Rolling Meadows has not had to worry about playing from behind very often this year. The Mustangs proved some adversity was not about to derail their dream season.
Senior quarterback Asher O’Hara scored two touchdowns and directed back-to-back touchdown drives in the second half as the Mustangs rallied from a four-point halftime deficit to knock out Lincoln-Way Central 23-13 in a second-round Class 7A state playoff game Friday in New Lenox.
“We made some adjustments in the second half, but we also played with a lot of confidence and a greater sense of urgency,” O’Hara said. “We have not been in this situation very often this year. But I feel confident, in no matter who I give the ball to, we have so many weapons on offense.”
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O’Hara had 222 total yards from scrimmage. He rushed for 65 yards on 18 carries. He also completed 13 of 21 passes for 157 yards.
Despite O’Hara’s three-yard touchdown run, the Mustangs trailed 13-9 at the break.
O’Hara and fullback Kevin Lacosse spurred the dominant second-half play. Lacosse (20 carries, 103 yards, TD) ripped off a 26-yard run, and O’Hara was 4-for-5 during a 12-play, 86-yard drive on the Mustangs’ opening possession of the third quarter.
O’Hara capped the drive with a beautiful option fake and a 13-yard run around the right end on third down for the Mustangs’ 16-13 lead.
All-purpose back Devonte Amos recorded a crucial interception to thwart the Knights’ ensuing drive.
Amos then executed a crucial 14-yard run, and wide receiver Marco Taibi kept the drive alive with a key eight-yard reception that set up Lacosse’s clinching three-yard run.
“I just tried to run as hard and as fast as I could,” Lacosse said.
Willis Goodwin added a fourth-quarter interception to seal the victory.
Rolling Meadows (11-0) will host either Benet or Normal in the quarterfinals next weekend.
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Twitter @Pioneer_Press