Two of the stronger teams in Illinois faced off over the weekend and the game proved to be as close as you'd hope.
La Salette was undefeated in-state and Neuqua had lost just the one game as they traveled downstate to Georgetown, Ill.
Match conditions were ideal save for the gusting winds that made the kicking game a material challenge for both sides. The match started out in typical fashion with both sides exchanging some hard-charging runs to probe and test the other before Neuqua opened its account with a penalty kick at the 11-minute mark to go up 3-0.
La Salette took control utilizing the pace of its backs and camped itself inside the Neuqua 22 for a stretch before being rewarded with a try following a penalty from five meters out. The conversion attempt was wide but La Salette now led 5-3 at 17 minutes into the contest.
Just two minutes later La Salette found paydirt again after some well-worked ball to the outside and poor tackling from the visiting Wildcats. With the conversion good it was 12-3 for La Salette. Barely four minutes later La Salette again exposed the Neuqua defense and struck from midfield on a long break and went in under the posts. With the conversion it was now 19-3 after 24 minutes.
But Neuqua wasn't done. They used the strength of their bigger pack to break down the Lions' defense and that opened an opportunity out wide for an unconverted try. La Salette then finished off the half marching their way into Neuqua territory and run through 20 phases close to the Wildcats' line. However, Neuqua's defense got the turnover and kicked clear to end the half
