Kaneland sophomore Jackson Little with two INTs in win: Daily Chronicle football roundup for Week 1

Kaneland 20, Washington 14: At Washington, the Knights picked up a huge road win to open the season Friday against a perennial state power.

“I’m just so proud,” coach Michael Thorgesen said. “They played their hearts out. We were definitely underdogs going into this one. The kids showed up and played with heart and got the win.”

No stats were available after the game, Thorgesen said. But sophomore Jackson Little had two interceptions for the Knights (1-0) and Luke Gadomski had an interception in the final five minutes to seal the win.

Kicker Sam Bruno had a big game as well, kicking two field goals and booting every kickoff out of the back of the end zone, Thorgesen said.

The coach also said he was impressed with senior quarterback Chase Kruckenberg, who had two touchdown passes in his first varsity start. One was a 50-yarder to Brady Brown and the other was 25 yards to Dylan San Augustin.

“He stepped up and played well for his first varsity start,” Thorgesen said. “There are some things to clean up but he made the plays when he needed to.”

Hiawatha 6, Rockford Christian Life 0 (OT): At Rockford, quarterback Aiden Cooper had a 3-yard sneak for the only score of the game to start the overtime for the Hawks.

In the RCL half of the overtime, Hiawatha had a couple of sacks, including freshman Camden Rasmus and Braden Ross on fourth down to end the game.

“Defensively we played an amazing game,” coach Kenny McPeek said. “We flew around, did our responsibilities to a T and tackled. We tackled better than we have in the past. Everything kind of worked how it should.”

Ross had six tackles in the game while Tommy Butler had 12 and was a menace on defense according to McPeek.

Five Hiawatha players had more than 20 yards rushing, led by Tim Pruitt’s 41 yards on eight carries. The team ran for 127 yards.

“It was great to come home with a win,” McPeek said. “Last year we lost to South Beloit in the first week. Even if you’re sore or hurt the bus ride is easier with a win.”