QUINCY — The Blue Devils exploded for 29 points in the second quarter and stopped a Silver Streak rally in the third to defeat Galesburg 44-22 on Oct. 10 in Western Big 6 Conference play.

The loss drops Galesburg to 2-5 overall and 1-4 in the conference. Quincy improves to 5-2 and 4-1.

Early defensive stand sets tone

The game started with both teams able to move on offense, but the defenses were up to the task and kept the ball out of the end zone. The Streaks’ defense held Quincy on a fourth-and-3 at the Galesburg 23-yard line.

On the next series, Galesburg methodically moved downfield, aided by a 17-yard pass from Grady Hickey to Antwon Walker and a couple of first-down runs by Hickey. The Streaks moved to the Quincy 1, but a penalty pushed the ball back to the 6-yard line. That penalty negated a touchdown run by Corey McGee.

The Blue Devils’ defense stiffened, and Quincy took over on downs from its own 6-yard line. The first quarter ended in a scoreless tie.

Quincy strikes first

Once Quincy gained possession, the Blue Devils made their way downfield on a series of intermediate passes and runs to Galesburg’s 6-yard line. Quarterback Hunter Schuckman found receiver Noah Wells wide open in the end zone for the game’s first score.

Galesburg answers with big play

The Silver Streaks came right back with a score of their own. Starting at their own 29, Galesburg used the big play. Quarterback Grady Hickey tossed to Walker, who broke away for a 41-yard touchdown. The two-point conversion put the Streaks on top 8-7.

Momentum shifts to Quincy

Then Quincy took command, but with an unusual start. Galesburg’s Drew Hickey intercepted Schuckman’s pass to set the Streaks up at the Quincy 33. On the very next play, Grady Hickey was intercepted, and the Blue Devils were back where they started.

Led by running back Mason Dent, Quincy moved into the red zone, and Schuckman ran a keeper up the middle for the touchdown. The two-point conversion put Quincy back in the lead, 15-8.

On its next series, Schuckman threw four passes to Sawyer Harshberger, three of which were completed. The fourth pass went for a 15-yard touchdown.

With about 40 seconds to play in the half, Galesburg took over, but on the first play Dent intercepted Hickey and ran 55 yards for the score. After a tightly fought first quarter and a half, Quincy had a 29-8 lead at the half.

Streaks rally in third quarter

Coming out for the third quarter, Quincy covered 66 yards for a score. A Schuckman pass to Wells covered 54 of those yards to within inches of the goal line. Dent took a direct snap from center and took the ball in.

Trailing 36-8, things were looking grim for the Streaks until they took advantage of a couple of breaks. The first came on the kickoff. Walker returned the kick 76 yards for the TD.

On its kickoff, Galesburg recovered a squib kick at Quincy’s 27. Hickey immediately found Walker with a pass down to the 3-yard line. Hickey scored from the 2-yard line. The two-point conversion failed, but the Streaks had closed the gap to 36-22 halfway through the third quarter.

Quincy closes it out

Another big play by Quincy stopped the momentum. On a pass from Schuckman, Cole Burgess broke free for a 71-yard touchdown for the final score and a 44-22 lead.

Grady Hickey was injured late in the quarter on a running play. Day’Vion Jones replaced him for the rest of the game.

Quincy used much of the fourth quarter to run out the clock.

Quincy outgained the Streaks 484-228 in total yards. Hickey was 8-for-21 passing for 137 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. Walker had four receptions for 99 yards and one touchdown.

Looking ahead

Galesburg has two games remaining in the season. Rock Island comes to town on Oct. 17 for Senior Night. The Rocks are 1-6 overall and 1-4 in the Western Big 6. The Streaks end the season at Moline. The Maroons, who won a forfeit from Alleman on Oct. 10, are 6-1 overall and 5-0 in the conference.