Illinois Valley Central Dominates Second Half for 28-0 Win

In a decisive turnaround, Illinois Valley Central (IVC) secured a 28-0 victory over Rock Falls on October 20, 2023, at Hinders Field. After a scoreless first half, IVC capitalized on Rock Falls’ inability to convert scoring opportunities, delivering a strong performance in the second half.

Rock Falls initially controlled the game, holding the ball for over 18 minutes in the first half. However, despite multiple opportunities, they struggled to finish drives. “We need to be satisfied once we finish off drives and find the end zone,” said Rock Falls’ Phillip Griffith Jr.

The second half marked a significant shift in momentum. IVC opened the third quarter with a 54-yard drive, culminating in a 4-yard touchdown run by quarterback Keegan Schol. Following a quick three-and-out from Rock Falls, running back Sawyer Ellenwood made a stunning 84-yard sprint around the right end, doubling IVC’s lead.

Ellenwood, who amassed 158 of his total 175 rushing yards in the second half, reflected on the team’s performance. “When those guys up front get me to the second level, I’ve got those burners and I can get it going,” he stated. IVC’s strategy appeared simplified in the second half, allowing players to focus on their roles more effectively.

Despite Rock Falls’ early dominance, IVC quickly regained control. After a turnover on downs by Rock Falls, Schol executed a 21-yard run on fourth-and-12, positioning IVC at the 1-yard line. He scored on the next play, illustrating the stark contrast to the first half, where IVC had previously fumbled a snap at the same distance.

The first half showcased Rock Falls’ ability to sustain drives, yet their execution faltered when it mattered most. They advanced to the IVC 10-yard line on their opening drive but failed to score after turning the ball over on downs. A subsequent fake punt attempt also fell flat, contributing to their struggles.

Griffith highlighted the team’s initial success and subsequent decline: “It very much felt like we had that momentum… then we’d get down to the 20-yard line, and it’s like we felt satisfied.” The Rockets’ ground game was led by Logan Thome (55 yards), Griffith (53 yards), and Zachary Walker (46 yards). Unfortunately, Thome did not return for the second half due to an injury.

Despite averaging 4.6 yards per carry in the first half, Rock Falls managed only 2.5 yards per carry in the second half. Their time of possession remained slightly in their favor, but they failed to sustain drives against IVC’s renewed energy.

Defensively, Rock Falls had initially limited IVC to just 104 yards in the first half. However, the Grey Ghosts finished the game with a total of 344 yards, including 275 rushing yards, highlighting their shift in momentum and strategy.

As the game progressed, IVC capitalized on another Rock Falls fumble, leading to a quick 43-yard touchdown run from Ellenwood. The Grey Ghosts effectively turned the tables after a challenging first half, demonstrating resilience and teamwork that ultimately secured their victory.

With this win, IVC improved to 1-6, while Rock Falls fell to 0-7, continuing to seek their first victory of the season. The contrast between the two halves serves as a reminder of the importance of execution in football, where the ability to finish drives can dictate the outcome of the game.