Marengo Rallies Late to Edge Woodstock North 14-13 in KRC Opener

UPDATE: In a thrilling showdown, the Marengo football team surged back to defeat Woodstock North 14-13 on Friday night, September 15, 2023, in their Kishwaukee River Conference opener. The Indians, eager to avenge last year’s losses to both Peotone and Woodstock North, showcased resilience and determination in front of their home crowd in Marengo.

The visiting Thunder jumped out to a commanding start, scoring quickly on their opening drive. Senior fullback David Randecker powered through for an 18-yard touchdown, putting North ahead 7-0. Just moments later, the Thunder struck again; quarterback Braelan Creighton connected with Brady Rogers for a stunning 57-yard touchdown pass, extending the lead to 13-0.

Despite the early pressure, Marengo’s defense tightened as the game progressed. Senior Cooper Lopez intercepted a pass, and Connor Sacco recovered a fumble, setting the stage for a comeback. Marengo’s quarterback Sam Vandello found wide receiver Park Mandelky for a critical 9-yard touchdown pass, bringing the score to 13-7 before halftime.

“We took advantage of some opportunities,” Vandello stated. “I love our running backs. They run their hearts out.” Vandello ended the night with 147 yards on 12-of-22 passing.

The second half saw Marengo capitalize on their momentum. They methodically marched downfield, covering 77 yards in just nine plays. Senior running back Gavin Baros capped off the drive with a 4-yard touchdown run, giving the Indians their first lead of the night at 14-13.

Baros expressed pride in the team’s relentless spirit, stating, “We never give up, that’s one of the things we take pride in.” He finished with 73 rushing yards on 20 carries.

Marengo coach Paul Forsythe praised his team’s overall performance: “I’m really proud of the way the guys played tonight. For our defense to hold them to 13 points is awesome.”

With this victory, Marengo improves to 3-0 overall and 1-0 in the Kishwaukee River Conference, setting a promising tone for the rest of the season. The Indians look to maintain their momentum as they prepare for their upcoming games.

As the excitement continues, fans and players alike are eager to see if Marengo can sustain this winning streak. Stay tuned for further updates on their journey through the season.