Your NUIC Football Week 2 Recap

By Al Zipsie

Forreston still may defend its Class 1A football championship in November.

No doubt the Cardinals are still a strong team. However, Lena-Winslow proved they will also be in contention for a state title as they came up with a come from behind 28-14 victory on the road at Forreston Friday. None of the NUIC ten media panel had taken Lena-Winslow ranked third in the AP State Poll to beat Forreston who was top ranked. This week's AP ratings will be interesting. Tuscola was between the two teams at No 2.

Forreston took a 14-6 lead in the third quarter and clung to a 14-12 lead going into the final quarter. Lena-Winslow then took the lead for good with 4:19 left in the game. The Panthers tacked on a late touchdown to seal the win and cap off a run of 22 unanswered points. Ty Chrisman hooked up with Issiah Bruce for a 46-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter for a 6-0 Lena-Winslow lead. However, the Cards Gavin Fuchs answered with a 81-yard kickoff return to tie the score at six where it remained at halftime. Star running back Rahveon Valentine led Lena-Winslow with 209 yards rushing and a pair of touchdowns. The Panthers stepped up big on defense in a battle with the explosive offense of Forreston. If they do meet again this year it would be a classic in the playoffs.

The Panthers had played Forreston close last year in the regular season but were blown out by them in the playoffs. For Forreston, they have to turn around and play Dakota next Friday. The Indians are 2-0 after whipping Ashton/Franklin Center 47-6 in a crossover game. Dakota could move into the 1A top ten. Other NUIC teams ranked are E/PC fifth and Aquin at No 10.

In other Northwest games, West Carroll blanked Durand/Pecatonica 44-0. East Dubuque defeated Galena 25-7 and E/PC whipped Amboy/LaMoille 40-0. Jarrod Kempel in the win had three touchdowns and rushed for 184 yards.

In the Upstate a tight match up was expected with Polo and Milledgeville. And it was as the Missiles went to 2-0 edging the Marcos 14-6. Orangeville notched their first win turning back River Ridge 26-8. Aquin beat Warren 35-8 as the teams agreed to a running clock in the second half. Keegan Koester had 121 yards rushing on only six carries including an 83 yard TD run.

In a non-conference game, Stockton was beaten by Ottawa Marquette, ranked seventh in 1A, 35-16.

NUIC Stateline Sports Hub Rankings after week 2.