Aidan McClure, St. Charles North enjoy big night vs. Crete-Monee

ST. CHARLES – Aidan McClure had a night to remember for St. Charles North in a nonconference game against Crete-Monee on Sept. 6 in St. Charles.

The junior captain intercepted a pass for a 45-yard touchdown, recovered two fumbles and blocked a punt.

McClure’s heroics led the North Stars to a 50-26 win over the visiting Warriors.

“On the interception, I watched film and was able to use my instincts,” McClure said. “On the punt, they were lackadaisical and I was able to get through. I take being a captain very seriously.

“We are off to a good start being 2-0.”

North Stars coach Rob Pomazak was impressed with McClure’s play.

“Aidan is an animal,” Pomazak said. “He is such a hard worker and great leader. He was on the varsity as a sophomore and deserves to be a captain as a junior. He plays with great spirit.”

St. Charles North scored the first 21 points of the game before the Warriors tallied the final 20 points of the first half. St. Charles North outscored the visitors 29-6 in the second half.

The North Stars also got a special-teams touchdown from Keaton Reinke, who returned the opening kickoff 77 yards for a score.

Reinke also caught a 6-yard touchdown pass from Ethan Plumb and threw a 35-yard TD to Braeden Harms on a halfback option pass.

The North Stars defense forced six Crete-Monee turnovers and held the Warriors to 116 yards of total offense and eight first downs.

“We are 2-0 and we beat a great Crete-Monee team tonight,” Pomazak said. “They ran a 1920s offense and I think we handled it pretty well. The defense played much better in the second half and we had six turnovers for the game.”

https://www.dailyherald.com/20240907/prep-football/mcclures-big-defensive-plays-spark-st-charles-north/