SOUTH BELOIT — The South Beloit football team improved to a remarkable 7-0 on Friday night after a decisive 38-8 victory against Madison Abundant Life/St. Ambrose. Despite the lopsided score, head coach Josh Redieske expressed dissatisfaction with his team’s performance, citing the absence of the opposing team’s top quarterback and running back as a factor. “They didn’t have their top quarterback or running back, yet they always seem to play us really well,” Redieske noted after the game.
The Challengers initially surprised South Beloit by taking an early 8-0 lead, scoring on their first possession with a 47-yard pass. Redieske acknowledged the need to review the defensive lapses that allowed this play but praised his team’s resilience. “Our defense really stepped up after that,” he remarked, highlighting how they held the Challengers to no further points for the remainder of the game.
South Beloit relied on a robust ground game, accumulating 239 yards and five touchdowns. The team used three quarterbacks, who collectively completed 3-of-15 passes for 82 yards with one interception. However, the success on the ground negated the need for a sharp passing performance. Junior Chase Harrington led the rushing attack with 101 yards on 13 carries, including one touchdown. Cameron Meister showcased his speed, gaining 72 yards on just four carries and scoring a touchdown, while Jaycee Schober contributed significantly with 32 yards and two touchdowns.
Defensive Dominance and Strategic Playcalling
Redieske opted for a strategy focused on running plays, particularly given the homecoming atmosphere. He commented, “I wasn’t sure if I should try to wake up our passing game for next week or just win the game and get out of here.” The team quickly executed a 61-yard drive in just three plays to open the game, with Harrington scoring on a 28-yard run. Quarterback Landen Reed converted the extra point after scooping up a bad snap.
Madison Abundant Life/St. Ambrose attempted a risky fourth-down conversion early in the game, which was thwarted by South Beloit. This led to Meister scoring on the next play to give South Beloit a 16-8 lead. The Challengers again gambled on fourth down later in the first half, resulting in another turnover. Following the turnover, A.J. Gibson raced for a 13-yard touchdown, pushing the lead to 24-8.
The home side continued to apply pressure, with Reed’s interception setting up a short field at the Challengers’ 17-yard line. Despite a penalty that threatened the drive, Reed found Kaden Cook for an 18-yard completion, allowing Schober to score from two yards out for a 30-8 lead.
The defense shone throughout the match, with Zane Hagstrom, focusing on safety, making significant contributions including a second interception that allowed Schober to score again on a 1-yard dive. Backup quarterback Gage Pasiecznik completed a two-point conversion pass to Meister, solidifying the final score at 38-8.
Redieske highlighted the standout performances of his players, particularly emphasizing Schober’s impactful play. “Jaycee really brings the heat. If you hear a hard hit out there, it’s probably Jaycee,” Redieske stated.
As the season progresses, South Beloit remains a formidable force, currently ranked No. 4 in the Illinois Eight-man football standings. The combination of a powerful ground game and a resilient defense suggests that this team’s quest for an undefeated season is well within reach.
