Plano routed Sandwich once again 40-7 on their way to a perfect 14-0 season and the IHSA Class 3A State Championship.

So with the Reaper’s impressive 15 game winning streak in tact so far in 07, many might have thought the Indians would be easy prey again for a Plano squad that hasn’t lost a game since November of 2005.

Friday night at Plano, the ‘War’ officially resumed between the two rivals as the ‘skirmish’ faded back into the shadows. In a bone crushing display of defense by both teams, the Reapers managed to narrowly hold on after an early first quarter touchdown to register their 16 th straight victory by the score of 7-3 despite a valiant effort by the Indians defense against the fourth ranked team in 3A.

“The first thing I told the kids after the game was I’m proud of the way they played. I’m proud to say I’m the coach of this team,” said Sandwich head football coach Derek Avery. “I told them that they just came into the defending state champs house and for all rights could have won. We didn’t, but I’m very proud of our effort against a great ballclub.”

“A rivalry like we have with Sandwich can switch like it did tonight at any time in any year,” said Plano head football coach Jim Green. “The last two season haven’t been indicative of the way these games usually go between us. Tonight, it was back to a great competitive contest, some great defense and we were fortunate to come out with the victory.”

Things looked great for Sandwich on the initial drive of the game. After senior Chris McGary returned the opening kickoff 36-yards to his own 41 yard line, the Indians quickly went to work. On second-and-six from the 45, McGary ripped off a 41-yard run to the Plano 14 yard line. The Reaper defense stiffened however and Sandwich settled for a 25-yard field goal by John Hutchison to go up 3-0 at 8:30 of the opening period.

“We got a good run by McGary on a counter and then got the field goal to put us up early,” Avery said. “But credit Plano for bouncing right back to take the lead.”

On the ensuing kickoff, Plano senior Adam Iverson had a big return of his own toting the ball to the Reaper 45-yard line. From there, Iverson capped an 11 play 55-yard drive with a two-yard touchdown run. Junior kicker Kevin Jernigan's point after kick was good and Plano was up 7-3.

Both teams hunkered down defensively after that. Sandwich had a golden opportunity early in the second quarter to put more points on the board. But a bad snap on a 35 yard field goal attempt by Hutchison after a long drive resulted in frustration for the Indians.

“I would’ve liked to have gotten that second field goal, but we botched the snap,” Avery said. “But we still played great defense and didn’t allow them any scoring opportunities. We felt good going into the half down 7-3.”

In the third quarter, Sandwich had their best opportunity to score on their first possession. Junior quarterback Jordan Beckwith hit Hutchison with a 44-yard completion that gave the Indians a first-and-goal from the Plano six. On second-and-goal from the four, Sandwich tried a keeper with Beckwith around the left end. But the Reapers were blitzing and senior Matt Smith jarred Beckwith who’s fumble was recovered by senior Luis Alvarado at the 11 yard line.

“That play was all Matt Smith. He met him (Beckwith) in the backfield and just ripped the ball from his hands. I saw it and fell on it,” Alvarado said. “That’s one play that just might have saved the game for us.”

“It was unfortunate for us with a keeper play that they sent someone through the gap and hit us as we were making our fake and the ball just came out,” Avery said.

More great defense the rest of the way as both teams struggled to find offense rhythm. Sandwich only had three touches offensively in the fourth quarter, as Plano ran out the final 5:07 on the clock to grab the four point win.

“Our kids haven’t lost many games in their high school careers so maybe that helped guide us through a tough game tonight,” Green said. “They believed they were going to win no matter what. Even though Sandwich was knocking at the door in the third quarter inside the ten, we still believed we would win and made a great play that may have saved the game. We know it will take a lot more hard work like tonight to keep our streak going. We just feel fortunate to have beaten a good Sandwich team this evening.”

Alvarado led Plano in rushing with 78 yards on 13 carriers, while McGary paced Sandwich with 78 yards on 14 carries.

Plano will host Reed-Custer next Friday, while Sandwich takes the home field against Seneca.

“We showed a lot of improvement over the week one effort versus Coal City. We came in here against a team who hasn’t lost in two years and showed a lot of heart,” Avery said. “We’ll just keep building on that and bring the same intensity we brought to Plano tonight against Seneca next Friday. If they give this effort the rest of the way, I think we’ll do some damage in the I-8 despite starting off 0-2.”

Plano is 2-0 overall and 0-0 in the Interstate Eight Small Division, while Sandwich is 0-2 overall and 0-0 in the I-8 Large grouping.

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