Junior defensive back Peyton Kuhl brought some clarity to the great unknown.
What makes Neuqua Valley’s defense tick?
“We just get after it,” he said. “We all love to hit and be physical.”
Kuhl had the cool hand Saturday, recovering a fumble that stopped a deep opening drive by Palatine during the Wildcats’ 31-8 victory in a Class 8A second-round playoff game.
That altered the early momentum for third-seeded Neuqua (10-1), which saw its dedicated pregame work pay off against the 19th-seeded Pirates (7-4).
“We game-planned a ton this week and came out ready to go,” Kuhl said. “We all did our job.”
Playing an unfamiliar team on the road in the playoffs often means adjusting on the fly. The early turnover sparked the Wildcats, however.
Junior quarterback Mark Mennecke threw two touchdown passes and ran for two TDs to lead Neuqua, which will host a state quarterfinal game at 5 p.m. Saturday against Maine South (10-1).
It marks the first time since 2013 the Wildcats have gone this deep into the playoffs.
Unsung players like Kuhl and junior defensive end Gabe Willis showcased Neuqua’s depth and versatility against the talented Pirates, who handed sixth-seeded Maine South its only regular-season loss.
In addition to the fumble recovery, Kuhl had three tackles for loss. Willis contributed a sack and two other solo tackles.
Palatine was limited to 39 yards rushing on 21 carries, averaging just 1.9 yards a carry.
“We were able to battle,” Kuhl said. “Our whole defense is aggressive.”
The 5-foot-8 Willis is often at a size disadvantage, but he’s so quick and explosive off the edge that bigger linemen or tight ends rarely have the chance to catch or slow him down.
“This is my first year on the varsity,” Willis said. “When I was on the younger levels, I remember saying I could not wait until I was on the varsity with the big guys.
“When the coaches first put me here, I was a little unsure. I figured it was a real test for me. I know I have the speed over the other guys and I have to use my technique.”
Junior running back Jaden McGee gained 113 yards on 26 carries Saturday. His 26-yard burst set up Mennecke’s first TD, a 1-yard keeper on fourth-and-goal.
McGee broke the game open with a 41-yard TD pass on a screen from Mennecke on the Wildcats’ second possession.
“This whole week we preached about dominating the line of scrimmage,” McGee said. “When we control the line of scrimmage, that’s how we control the football game.”
A 37-yard field goal by Palmer Domschke put Neuqua ahead 17-0 at halftime.
The Wildcats turned the game into a rout with Mennecke’s 7-yard TD pass to Carter Sessa and his 3-yard keeper.
Mennecke finished completing 12 of 14 passes for 161 yards. Sessa added six catches for 42 yards. McGee contributed two catches for 48 yards.
Alon with his field goal, Domschke delivered a 33-yard run that set up Sessa’s TD reception. He finished with 42 yards on three carries.
Senior defensive back Andre Cobb also had an interception.
“We worked hard to get to this point,” McGee said. “We want to keep playing. We came in saying this can’t be our last week of the season.”
Neuqua has outscored its two playoff opponents 91-13 after losing the DuPage Valley Conference championship game to Naperville North.
“We needed that loss,” Willis said. “I feel like every team that is doing as well as we were needs a loss like that to be humbled. We can remember that feeling.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.