Defense, eight sacks leads Neuqua to victory

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ELGIN -- Neuqua Valley's consistent blitz package and efficient passing attack proved way too much for Larkin to handle Friday night.

The Wildcats had their way on both sides of the ball all night, cruising to a 38-12 Upstate Eight Conference victory at Memorial Field.

Making his first varsity start at quarterback, Larkin senior Justin Kalusa was on the run for much of the game. The Wildcats' steady blitz, combined with the fact the Royals had trouble executing their shotgun snap for much of the first half, led to Kalusa being sacked eight times on the night.

"(Neuqua) sent everyone from every different way," Kalusa said. "The corners started blitzing after a while, their middle linebackers coming. Our line didn't pick it up as well as we'd like them too, so it was kind of tough to get the ball off."

Added Neuqua coach Bryan Wells: "We're trying to bring pressure every week. We've just struggled with giving up big plays in the past."

While Larkin (2-3, 1-2) had trouble moving the ball forward, Neuqua (2-3, 1-2) advanced at will for much of the first half as senior quarterback Alex Lincoln completed 19 of 24 passes for 227 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the first two quarters to help the Wildcats build a commanding 31-6 lead before halftime.

Five different Neuqua receivers caught passes out of its spread attack, with Michael Camire (six catches, 65 yards) and Conner Yearian (five catches, 73 yards, one touchdown) leading the way.

Senior running back Nathaniel Pena was also effective, running for 136 yards on 18 carries as Neuqua outgained Larkin 446-152 in total yardage for the game.

"We have some guys out there who are capable...of catching the football and getting you some yards," Wells said. "Then with our running game, we should be solid."

Lincoln finished the game with 21 completions on 28 passes for 263 yards for Neuqua, which came into the game desperately needing a win as it seeks to overcome a slow start and reach the playoffs for the seventh straight year.

"You don't like to be 1-3 and I don't like to be 2-3 to be honest with you," Wells said. "But there's nothing we can do about it. That's done, so as soon as we get home we start on a new six-day season."

Sun-Times News Group