Sports
VIDEO: Warriors Clinch Playoff Spot and Conference Title, Begin Postseason on Road
With a 45-21 win over Highland Park in the regular season finale, Deerfield clinched the CSL North title for the first time in eight years, securing a spot in IHSA Class 6A state playoffs
Final Score: 45-21
Records: (6-3, 5-0) Highland Park (5-4, 4-1)
Quick Summary: Both Highland Park and Deerfield entered this game with 5-3 overall records and 4-0 conference records. The winner of this game would secure a CSL North title and clinch a playoff spot.
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Deerfield took control of the game in the first half and secured a 31-0 lead by halftime. Despite a strong second half from Highland Park, in which they scored 21 points, the 31-point deficit proved too much to overcome.
With the win, Deerfield clinched their first Central Suburban League North title since 2003 and finished the regular season on a six-game winning streak. Highland Park, meanwhile, barely failed to rack up enough playoff points (37) to sneak into the postseason at 5-4 overall.
Find out what's happening in Deerfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Game recap:Tyler Vajdic and Marc Pagano each scored twice for the Warriors. Brad Holway and Ryan Adkins also added touchdowns.
For Highland Park, Jason Goldstein threw two touchdowns, one to Shawn Arrington and one to Ross Chuckerman. Andrew Sledd also scored his 20th touchdown of the year late in the fourth quarter.
Stats: Vajdic led the offensive attack for Deerfield, carrying the ball 30 times for 183 yards and two touchdowns. Pagano ran for 108 yards. Adkins racked up 95 yards on three carries, including a 68-yard touchdown run. Andrew Sledd (12 carries, 58 yards) led Highland Park.
Highlights: Click on the video link to see all the action and hear from the coaches and players.
Additional info: Deerfield's first IHSA Class 6A playoff game will be later this week, with the date and time to be announced soon. The Warriors (#14 seed) will play on the road at third-seeded LaGrange Park (Nazareth Academy).
The winner will play either Cary-Grove or Crystal Lake Central in the second round. Nazareth Academy (8-1) had their only loss of the season come in Week 2, when they fell to Carmel (Mundelein) 27-3.
