Spartans Running Backs And Defense Smother Morris to Clinch Kishwaukee River/Interstate 8 White

For the second consecutive year, Morris and Sycamore would battle it out for the Kishwaukee River/Interstate 8 White Conference Championship. Last season the two teams met in Morris, and Morris defeated the Spartans 28-21.

This time around, the showdown took place in Sycamore, and the Spartans took advantage of the home cooking; shutting out Morris 28-0 to clinch the conference title. After the two defenses went back and forth throughout the first quarter, senior running back Zack Crawford broke the ice with his first of two touchdown runs with 26.7 seconds left in the first quarter. He added his second rushing touchdown to close out the first half, putting the Spartans up 21-0 at the time.

The Spartans running backs had a great night collectively. The aforementioned Zack Crawford had 8 carries for 55 yards, and the formerly mentioned 2 touchdowns. Junior Tyler Curtis had the busiest night in the backfield with 19 carries for 78 yards, and caught one pass for 9 yards. Senior Joey Puleo had 8 carries for 36 yards, caught 2 passes for 21 yards, and had an interception on defense. Dawson Alexander had 8 carries for 48 yards and had the only touchdown in the second half.

Defensively, the Spartans forced Morris quarterback Carter Button to turn the ball over three times (1 interception, 2 fumbles), and Morris' offense couldn't get into a consistent rhythm. Button went 8/20 for 43 yards.

Spartans quarterback Elijah Meier went 5/10 for 101 yards, including a 36 yard pass to Burke Gautcher, and a 35 yard pass to Addison Peck.

Sycamore (9-0, 6-0 KR/I8 White) and Morris (7-2, 5-1 KR/I8 White) are both in the driver's seat to clinch a first round home playoff game.