By Chad Wingert (Contact / Staff Bio)

Originally published October 31, 2009, 12:43 a.m. EST. Updated October 31, 2009, 12:43 a.m. EST

By Chad Wingert

Sports Editor

REESE — It almost seemed like deja vu for Bob Saylor and the Rockets.

Same team, same weather conditions and same result. But this time, the result meant even more.

Reese’s 29-6 win over EPBP meant a few things. First, it meant that the Rockets punched their ticket to face St. Charles in round two of the playoffs, and second, it meant that Reese’s defense dominated the Lakers for the second time this year, giving up only one score in two games.

“I want to apologize for Coach Bouvy for our offense giving up the score,” Saylor said jokingly. “But really, our defense is playing well and that’s what it takes to keep moving in the tournament.”

The Rockets defense was able to force four Lakers turnovers, including two interceptions and two fumble recoveries. Part of should be credited to the Reese defensive line and the pressure they were able to apply on EPBP senior quarterback Luke Voelker. Defensively, the Rockets were led once again by Kevin Kinasz with 10 tackles while senior Matt Dietrich gathered nine tackles. Kyle Yacklin and Jared Bender each had an interception while Bender and Jake Bierlien also recovered Laker Fumbles. Bender also had nine tackles.

Coming into round two with EPBP, Reese knew that they would have to somehow control the Laker seniors Voelker and Chris Rowe. And they did exactly that, by holding them to 128 combined.

“We knew Lakers would be tough. We have a lot of respect for their program and Voelker is a heck of a quarterback,” Saylor said. “Playing them for a second time, we knew we would be in for a battle. We are just happy to get out of here with a victory.”

Voelker finished the night by rushing 18 times for 45 yards while going only 2-of-10 passing, totaling 17 yards and two picks. Rowe rumbled 16 times for 83 yards on the night.

The game may been oddly similar to their last meeting, but one thing that was new was the man under center for Reese. Sophomore Jimmy Hahn got the start for Reese after Travis Menapace tweaked his ankle last week in the Rockets loss to Mt. Morris. Hahn, who began the season as the starting tailback on the JV squad went 1-of-7 for 46 yards. But, his one completion was a beautiful toss to Kyle Yacklin and good enough for a touchdown.

“He is a heck of an athlete and he has some great wheels. For him to be thrown into this thing and keep it going - I’m so proud of him,” Saylor said. “We have suffered injuries and we had a setback with Mt. Morris last week but now, we are looking forward to our next opponent.”

Carrying the load for the Reese offense was Andrew Mendyk and Travis VanAlst. Mendyk piled up 181 yards and 2 touchdowns on 22 carries while VanAlst found the endzone once on seven carries and 34 yards.

Despite the rain and high winds that covered the Rockets home field, Saylor and his squad have adapted quite well to the weather after the past few weeks.

“It seems like every Friday we are playing in a soup. We had to approach this game a little different, but still, I’m so proud of these kids,” Saylor said. “Your always nervous playing a team the second time around. It feels like they had the advantage coming in and knowing what we have. But, I’m just happy at the way these kids came out and played. We played hard, we hit hard and we played some Rocket football tonight.”

Now, Reese will lose their home field advantage as they travel to St. Charles for next week’s matchup. But after looking around at the Rockets home field, Saylor realized that it was in no condition for another game next week.

“I’m sure their field is tore up too. Hopefully we can get some nice weather, it would be nice to play a dry football game,” Saylor said. “I think we have played the last four weeks in a mess. But, we will scout them out and hopefully give them a good game.”