PHOTOS: Lincoln-Way West Wins In Overtime, Advances To Quarterfinals

BURBANK, IL — Lincoln-Way West Warriors secured a spot in the Class 7A IHSA quarterfinals Saturday, Nov. 7, with an overtime thriller of a win against St. Laurence in the second round.

St. Laurence got on the board first in the game. The Vikings offense worked a steady pace throughout the game, trudging towards a 253-yard total offensive output against the Warriors.

Lincoln-Way West then took a page from the Philadelphia Eagles playbook, using a "Philly Special" to knot the score at 7-7. Quarterback Jacob Howard snagged the tying touchdown pass from wide receiver Davey Kszulinski, in a switchup that caught the Vikings off-guard. Howard told the Daily Southtown after the game that West had stowed the play in their book for weeks, waiting for the right moment.

West sophomore punter Coldyn Holba's three punts in the second half also proved essential, Daily Southtown reports.

Both offenses stalled out for much of the second and third quarters, as the defensive units flexed. Both teams struggled to move the ball efficiently throughout the game, with the Vikings outgaining the Warriors 253-231, according to Shaw Media.

The Warriors found the end zone again early in the fourth quarter, with Howard hitting Braydon McNulty with a 9-yard pass to put West up 14-7. The lead was short-lived, with the Vikings answering less than 3 minutes later on a 14-yard touchdown that tied the game 14-14 with just 6:41 left. Neither team would manage another scoring effort before the final whistle of regulation.

In OT each team got the ball on the 10-yd. line with LWW’s quarterback eyeing an opening and running the ball in for a touchdown in their first play of overtime.

The Vikings were unable to convert on their overtime chance, with West junior defensive back Daniel Redican picking off a pass in the end zone to seal the win.

Lincoln-Way West will next face undefeated John Hersey High School on Saturday, Nov. 14, at home. Game time TBD.

Jeff Graveline contributed to this report.