Illinois high school football power loses for first time in years

For one Illinois high school football powerhouse, they will spend the next few days doing something they haven't done in years.

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Lincoln-Way East High School suffered its first loss this past Friday night since 2021, falling to Naperville North, 14-6. The road defeat came with star quarterback Jonas Williams on the sidelines.

For the Griffons, the last time they went into a new week on the heels of a defeat came after a 30-27 loss at home to Sandburg all the way back on October 1, 2021. 

Naperville North improved to 5-3 on the year with the victory. Senior running back William Eloe had two rushing touchdowns and 92 yards on 15 carries as senior quarterback Josiah Nothacker was an efficient 11 of 13 passing for 62 yards.

Lincoln-Way East ran five more plays and had two more first downs, but the Huskies controlled the clock, holding an advantage of plus-seven minutes in terms of time of possession. 

Finnian Bretag caught four passes from Nothacker for 36 yards while two other receivers both had three receptions each. The Naperville North defense recorded four tackles for loss, Gabriel Hill had a sack and Marko Pavlovich recovered a fumble. 

Naperville North has won three consecutive games heading into the regular season finale this Friday night at Naperville Central. Lincoln-Way East will look to rebound when they face off with Sandburg at home on Thursday evening.

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