Running Back Jaden McGee Carries the Load as Wildcats Spoil the Panthers' Home Opener

One of the better interconference rivalries was on display Friday night. Neuqua Valley and Oswego are approximately twenty minutes apart, and they showcase two outstanding football programs.

Senior quarterback Mark Mennecke put his athleticism and elusiveness on display early on for the Wildcats. Midway through the first quarter, he connected with receiver Grant Larkin for a 36 yard touchdown after escaping would be tacklers. Mennecke would add runs of 10, 13, 32, and 37 yards.

Receiver Carter Stare came up clutch as well. With over three minutes left in the half, Stare scooped up a punt off a bounce, and returned it 70 yards for a score. He would later catch a 12 yard pass from Mennecke in the corner of the endzone.

The catalyst Friday night was running back Jaden McGee who had 25 carries for 150 yards; averaging 6 yards per carry. He scored his only rushing touchdown from 1 yard out with 3 and a half minutes left to cap off a 28-3 victory.

The only score for Oswego: a 38 yard field goal by Tanner Stumpenhorst. Star tight end Deakon Tonielli caught 3 of Cruz Ibarra's passes for 37 yards.

Next Friday night the Wildcats (1-0) will play their home opener against Wheaton Warrenville South, and the Panthers (0-1) will travel to Andrew (0-1).