Crete-Monee Defeats Kankakee 27-14 to Secure Southland Title

UPDATE: Crete-Monee has just clinched the Southland Athletic Conference title with a decisive 27-14 victory over Kankakee, marking a significant comeback after a challenging start to the season. The game, held on July 15, 2023, at Kankakee, saw the Warriors dominate early, scoring the first four touchdowns and stifling Kankakee’s potent offense.

Dorian Patterson, a key player for the Warriors, caught one of three touchdown passes from quarterback Derrin Couch. “We just hold each other accountable,” Patterson stated. “This year it meant a lot because I love these boys.” His passion was evident as the Warriors ended the regular season with a strong seven-game winning streak, rebounding from an 0-2 start.

The Warriors (7-2, 6-0 Southland) took control early with junior running back Jeremiah Stonewall scoring on a 25-yard touchdown catch just over five minutes into the game. They extended their lead to 13-0 by halftime when Trevon Williams scampered for a 9-yard touchdown.

Kankakee (6-3, 5-1) faced significant challenges, including injuries to star players. After senior Cedric Terrell III went down early, junior quarterback Phillip Turner also exited due to a hand injury. Despite these setbacks, Kankakee rallied late in the game, with a 63-yard kickoff return touchdown from Zyair Turner and a subsequent touchdown pass from Terrell III to Ezekiel Sherrod.

However, the Warriors’ defense remained resolute, and an interception in the end zone by Jayden Marshall sealed the victory. “The game’s not over until the game’s over,” said Warriors head coach John Konecki. “Hat’s off to the Kays. They were the conference champions and weren’t going to give it up.”

Couch finished the night with 12 completions on 20 attempts, totaling 136 yards and three touchdowns, while Patterson recorded seven receptions for 63 yards and an interception on defense. Despite their defeat, Kankakee’s head coach Ed Hazelett remains optimistic as the team prepares for their upcoming playoff run, their program-record sixth consecutive playoff appearance.

“We have to have a quick turnaround,” Hazelett said. “Tomorrow we’ll find out who we play and have to start preparing for them.”

As both teams now transition to the playoffs, all eyes will be on the Warriors as they aim to ride this momentum forward. Stay tuned for updates on the playoffs as they unfold.