After a big win versus Plainfield Central the previous week, the Indians looked to keep their win streak going on Friday against Oswego. A hard-fought game the whole way, Minooka escaped with an 18-8 victory.

It was defense-oriented game right from the opening kick, as the game remained scoreless entering the second quarter. That’s when Minooka’s special teams began to shine, as Cayden Garcia blocked an Oswego punt for a safety, which gave Minooka a 2-0 lead. 

The Indians would add 6 more points in the final minutes of the half, as a 67-yard kick return by Joe Brown led to a Joey Partridge touchdown. The Indians took a 8-0 lead into halftime.

“What really stuck out was special teams, our punt block unit blocked a punt that rolled through the back of the end zone for a safety,” head coach Matt Harding said. “Also, our defense was able to hold Oswego to 56 passing yards and 59 rushing yards.  This was a total group effort.”

Oswego would tie the game at 8 halfway through the third quarter, but Minooka answered back with a Braeden Anderson touchdown, and after the extra point the Indians led 15-7. They would tack on another 3 points from a field goal late in the fourth quarter to seal the deal, and the Indians walked away with a win.

“This was one of the most important games of the year so far. It feels good to get our first conference win,” Joey Partridge, junior, said.