Illinois Valley Central Overcomes Rock Falls in Second Half Surge

In a dramatic turnaround, Illinois Valley Central (IVC) defeated Rock Falls 28-0 on October 13, 2023, following a strong defensive performance and a dominant second half. After a scoreless first half, IVC took control with four touchdowns, showcasing their ability to capitalize on opportunities while Rock Falls struggled to convert their early advantages.

Rock Falls initially held the upper hand, dominating time of possession for over 18 minutes in the first half. Their offense moved the ball effectively, driving 50 yards in 7:40 on their opening series, but ultimately turned the ball over on downs at the IVC 10-yard line.

Despite the early success, Rock Falls was unable to find the end zone, which proved costly. “It very much felt like we had that momentum, and we were having success,” said Rock Falls’ Phillip Griffith Jr. “Then we’d get down to the 20-yard line, and it’s like we felt satisfied – which we can’t do.”

IVC’s Resilient Second Half Performance

The Grey Ghosts emerged from halftime rejuvenated, scoring on their first drive of the third quarter. Quarterback Keegan Schol capped a 54-yard drive with a 4-yard touchdown run, giving IVC a lead they would not relinquish.

Following a quick three-and-out from Rock Falls, running back Sawyer Ellenwood electrified the field with an 84-yard touchdown sprint, extending IVC’s lead to 14-0. Ellenwood, who finished the game with 175 rushing yards, credited his offensive line for their performance. “When those guys up front get me to the second level, I’ve got those burners and I can get it going,” he said.

The momentum continued to swing in IVC’s favor as Schol executed a crucial 21-yard run on a fourth-and-12 play, leading to another touchdown just moments later. This marked a significant shift from the first half, where IVC had fumbled a snap at the 1-yard line.

IVC’s defense also played a pivotal role, forcing Rock Falls into critical mistakes. After recovering a fumble, Schol and Ellenwood orchestrated another swift score, with Ellenwood sprinting 43 yards for a touchdown.

Rock Falls’ Missed Opportunities

Despite their solid start, Rock Falls’ inability to finish drives plagued them throughout the game. The Rockets managed a balanced rushing attack in the first half, with contributions from Logan Thome (55 yards), Phillip Griffith Jr. (53 yards), and Zachary Walker (46 yards). However, they could not convert their momentum into points.

The second half saw a stark drop in performance, as Rock Falls averaged just 2.5 yards per carry compared to 4.6 in the first half. This decline limited their ability to sustain drives, despite maintaining a five-minute edge in time of possession.

“It definitely felt like we had something working early on,” Walker noted. “We just couldn’t execute at the end of drives. It’s something we have to work on.”

Illinois Valley Central finished the game with a total of 344 yards, including 275 on the ground. The Grey Ghosts’ ability to adapt and improve after halftime stands in stark contrast to Rock Falls, who are still searching for their first win of the season, now sitting at 0-7.

The match at Hinders Field showcased the resilience of IVC, while Rock Falls must regroup and address their offensive shortcomings as they move forward in the season.