Panthers grab dramatic win in OT

Prinzing catches winning TD pass on fourth down

As the postgame fireworks display erupted over the soggy, torn-up field of grass at Plainfield Central, it mirrored explosive reactions from both Oswego and Plainfield Central as a final touchdown signaled an end to an emotional, physical battle between the Southwest Prairie Conference schools.

Panthers quarterback Ryan West found running back Ryan Prinzing in the back of the end zone for the -winning touchdown on a fourth-and-goal play from the 5-yard line in double overtime. Oswego's dramatic 27-24 victory kept them undefeated in the conference (5-0) while improving to 6-1 overall.

The Wildcats, down for most of the game, took their first lead at 24-21 and appeared ready to head to a third overtime before Oswego coach Dave Keely chose to go for the win rather than the field goal and tie.

"Definitely an emotional roller coaster," Keely said. "I had enough confidence in the kids — the footing was getting bad on that end — our quarterback came through and Prinzing made a great catch."

West, who did not have the best of nights passing, kept the Wildcats in the game with a few untimely sacks and interceptions on the wrong side of the field. But when it mattered most, he did what he needed to do.

"He's very resilient for a sophomore," Keely said. "We haven't seen anything faze him yet as far as having enough moxie to help us win. This is where we want to be."

The win was ugly, but the Panthers were jubilant after taking the best punches Plainfield Central could land.

"We have to play all four quarters tough, hard-nosed," West said. "If we can do that, we can make it deep in the playoffs. This feels great. I have to thank my line for the job they did down the stretch, and my wideouts found their way to the ball. Tonight we proved a lot, but we have to come back next week ready for Minooka."

Down 14-7, Plainfield Central quarterback Zach Warren completed a fourth-and-11 play at the Panthers' 36-yard line, then followed it up with a 12-yard completion to fullback Brian Meeks on third-and-goal, before a 1-yard plunge from Alonzo Morgan tied the score with just over a minute remaining to get the game to overtime.

Plainfield Central players were inconsolable in the locker room, as was coach John Jackson.

"Unless you've been involved in one, I don't think anybody who's never played in a game like that knows what it's like when young men leave their heart and souls on the field," he said. "We made a lot of mistakes, we fought back hard and we tied the game. They had a good drive, our defense held. We played two overtimes and it came down to one play at the end. It breaks our hearts, it breaks my heart. I'm proud of them; they played like men tonight."

After trading touchdowns in overtime — even contemplating a game-winning play of their own in the first overtime before deciding to kick — the Wildcats owned all the momentum until one tiny play potentially changed their postseason hopes.

This was a drastic reversal from the first half, when the Oswego defense dominated. Coming into Friday's game, the Panthers had allowed just 36 points to their opponents. The defense forced three-and-outs on the first four Plainfield Central possessions and allowed only two first downs in the first half.

The Panthers got on the board first when West found wide receiver Nathan Linden streaking down the right side alone for a 53-yard strike.

Unfortunately for Oswego, an untimely West interception after the last forced punt gave the Wildcats good field position at the Panthers' 37-yard line.

After a 30-yard completion on third down from Warren to Alce Smith, Warren found Meeks alone in the flat. Meeks battled 12 yards through three oncoming Oswego defenders to tie the score at seven with only 30 seconds remaining in the half.