Corey Phillips’ late touchdown leads Kaneland past Andrew

A back-and-forth football game ended up in Kaneland’s court in the closing minute as the Knights topped Andrew, 27-23, in Tinley Park.

Kaneland was trailing and needed a touchdown for the win. Corey Phillips ended up breaking off a 31-yard touchdown to give the Knights the win in the season opener.

“We were just hoping for another first down and he broke it and scored,” Kaneland coach Pat Ryan said. “We were hoping to keep our drive going and get down there and get a chance to score, and he got it in the end zone for us.”

Phillips ran for 88 yards and the touchdown in the win.

Ryan said it’s a good building block for a team that features 11 new starters on defense and four on the offensive line.

“I think it gives our young, inexperienced team some confidence going into the season that we can play good football teams and make plays and do good things. I think the kids want to keep winning and try to go 2-0.”

Sophomore quarterback Troyer Carlson was 20 for 27 with 285 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions.

“He looked good,” Ryan said. “He’s made improvements throughout the year. Maybe we was a little rusty to start but he just kept licking as the game went on.”