Dakota 16 vs. Lena (Winslow) 13
Oct 21, 2011
When you talk about Rivalry Football in Northwestern Illinois – there are two teams that you have to put near the top of that list. The Lena(Winslow) Panthers and the Dakota Indians. In the last 6 years they have won a combined 3 State Championships.
Last year, Dakota defeated Lena in the first game of the season 25-7 but when they met in the 2nd round of the playoffs – it was Lena’s turn to do the celebrating as they won 28-8 on their way to winning the 2010 Class 1A State Title.
On Friday Night, these two teams squared off again. I made the 2-hour drive over to Dakota to watch what was certain to be a battle between two highly ranked football teams. Lena entered the game undefeated (8-0), ranked #1 in the IllinoisHighSchoolSports.com poll and riding a 21 game winning streak. Dakota entered at 6-2 and ranked 7th in the Class 1A Poll.
Both of these teams feature an explosive running attack. Quinn Haas leads Lena(Winslow) with over 1100 yards and 20 TDs on the season while Dakota counters with Jake Apple who has over 1000 yds and 17 TDS.
Here comes the Dakota Indians
Here comes the Lena(Winslow) Panthers
The Captains Meet
Dakota received the ball first, but Le-Win quickly showed Dakota that they would be in for a long night. Le-Win’s defense entered the game having only giving up 53 points all year. (7 pts a game).
After Dakota punted, it was the Panthers wasting no time getting on the board. Quinn Haas took a handoff and raced 62 yards down the right side of the field for the first score.
#33 Quinn Haas breaks free for a 62 yd touchdown run.
On Dakota’s next possession they tried to get the running game started, but LeWin’s defense forced them 3 and out.
#10 Drew Geiseman tries to break free from the Panthers defenders
End of 1st Quarter – LeWin 7 Dakota 0
Trying to mix things up, LeWin decided to go to the passing game when QB Dylan Gahm connected with #2 Casey Schroeder on a long pass reception.
#19 Dylan Gahm
#2 Casey Schroeder goes up for the catch
This setup Tevin Sellers 7-yd TD run. On the extra point, Jake Apple broke through the line and blocked the extra point. LeWin 13 – Dakota 0
#31 Tevin Sellers – 88 yds / 19 carries / 1 TD
After receiving the kickoff, Dakota finally got their running game on track and worked their way down the field. However, at the 7:50 mark of the 2nd quarter LeWin’s Quinn Haas came to the sideline holding his right arm. As word quickly spread along the sidelines that their leader had suffered a dislocated elbow you could almost feel the emotion being sucked out of the Le-Win sidelines.
#10 Drew Geiseman looks for an opening.
Dakota kept driving down the field and with 3:22 left in the 2nd quarter Tyler Thompson scored on a 5-yard touchdown run. Dakota went for the 2 point conversion and Drew Geiseman found the end zone to cut the lead to 13-8.
LeWin tried to mount a drive before the half ended but ran out of time.
Halftime LeWin 13 – 8.
Dakota Indians Marching Band
A quick side story. Back in 1989, my high school (Nashville) advanced to the Girls Class A State Basketball Tournament in Champaign. During the morning session, the band that played was Dakota. Since they were right in front of our fan section – we got them to play our school song as well as several requests. Many thanks go out to the Dakota Band!
During the 3rd quarter, the teams exchanged possessions several times without any scoring.
End of 3rd Quarter LeWin 13-8
At the start of the 4th quarter, you could feel the momentum swing in favor of the Indians. The play of game came early in the 4th quarter when Dakota was facing a 4th and 11 when Geiseman hit Lance McCauley across the middle for a 16 yard pass down to LeWin’s 1 yard line.
Drew Geiseman looks for the open receiver
#23 Lance McCauley makes the play of the game
On the next play Jake Apple scored from 1 yard out. Geiseman converted the 2 point conversion and Dakota had their first lead of the game 16-13.
#2 Jake Apple – 82 yds / 22 carries / 1 TD / 1 blocked extra pt
The Indians celebrate the go ahead touchdown
On LeWin’s next possession, it was Dakota’s defense that came up big by causing and recovering a fumble.
Dakota forces the fumble
Dakota tried to extend their lead, but ended up punting to Lena. Dakota’s defense stood tall the remainder of the game to secure the win for the Indians.
#32 Seth Dascher looks for an opening
Even though this was an extremely physical football game, you could tell the players from each team had the utmost respect for each other. There were many instances where a player from one team would help the other player up after a play.
Summary
What a great game between two rivals. Both towns were out in full force supporting their teams. I’m glad I got a chance to see Quinn Haas play in person. I hate to see anyone get hurt in a game and I wish him a speedy recovery. If the IHSA Football Playoff script goes according to plan, Lena will get their rematch with Dakota in the 2nd round. This time it will be at Lena. Will History repeat itself?
This play by play recap is great! Thank you so much for such great photos too. These 2 teams are class acts. If you were there, you got to witness a game that was of State Championship level. GREAT JOB BOYS!