Grenadiers Clinch First Playoff Spot Since 2013; beat up Mustangs 41-21

Elk Grove and Rolling Meadows faced off in Rolling Meadows Friday night. The Grenadiers came in to the game at 5-1 and were looking to beat the Mustangs and clinch a playoff berth for the first time since 2013. They would accomplish both in dominating fashion.

The Grenadiers put together and 8 play drive to open the game that was capped off by quarterback Mitch Janczak's first of three touchdown runs. The senior scored from 8, 7, and 10 yards out.

Rolling Meadows' first drive stalled after a promising start, and things spiraled for them from there. The Grenadiers scored on their next drive thanks to an 18 yard run by Dylan Berkowitz (8 carries, 83 yards, TD, 2 rec, 53 yards). Then Mustangs quarterback Evan Grace threw an interception that went off a receiver's hands, and in to the hands of Owen Davenport. Moments later Jacob Elsner (13 carries, 100 yards, TD) scored from 2 yards out. The Grenadiers lead 20-0 after 1 quarter.

Grenadiers junior receiver Lucas Rogers had quite a first half. He was the primary target for Janczak, catching 5 passes for 72 yards. On defense he had the last two interceptions thrown by Grace, the second of which off of another Mustang receiver.

The Mustangs got on the scoreboard with 2:56 left in the first half. Evan Grace (27/43, 272 yards, 2 TD, 3 Int) threw a 24 yard pass to Ben Petermann (6 rec, 62 yards, TD), but the Mustangs still trailed 34-7 at halftime. The Grenadiers finished off the Mustangs 41-21. Mitch Janczak went 7/12 for 125 yards, and had 16 carries for 73 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Jimmy Cox and Stephen Schiele were two other contributors for the Mustangs. Cox caught 6 passes for 93 yards, and Schiele caught 10 passes for 72 yards and a touchdown. Despite their struggles, Mustangs sophomore Peyton Wiles had 2 sacks on defense, and 2 catches for 6 yards on offense.

Elk Grove (6-1, 2-1 MSL East) will host Hersey (7-0, 3-0 MSL East) next Friday night, and Rolling Meadows (4-3, 1-2 MSL East) will be at Buffalo Grove (3-4, 1-2 MSL East).