Bureau Valley Football Team Falls to Illini West in Homecoming Clash

The Bureau Valley football team faced a dramatic final minute during their Homecoming game on October 6, 2023, ultimately falling to Illini West with a score of 28-20. The match took place in Manlius and featured a whirlwind of events that left players and fans on the edge of their seats.

With less than a minute remaining in the game, Bureau Valley managed to score a game-tying touchdown, only to be thwarted on a critical two-point conversion attempt. Just moments later, Illini West’s senior running back, Isaiah Knotts, executed a stunning 70-yard touchdown run, sealing Bureau Valley’s fate. Head coach Patrick Elder expressed disappointment but acknowledged the excitement that comes with high school football. “Games like this are why you play and what makes it fun,” he said.

For most of the game, Bureau Valley (1-6, 1-4) found themselves trailing. However, they displayed resilience and determination, managing to equalize late in the fourth quarter. The pivotal drive featured two successful fourth-down conversions, including a key 10-yard run by junior running back Dane Stewart that set up a first-and-goal situation. Stewart then scored a 2-yard touchdown, bringing the score to 20-20 with just 59.5 seconds left.

Elder highlighted the significance of the drive, stating, “That was a character drive and a big score for our kids.” Unfortunately for Bureau Valley, their attempt to take the lead fell short when Stewart was stopped just a yard shy during the two-point conversion. Elder noted that similar conversion struggles have impacted the team in recent games, saying, “We’ve lost in the conversion game the last two weeks, and it hurt us again tonight.”

Illini West (3-4, 2-4) regained possession with 53 seconds left. On second down from their own 30-yard line, Knotts broke free, sprinting along the edge to score the decisive touchdown, pushing Illini West ahead 28-20. “Explosive plays are a big deal, and unfortunately, they had a few,” Elder remarked, referring to Knotts’ significant contributions throughout the game.

Despite the defeat, Elder praised the progress his team has made. “Even though we fell, we’re a completely different football team than we were a month ago,” he stated. “Our improvement on both sides of the ball is leaps and bounds better than it was a few weeks ago.”

The game began with Illini West taking an early lead when Knotts scored on a 45-yard run, putting them ahead 8-0. Bureau Valley responded in the second quarter with a 6-yard touchdown run from Stewart, narrowing the gap to 8-6 after a failed two-point conversion. Just before halftime, Illini West extended their lead with a 5-yard touchdown pass from sophomore quarterback Liam Murphy to sophomore Caleb Schreacke, making it 14-6 at the break.

Following a scoreless third quarter, Bureau Valley’s sophomore running back Keenyn Richter scored on a 6-yard run, and a trick play involving a backward lob from junior quarterback Aiden Litherland to senior Brandon Carrington successfully tied the game at 14 with 11:31 remaining. Illini West quickly countered, with Knotts scoring again on a 1-yard run shortly thereafter, setting the stage for the thrilling conclusion.

In a game marked by dynamic plays and emotional highs and lows, Bureau Valley’s Stewart finished with 62 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Richter contributed 66 rushing yards and a touchdown as well, while Litherland completed 5 of 8 passes for 44 yards. Knotts emerged as the standout player for Illini West, accumulating 165 rushing yards and three touchdowns.

Bureau Valley will seek to bounce back next week as they prepare to face West Hancock (4-3, 3-3) in another crucial matchup.