Sports
VIDEO: Niles North Tops Rival Niles West in Skokie Skirmish
Fourth quarter safety proves to be the difference as the Vikings win 2-0 over the Wolves.
Three years ago, and Niles West provided one of highest scoring high school football games in Illinois history, resulting in a 64-63 Niles North win.
This year, the two schools provided the lowest scoring game possible on the gridiron: a 2-0 Niles North victory in the annual Skokie Skirmish.
Niles North linebacker Romeo Montiel tackled Niles West running back Jake Glotzer in the end zone for a safety at the start of the fourth quarter. That play broke a scoreless tie, giving the Vikings a 2-0 lead, and those 2 points would be all the Niles North defense would need.
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The Vikings held the Wolves to 93 total yards in route to their first win of the season.
"We always have each others backs," Montiel said of the Vikings defense. "We know each others weaknesses and strengths. So we all know where to be when certain things happen and we know we can count on each other in any situation."
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The Wolves and Vikings had to finish the annual cross-town rivalry on Monday morning after severe weather forced game officials to postpone Saturday's contest with 1:05 left in the second quarter.
There was no severe weather on Monday, but strong winds made it very difficult to drive toward the northern end zone. Niles West had the wind at its backs during the third quarter. However, the Wolves were in control of the battle for field position but were unable to capitalize on a short field on several occasions.
"We came out here and had a chance to win the game," Niles West Head Coach Scott Baum said. "In the third quarter, the first five minutes we had great field position, but we couldn't get anything out of it. Then we would make a play and get penalties. So we shot ourselves in the foot."
The Wolves fell to 1-1 on the season while the Vikings improved to 1-1 with the win and have now beaten their Central Suburban League competitor for the fifth straight season.
Niles West takes on Maine West next week. Niles North will host Waukegan on Friday night.
For complete highlights and post-game reaction, click on the video link above.
