By Francisco Avila- Photos by Eileen Copenhaver
**Additional Photos are Available for Purchase at https://justallsports.zenfolio.com/p1036346827 **
MOKENA— Any team can find ways to win in sports, whether it is making a winning touchdown, playing strong defense, or a crucial fumble recovery. But doing so under difficult weather conditions, on top of the normal challenges that come with a game, is what truly tests a team.
The Illinois Jr. Celtics 8U Red embraced that challenge, battling through rainy conditions to defeat the Algonquin Argonauts 24-7.
Illinois Jr. Celtics 8U Red head coach Matt Cesek pointed to the strength his team showed, particularly from the offensive line, while navigating the difficult conditions.
“Yeah, we were both undefeated teams going into this game. Our boys knew what it was gonna take to make the win happen. I want to thank my offensive linemen, Big Bennett Thompson, Anderson Tiwald, Knox Kucala, Patrick Holis, etc. Those guys are the heart and soul of the football team. In the end, it came down to our wet game, and I’m glad we came out with the victory.”
The Jr Celtics opened the game with an aggressive offensive approach.
Logan Cesek got the scoring started with a strong touchdown run, and Mezzo Funk converted the extra point to give the Jr Celtics a 7-0 lead.
Cesek spoke about what he saw on his touchdown run.
“We had some good blocks and I saw like the outside was wide so I went down there, and then I think someone tried to pull me backwards when I spin and then I kind of turned around and ran.”
The Argonauts quickly responded with a touchdown of their own and converted the extra point to tie the game at 7-7.
The Jr Celtics answered soon after, as Liam Adent found the end zone and Funk converted another extra point to put the Jr Celtics back in front, 14-7.
The Jr Celtics continued to apply pressure offensively while remaining strong on defense.
Ronan Gleason and Cooper Pell provided strong tackles to keep the Argonauts from gaining momentum.
As the first quarter began winding down, a fumble gave the Argonauts possession, but the Jr Celtics defense held firm and forced a turnover on downs, giving the offense another opportunity.
Logan Cesek immediately took advantage, producing a 20-yard run to pick up a Jr Celtics first down.
The Jr Celtics continued pushing forward, and Cesek later connected with Mack Dillon for a 30-yard touchdown to extend the lead to 22-7. Funk followed with his third successful extra point of the game, giving the Jr Celtics a 24-7 advantage.
Coach Cesek applauded Funk’s performance and all-around contributions.
“Mezzo is a special kid. His kicking is something that not any eight-year-old players are doing. So, he brings that strong skill set, he plays, runs the ball and plays defense. So he’s an all-around player, and very helpful for the team.”
The second quarter continued to showcase the Jr Celtics’ defensive toughness.
Mack Dillon, Adent, Ryan Sanders, Henry Gloster, and Funk all contributed with strong tackles as the Jr Celtics continued to frustrate the Argonauts’ offense and eventually forced another turnover on downs.
The Jr Celtics then returned to offense, with Cesek picking up five yards before Funk followed with another positive run.
Adent continued moving the ball forward with a nine-yard gain to pick up another first down.
As the half approached its conclusion, Adent and Cesek continued pushing the ball downfield. Cesek eventually brought the ball to the 30-yard line, but the Jr Celtics were unable to add to their lead before halftime, taking a 24-7 advantage into the break.
Coach Cesek pointed to his team’s ability to handle the rain while remaining effective on both sides of the ball.
“It was kind of a tough first half with the rain, but also it was kind of back and forth with the score and the touchdowns. But they played a great first half, even our kicker Mezzo, three for three, to put us up 24-7. Our defense is relentless. I just think that, with the combination of players we have on the team, putting it all together just makes it special.”
The Jr Celtics carried that defensive intensity into the second half.
Dillon, Gleason, and Gloster opened the third quarter with strong tackles, while Sanders later delivered a big hit that energized the Jr Celtics’ sideline and kept the momentum in their favor.
Sanders, Adent, and Dillon continued to make plays defensively as the Jr Celtics held the Argonauts scoreless throughout the quarter and maintained their 24-7 advantage.
The Jr Celtics opened the fourth quarter on offense and quickly moved the chains.
Cesek continued to push the ball forward with a 13-yard gain for another Jr Celtics first down.
Following a penalty that moved the Jr Celtics back, Funk responded with a positive three-yard gain. Cesek and Adent then continued working to move the ball downfield.
As the fourth quarter progressed, however, multiple penalties slowed the Jr Celtics’ offensive momentum and repeatedly pushed them backward.
With the game winding down, a fumble gave the Argonauts possession and provided them with one final opportunity to generate momentum.
The Jr Celtics defense once again stood firm, preventing the Argonauts from making a late push and closing out the 24-7 victory.
Coach Cesek credited the defensive line and secondary for helping secure the win while looking ahead to the postseason.
“Our defensive line came through and made some big tackles. Ryan Sanders, Jackson Baker and Ronan Gleason were a big part of that, and our secondary was just as good. We’re very happy with the defense, and now we’re looking to move forward and hopefully get into the playoffs.”
With the victory, the Jr Celtics received contributions from multiple players on both sides of the ball, including Blake Borus, Leo Sweis, Spike Stambaugh, Gavin Poulos, Cooper Pell, Bash Kouba, Jackson Baker, Kelab Cloutier, Fitz Blythe, Cameron Susay, and Leo Christou.
