Crete-Monee Triumphs Over Kankakee to Secure Southland Title

The Crete-Monee Warriors clinched the Southland Athletic Conference title on November 3, 2023, defeating the Kankakee Kays 27-14. The Warriors demonstrated a strong performance, scoring the first four touchdowns of the game and withstanding a late comeback attempt by Kankakee.

Junior quarterback Derrin Couch connected for three touchdown passes, including a key 18-yard pass to Dorian Patterson late in the third quarter. The victory marked a significant turnaround for Crete-Monee, which started the season with two losses but ended with a flourish, winning seven consecutive games to finish at 7-2 overall and 6-0 in the conference.

The match began with a quick strike from the Warriors. Jeremiah Stonewall opened the scoring with a 25-yard touchdown catch from Couch just over five minutes into the game. The Warriors extended their lead to 13-0 by halftime thanks to a 9-yard touchdown run by Trevon Williams with five minutes remaining in the second quarter.

Kankakee faced adversity as star player Cedric Terrell III left the game early due to an injury. Junior quarterback Phillip Turner also exited the field with a hand injury shortly thereafter. Despite Terrell returning to play in the second half, the Kays struggled to find their rhythm.

Kankakee’s head coach Ed Hazelett described the team’s difficulties as akin to “quicksand,” noting that the series of injuries and penalties—16 in total for 151 yards—hampered their performance.

The Warriors pushed their lead further when Couch found Patterson again, this time for an 18-yard touchdown late in the third quarter. Couch capped off his impressive night with a final touchdown pass to D’arion Yarbrough for 8 yards, leaving the score at 27-0 with just under five minutes remaining.

Kankakee finally got on the board when sophomore Zyair Turner returned the ensuing kickoff 63 yards for a touchdown. Moments later, the Kays recovered an onside kick, allowing Terrell to connect with Ezekiel Sherrod for a 21-yard touchdown pass.

The Kays attempted to mount a comeback, but Terrell’s pass was intercepted in the end zone by Jayden Marshall, sealing the victory for Crete-Monee.

Couch finished the night with 12 completions on 20 attempts for 136 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. Patterson was a standout receiver, recording seven catches for 63 yards and contributing on defense with an interception.

Looking ahead, Hazelett expressed confidence in his team’s ability to quickly recover as they prepare for the upcoming IHSA Class 5A playoffs, marking their sixth consecutive trip to the postseason. “It’s got to be a quick turnaround,” he stated, emphasizing the need for the Kays to focus on their next opponent.

For the Warriors, head coach John Konecki was proud of his team’s resilience. “The game’s not over until the game’s over,” he remarked, highlighting the importance of maintaining focus throughout the match. With the Southland title back in their possession, Crete-Monee aims to continue their momentum into the playoffs.