Sandwich defies odds to beat No. 4 seed Durand-Pecatonica 29-20

SANDBOROUGH, ILL. Sandwich football players arrived at Pecatonica High School on Saturday with a 1% chance of winning according to an Instagram prediction. The Indians left with a 29-20 victory over the No. 4 seed Durand-Pecatonica, securing a spot in the second round of the Class 3A playoffs.

This win marks the fourth time in school history that Sandwich has advanced past the first round. The team enters the second round with a 7-4 record. They will travel next week to face 12th-seeded Chicago Hope Academy, which defeated Bishop McNamara 36-13 on Friday.

Wyatt Gregory, a senior, anchored the Sandwich defense with eight tackles, including one for loss. He also gained 119 yards on 18 carries. In the late fourth quarter, Gregory ran 35 yards for a touchdown. Quarterback Cash White followed with a two-point conversion, making the score 27-20 with 4:11 remaining.

White, who also plays linebacker, recorded seven tackles in the game. He directed the offense and defense with specific instructions during key moments. Before the final possession, he told coach Jason Van Pelt that he would attempt to convert on fourth down. White successfully gained the needed yardage to seal the win.

The Indians took the lead early in the third quarter. White scored on a one-yard run, and Gregory added two points on the conversion. The score became 21-14. Durand-Pecatonica responded with a three-yard rushing touchdown by Blake Scroggins. The Rivermen attempted a two-point conversion but failed to secure the catch.

Anthony Wade made an immediate impact after Durand-Pecatonica scored the first touchdown. Wade returned the ensuing kickoff 80 yards for a touchdown. This was his second kick-return score in two weeks. The Indians then forced a turnover on downs and drove for a touchdown on their next possession.

Chase Clark finished with 51 yards on 14 carries and scored on a three-yard run. Durand-Pecatonica regained the lead on a 10-yard pass from Blake Scroggins to Cooper Hamilton. Hamilton finished the game with five catches for 84 yards and a touchdown. Jonny Fritzel led all rushers with 162 yards on 21 carries.

Coach Van Pelt told his team during halftime that their will would determine the outcome. He emphasized that the opening minutes of the second half would be critical. The Indians executed their plan by scoring on their first drive of the second half. Van Pelt credited his players with winning the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball.

Durand-Pecatonica coach Kyle DeMus noted that Sandwich won the battles in the trenches. He observed that the Indians controlled the line of scrimmage, which is often a recipe for success in October and November football. Sandwich lost the total yardage battle 356-255 but won the positional battles that decided the game.

The Indians' deepest postseason run dates back to 2010, when they reached the Class 4A semifinals. That team lost to Alleman 19-0. The current roster is confident in its ability to compete in the bracket. Players stated that they ignore external doubts and focus on their own preparation and execution.