Lake County Sentinel
Rebels dominate Blue Streaks 30-7
BY JOEY SCHNEIDER
STAFF
(WILLOUGHBY, OH) - The Willoughby South Rebels hosted the Madison Blue Streaks on Friday night at Harry E. Winter Stadium, and dominated the game winning 30-7. The Rebels stay undefeated and move to 5-0 halfway through the regular season, just as the state AP poll came out this week and South was ranked 5th in the state in division III. The Blue Streaks came in with a 1-3 record, but have played very tough for a young team this season, ultimately falling to 1-4.
South coach Matt Duffy said this before kickoff, "That's a really tough team (Madison), they are always well coached. Their record is deceiving. They always play us tough and it doesn't matter if we are at home or playing there, they are always one of the toughest opponents on our schedule. The kids are playing well and know the work they need to put it to beat a good team like Madison.
Coach Mike Gilligan of the Blue Streaks said "We have had some set backs this season, but the team and players have worked hard. They are putting in the work in the weight room and watching videos each week. We have seen a lot improvement in the first few weeks. We have a young team, so it's very encouraging to see to strides we have made so far this year."
The first quarter was pure defense from both sides. Neither team wanted to give up the first score as both teams battled it out, and when the dust settled the both the Rebels and Blue Streaks held each other to zero points.
The second quarter was a different story as South got their offense rolling. South's senior quarterback Luke Jensen rushed for a 20-yard touchdown. He would then follow that up with an 81-yard touchdown connection to brother Josh Jensen later in the quarter, putting the Rebels up 14-0. With just 32 seconds left in the half linebacker Scotty Balash intercepted the ball and ran it back 28-yards for a pick six touchdown. After a missed extra point the Rebels when into halftime leading 20-0.
South scored early once again in the third quarter as Luke Jensen, again found Josh Jensen, who spun his way into end zone, this time for a 12-yard score. After that early score Madison played tough defense again, not allowing another score until the fourth quarter as South's Mason Gumto kicked a 32-yard field goal, putting South up 30-0 and starting the running clock. The clock would only run for only five minutes as Madison's running back Anthony Telenko scored their first and only touchdown of the game on a one-yard dive up the middle. South would hold off Madison the rest of the way, picking up the win, and moving to 5-0 on the year, the first time since 2021.
After the game, Rebels coach Matt Duffy talked about his defense. "Our defense really played lights out all game they gave up zero at halftime, and they got one on us late in the game, so I'm happy with the way they played"
The Willoughby South Rebels will once again be home next week taking on the always tough Chardon Hilltopppers who are now 2-3 after losing on the final play to still undefeated Eastlake North 22-21, while the Madison Blue Streaks will again be on the road taking on the Jefferson Area Falcons (0-5). Both games are scheduled for Friday, September 25th, with 7:00 pm start times.
POSTED 09/18/2026 23:50
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