THE PREPS : FOOTBALL ROUNDUP : Villa Park’s Second Half Beats Loara

Despite a dreadful first half when it managed only nine yards overall, Villa Park mounted some offense in the second for a 20-7 nonleague victory over Loara Saturday night at Glover Stadium.

Roman Roacho’s 35-yard interception return for a touchdown late in the third quarter was the difference for the Spartans. Quarterback Sam Stremick added a 34-yard scoring run late in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.

It was a disappointing setback for Loara (1-3), which outgained Villa Park, 175-9, in offense in the first half. Loara didn’t give up any first-half first downs and limited Villa Park to 11 plays from scrimmage. However, the Saxons failed to take advantage of the Spartans’ woes and it cost them.

After a scoreless half, fullback Sean Mahoney scored on a 44-yard run on Villa Park’s opening drive of the third quarter, giving the Spartans a 7-0 lead with 1:43 gone.

Loara went 60 yards in eight plays to tie, 7-7, when running back John Duhon scored on a one-yard run with 7:12 left in the third.

Villa Park (3-1), ranked No. 6 in Division V, fumbled on its next possession, but Roacho picked off a pass by Loara quarterback Archie Lappin that bounced off the hands of receiver Clint Collins and returned it for a 14-7 Spartan lead with 2:52 remaining in the third. Stremick’s touchdown run capped the scoring with 4:09 left.

Loara running back Marcus McBride rushed for 105 yards in 15 carries and caught six passes for 65 yards.