L-W East Beats St. Charles East, 49-0: Watch Playoff Highlights

FRANKFORT, IL — Last year, Lincoln-Way East needed all four quarters to squeeze out a victory over St. Charles East in the second round of the Class 8A football playoffs. This year, the defending state champions only needed a single quarter to establish the dominance they've been showing opponents all season.

The Griffins defeated the Saints, 49-0, in the first round of the IHSA playoffs Friday night in Frankfort. St. Charles East nearly beat L-W East in 2017 but lost 15-14 after a 25-yard, game-winning field goal with less than 30 seconds left.

It was one of the closest games L-W East has played during its current 24-0 streak. But Friday night, the Frankfort team displayed the dominance on both sides of the ball that it has shown throughout the 2018 season.

Despite the overwhelming margin of victory, L-W East struggled early with penalties and miscues. The opening kickoff was returned for a touchdown by the Griffins only to have it called back for holding. Quarterback Jack Baltz then threw an interception while L-W East was threatening in the red zone.

WATCH: L-W East quarterback Jack Baltz rushes for a touchdown against St. Charles East.

But the Griffins defense quickly shut down the Saints, and Baltz and the offense unleashed a scoring barrage that never let up. The senior quarterback threw for 244 yards and four touchdowns, including a beautiful 60-yard strike to Matt Judd who didn't break stride to make the catch. Baltz also rushed for 45 yards and a touchdown.

Griffins standout A.J. Henning was particularly brilliant in the game, showing that he might be a better receiver than he is a running back. The junior scored the first touchdown of the game, snatching a 20-yard pass as he was falling backward into the end zone. He topped that with another touchdown catch, a pass he tipped off a defender and then grabbed as he was falling in the end zone.

WATCH: L-W East junior A.J. Henning makes a spectacular catch for a touchdown.

Collin Beneturski and Devon Williams each scored rushing touchdowns. On defense, Kenny Palmer and Joshua Vargas each had interceptions, and the Griffins kept an opponent from scoring for the sixth time this year.

WATCH: Running backs Collin Beneturski and Devon Williams score touchdowns for the Griffins.

Lincoln-Way East (10-0) will now face Glenbard West (8-2) next week. The Hilltoppers beat Bartlett, 49-20, in their first-round playoff game Friday night.

Lincoln-Way East senior running back Collin Beneturski scores a touchdown against St. Charles East during the Griffins' first-round playoff game Friday, Oct. 26, in Frankfort. (Photo by Joe Vince | Patch)