When members of the Rolling Meadows football team scan newspapers, prep-oriented websites and social media for opinions about their team, they usually find the same summary.
“Yeah, they’re undefeated. But …”
The Mustangs have rolled through their first 10 games at a blistering pace, outscoring their opponents 371-76. Those opponents are the source of the naysayers’ barbs, though, with the 10 teams combining for a 31-62 record.
“There’s definitely some hate out there,” safety and running back Nick Delporte said Wednesday. “But that’s OK; people can say whatever they want. We’re just looking forward to showing everybody what we’re all about.”
What the Mustangs are about is a triple-option offense led by multitalented quarterback Asher O’Hara and running backs Delporte and Kevin LaCosse, and an attacking defense keyed by middle linebacker Kevin Haltman.
When Rolling Meadows travels to New Lenox to play Lincoln-Way Central on Friday in the second round of the Class 7A playoffs, the Mustangs will see their fourth playoff-caliber team of the season. Besides Thornwood, which Meadows dispatched 44-12 in the first round, the Mustangs also have defeated St. Viator (30-7 in Week 1) and Wheeling (28-10 in Week 5).
“It’s going to be fun to play someone other than the usual teams we’ve been playing,” said O’Hara, who was named offensive player of the year in the Mid-Suburban East for the second consecutive year. “We’re looking forward to showing our skills to anyone who plays us.”
Rolling Meadows has only been tested once thus far, in a 13-0 win at Maine West in Week 4. The Mustangs offense was shut down for the only time this season and was unable to find the end zone.
Instead of a loss that would have created doubt going into the MSL East season, Meadows’ defense scored twice while earning a shutout, winning the game on its own.
“The offense wasn’t really where they were supposed to be that game, which is rare,” Haltman said. “For the defense to pick them up, that felt really good. We’re there for each other all the time. It’s a team sport, and we are a true team.”
Rolling Meadows will be looking for something else besides respect against Lincoln-Way Central. A win would put the Mustangs in the quarterfinals for the first rime since 2006. Despite being a playoff regular with 11 trips in the last 12 years and in all six of coach Matt Mishler’s seasons, nine of those previous 10 seasons ended in the first or second round.
“We think we’re worthy of being 10-0,” running back/defensive back Devonte Amos said. “And no, we don’t get a lot of respect. But one way to get that respect is to go on a long playoff run.
“We want to show everybody what kind of team we are.”
Twitter @Larkin_Will
