Bolingbrook rolls over L-W Central, clinches playoff spot
By Tina Akouris takouris@suntimes.com October 13, 2012 12:18AM
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Updated: November 15, 2012 6:33AM
Bolingbrook looked like the Raiders of old in a 40-7 victory over visiting Lincoln-Way Central on Friday in a SouthWest Suburban Blue contest.
Bolingbrook quarterback Aaron Bailey, who had missed the last two games because of a right knee sprain, sat out again and gave way to sophomore Quincy Woods. Bailey was injured against Lincoln-Way East on the game’s second play from scrimmage.
Woods wasn’t afraid to take matters into his own hands and rushed for 103 yards, including a 16-yard touchdown run at the 8:29 mark of the second quarter. Woods also scored on the ensuing two-point conversion, giving the Raiders a 14-6 advantage.
For the game, Woods finished with two touchdowns and two two-point conversion completions.
“I’ve tried to step up for him and he’s a great player,” said Woods, who took over for Bailey when the Illinois recruit got hurt against Lincoln-Way East. “I feel good and every day I get more comfortable.
“This week we had great practices and our offensive line was going to step up because they didn’t like what they did last week (losing to Sandburg in overtime).”
Lincoln-Way Central (3-5, 2-4) put its offense in the hands of sophomore running back Sean Studer, who ran every play of the first half but five.
Studer scored on a 6-yard run to put the Knights ahead 6-0 early in the first quarter and ended the first half with 61 yards on 12 carries. For the game, Studer had 80 yards on 20 carries.
And ironically, Lincoln-Way Central was using its backup quarterback as well in Jeremy Wilson. Regular starter Cale Hayes was out with an undisclosed injury.
No. 4 Bolingbrook (6-2, 4-2) clinched a playoff berth with the victory, earning the chance to defend its Class 8A state championship and snapping a two-game losing streak.
“That was our goal,” Woods said. “We knew if we beat them, we’d knock them out and if we won we’d get that playoff berth. This is great and you never want to lose two games in a row and definitely not three.”
Woods said if Bailey isn’t ready for the Raiders’ first playoff game, he will gladly take over.
“I’m only a sophomore and he’s a senior and he teaches me things,” Woods said. “If I have to step in, I’m ready to do it.”
Lincoln-Way Central didn’t succeed in trying to get an at-large playoff bid. The Knights needed to win their last two games of the season.
Bolingbook scored with 6:44 to play in the game when Jaden Huff sprinted downfield for a 41-yard touchdown run.
The Raiders ended the onslaught with a 19-yard run by Omar Stover with 2:37 to play in the game, giving Bolingbrook a 40-7 lead. Stover took a pitch from Woods and weaved through traffic on the left side and into the end zone for the Raiders’ final score.
Defensive back Greg Amos had two interceptions for the Raiders.
Bolingbrook running back John Hall scored the Raiders’ first touchdown of the game, a 6-yard run at the 7:11 mark of the first quarter.
