Wheaton North’s Max Serbick Rushes for 308 Yards, 3 TDs in Win

UPDATE: In a stunning display of athleticism, Max Serbick led Wheaton North to a thrilling 30-20 victory over Lake Park on September 15, 2023, at Rexilius Field. Serbick rushed for an impressive 308 yards and scored three touchdowns, proving to be the game-changer in this exciting start to DuKane Conference play.

With the team’s starting quarterback, Jake Johnson, sidelined due to injury, Serbick stepped up magnificently, carrying the ball a staggering 48 times. “I mean, I was just ready to step up,” Serbick stated post-game. “I was ready to lead the team. I was ready to take them on my back.” His determination resonated throughout the field as he pushed through the game’s challenges.

The first quarter saw neither team score, but it was George Tzamouranis of Lake Park who broke the silence, executing a masterful drive to put the Lancers ahead with a touchdown. However, Serbick quickly responded, tying the game with a 19-yard touchdown on the first play of the second quarter. Just three minutes later, he found the end zone again, showcasing his relentless drive and prowess on the field.

The momentum shifted back to Lake Park when a fumbled exchange by Wheaton North allowed Brady Sierra to recover for the Lancers, leading to a Joey Michelini 2-yard touchdown run, pushing Lake Park ahead 14-13 before halftime. But the Falcons were not deterred. They retaliated with a fast-paced offensive drive, culminating in a field goal by Ryan Chrusciel, giving them a 16-14 lead at the break.

Wheaton North returned to their power-running strategy in the second half, with Serbick dominating carries and finishing off a lengthy drive with a 21-yard touchdown. His performance was so impactful that coach Joe Wardynski remarked, “(Max) was having such a productive night out there, it’s hard to take the ball out of his hands.”

Lake Park fought back with a Kendan Ratini 1-yard touchdown run, narrowing the gap to 23-20. But Wheaton North sealed the deal with a fourth-quarter 20-yard touchdown pass from Burke Neibch to Tyler Kading, putting them firmly in control. With strong defensive plays, the Falcons snuffed out Lake Park’s hopes, forcing a turnover on downs.

“This was a classic DuKane game,” said Lake Park coach Chris Kirkpatrick, acknowledging the fierce competition. “It was kind of power football vs. power football, and they came out on top.”

As Wheaton North moves to 2-1 overall and 1-0 in the conference, all eyes will be on Serbick as he continues to lead his team. Fans will be eager to see what he accomplishes next as the season progresses. Stay tuned for further updates on this thrilling high school football season.