Burlington Central Relies on Running Game to Advance in Playoffs

Burlington Central advanced to the second round of the playoffs after defeating Lake Zurich on the road. The Rockets scored 14 unanswered points in the second half to secure the win. Their current record stands at 8-3. The team has now won five postseason games over the last three years.

Coach Brian Iossi emphasized that the offense sticks to fundamentals in the red zone. He noted that running the ball is the primary method for getting close and scoring. Senior running back Parker Auxier was the focal point of this strategy. He rushed for 123 yards and scored three touchdowns in the first-round game. Auxier is known throughout the Fox Valley Conference despite missing time to injury earlier in the season.

Quarterback Reece Beemer provides a passing threat when necessary. Iossi described Beemer as smart with the football and rarely making mistakes. The senior has thrown only four interceptions all season. Beemer made a key play in the second half against Lake Zurich. With the score tied at 13-13, the Rockets faced fourth down from the six-yard line. Beemer rolled right and found wideout Jordan Coombs in the end zone.

Iossi said the throw was to the only open spot. He noted that Coombs made the catch even though he was covered. That touchdown started the scoring run that led to the victory. Iossi’s ideal statistical output for the team is 250 rushing yards and 100 passing yards per game. He believes the combination of Auxier and Beemer makes those numbers achievable.

The defense also performed well against a run-heavy team. Lake Zurich gained fewer than 10 yards on the ground. The Rockets have allowed fewer than 20 points per game to their last three opponents. Starting all-conference linebacker Liam Schultz was lost in Week 4. Since then, juniors Landon Lee, Ryan Thomas, and Chace Chesney have filled the void.

Iossi praised the junior trio for their effort. He stated that they are no longer just juniors and have played for a full season and more. He said their tackling in space was the best it has been all year. The defense flew around and made plays in space to support the offensive push.

In a related game, Aurora Christian defeated Winnebago 42-14 in the Class 2A bracket. Junior running back Jalen Callaway broke the school’s career rushing yards record. He now has over 2,400 yards on the ground, surpassing a mark from 2005. Callaway ran for 193 yards and three touchdowns in the win.

Aurora Christian coach David Beebe highlighted Callaway’s leadership and confidence. The Eagles also utilized their young offense effectively. Sophomore Luke Baumann rushed for 60 yards and a score. In his playoff debut, sophomore Juju Vasquez threw for 225 yards and a touchdown. Baumann caught passes for 150 yards. The Eagles remain at 9-1 after beating Wheaton Academy earlier in the season.