Deerfield wins big against Highland Park, now stand at 6-2

HIGHLAND PARK -- On a chilly Friday night, the Deerfield Warriors traveled to Wolters Field to take on the Highland Park Giants. Despite a slow start to the game, the Warriors were able to capitalize on momentum heading into halftime.

With just moments left in the first half, Deerfield quarterback Ryan Nagelbach rushed for a touchdown. With that, then a successful extra point, the Deerfield Warriors went into the halftime up by a slim score of 7-0.

Head coach Steve Winiecki attributed the victory to the turnaround at the half. "We got off to a slow start," said Deerfield coach Winiecki, "We turned the ball over a couple times and had some key penalties," he added that he was proud of the team's turnaround heading into the half.

Clearly, it was a strong defensive night for Deerfield High School, as the team shut out the Highland Park Giants, who went into the night with a 4-3 record. This was the first defeat for Highland Park High School in Central Suburban League North conference play on the season. Maine West now stands atop the Central Suburban League North standings, with a 4-0 conference record. The Maine West Warriors are now 7-1 on the season.

The second half had a number of big moments for the Deerfield Warriors. In a drive heading up the field, beginning the fourth quarter, several big rushes by Luke Woodson and a personal foul against Highland Park set up Deerfield for a first and goal situation on the Highland Park 4 yard line.

Another rushing touchdown off the left edge by Ryan Nagelbach created the second touchdown for the Deerfield Warriors, making it 15-0 with 9:25 left in the fourth quarter. With time narrowing down and pressure on, the Highland Park Giants had a pair of fumbles to start off their all important drive in the fourth.

On 3rd and long, the Highland Park quarterback faced pressure from his own endzone and rushed a throw deep. Alex Cohan, came up with a pick for Deerfield, giving Deerfield the ball on the Highland Park 28. After making some progress, on 3rd and 9, Finn Pressl rushed for another Deerfield Warriors touchdown, making the score 22-0.

With time winding down, Alex Cohan came up with another interception, all but sealing the deal as the Warriors came up with the ball with just 2:26 left in the game.

In the second half, the Deerfield Warriors looked like a high powered scoring machine on offensive, and a turnover machine on defense. They now will look to finish the season at 7-2, as they take on the 2-2 Niles North Vikings in the final regular season game of the season.

Follow Deerfield Warriors football on the Deerfield Patch. Check back as Deerfield High School is heading into the final stretch heading into their playoff push.

Jake Leahy is a 2017 Deerfield High School graduate, Bannockburn school board member, and principal of Ladders LLC.