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Sports

8A Football: Rhattigan Leads Neuqua in Second-Half Rally Over Waubonsie

Neuqua Valley 23, Waubonsie Valley 20: Three rushing TDs by Joey Rhattigan and a GW field goal by Ryan Mulhern put the Wildcats in the semifinals.

Breaking It Down: Waubonsie Valley started off strong in its rematch against Neuqua Valley, going ahead 14-0 early, but couldn't close the deal in a 23-20 loss in the Class 8A quarterfinals.

After an up and down first half, Neuqua running back Joey Rhattigan led the charge for the Wildcats with a 24-yard run on their opening drive in the second half. He was stopped short on the 2-point conversion. He continued his torrid pace and scored his third touchdown of the game on a 15-yard carry late in the third. He added a two-point conversion to give the Wildcats a 20-14 lead, their first of the game. 

The Warriors responded with an eight-yard touchdown pass to Dan Waldron midway through the fourth. The extra point was blocked, keeping the score tied at 20 and bringing back memories of the double-overtime thriller from earlier this season. 

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Rhattigan marched the Wildcats deep into Waubonsie territory with less than a minute to go, setting up the 19-yard game-winning field goal by kicker Ryan Mulhern.

Patch’s MVP: Joey Rhattigan, Neuqua Valley. He was Wildcats’ offense for almost the entire game. He rushed for 275 yards on 40 carries and scored three touchdowns. He also scored on the two-point conversion in the third quarter. 

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Waubonsie Valley Stat Pack: Quarter back Dylan Warden went 4-of-8 passing for 105 yards and a touchdown. Running back Austin Guido had 28 carries for 131 yards and a score. Running back Demario Webb had 10 carries for 76 yards and a touchdown. 

Neuqua Valley Stat Pack: Running back Andrew Fraczek had three carries for 18 yards and was crucial in the game-winning drive for the Wildcats. Ryan Mulhern’s 19-yard field goal won the game for the Wildcats. 

Quotable I: Neuqua Valley coach Bill Ellinghaus: “This is a special group of kids and I knew they would fight back no matter what.” 

Quotable II: Rhattigan: “We knew it was going to be a remarkable game, a remarkable atmosphere for us. And it was. It was amazing.” 

Team Records: Waubonsie Valley finishes the season 10-2. Neuqua Valley remains undefeated at 12-0.

What’s Next: Waubonsie Valley’s season is over. Neuqua Valley will play Mount Carmel in the semifinals. 

Scores of Interest: Mount Carmel defeated Lyons Township 45-10. Benet defeated Downers Grove North 26-24 in 7A quarterfinal action. For more scores, go to ihsa scorezeone.

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