The Sycamore Aviators carried the success of the 2016 season into Friday's game with an opening season, 33-0, win over Loveland.
The Aviators dominated the running game led by sophomore Drew Altemuehle, sophomore Jordan McConnell and senior Jonathan Malek. The team combined for 213 yards and three touchdowns. Two of those touchdowns came from Altemuehle, who started the game at quarterback for the Aviators.
Five minutes into the game, Altemuehle opened the scoring in the first quarter on a four-yard run. He followed that up in the second quarter when the sophomore quarterback found senior Kyle Ferr on a two-yard touchdown pass.
On the next possession, Altemuehle ran the football in for a one-yard score, and McConnell tallied his first touchdown of the season on an 8-yard touchdown run, which gave the Aviators a 27-0 lead at halftime.
The Aviators were able to move the football down the field, registering 14 first-downs to only five for the Loveland.
The Aviators dominated the defensive side of the ball and prevented Loveland from moving the football. Sycamore defense allowed only 50 total yards and three turnovers. Senior Patrick Tueimeh contributed to the team's success with forced a fumble and an interception.
In the second half the defense continue to dominate as the offense controlled the football. They quieted down in the second half, only scoring six points on two field goals by senior kicker Jacob Hasslebeck.
This is the first time since Oct. 7, 2016, against Lakota East that the Aviators allowed zero points.
Sycamore will look to add to the win column next Friday night when it hosts Mount Healthy. The Owls are coming off an overtime loss to Taft. Loveland will play host to Lebanon next Friday, who lost a close game to Kings.
SCORE BY QUARTERS
Sycamore: 6-21-3-3
Loveland: 0-0-0-0
S -- Altemuehle 4-yd run (Hasslebeck failed)
S -- Altemuehle 2-yd pass to Fehr (Hasslebeck kick)
S -- Altemuehle 1-yd run
S -- McConnell 8-yd run
S -- Hasslebeck 33-yd FG
S -- Hasslebeck 38-yd FG
RECORDS: Sycamore (1-0) Loveland (0-1)
UP NEXT: Sycamore host Mt Healthy (0-1); Loveland host Lebanon (0-1)
