Heading into the game with identical 1-2 records, both Galesburg and Alleman had plenty on the line in their Sept. 19 matchup in Rock Island. A win could set either team on the path toward a successful season, while a loss could derail those hopes.

Streaks pull away after halftime

The Silver Streaks erupted in the second half, propelling them to a 54-22 victory. The win evened their record at 2-2 and gave them a crucial Western Big Six Conference win.

The game had a similar feel to the Limestone contest two weeks prior. The Streaks were on the road, having just suffered a tough home loss the week before. Both teams scored early, then settled into a back-and-forth battle with neither able to take control. But in the second half, Galesburg began to dominate, pulling away for a lopsided win.

Galesburg led Alleman 14-9 at halftime. The Streaks added 14 points in the third quarter and another 26 in the fourth as their offense clicked in all phases, literally running away to a dominant win.

Alleman strikes first before Streaks take control

Alleman started strong, taking the opening kickoff for a score. Three penalties on Galesburg aided the drive, including a pass interference call that set the Pioneers up with a first down at the Galesburg 13. However, the Galesburg defense held, forcing Alleman to settle for a field goal and a 3-0 lead. Alleman’s opening drive ate up about nine minutes of the first quarter.

Defense settles in after early penalties

Galesburg responded on its first drive, which extended into the second quarter. Quarterback Grady Hickey began what would be a big night, with a key first-down toss to Antwon Walker. Corey McGee also had a successful night, breaking a tackle on his way to a 24-yard run and capping the drive with a touchdown. A two-point conversion put the Streaks up 8-3.

Undeterred, the Pioneers countered with another long, time-consuming drive led by quarterback Kelly Honert and running back Kyle Boden. Honert scored on a 1-yard keeper. The extra point put Alleman back on top, 9-8.

After brief possessions by both sides, Galesburg regained the lead and held it for the remainder of the game. A Hickey-to-Walker pass and more running from McGee led the drive, which ended with McGee’s second touchdown of the game from 3 yards out. Alleman stopped the two-point conversion, but Galesburg closed the first half with a 14-9 lead.

McGee, Hickey lead Galesburg offense

Hickey’s passing, along with the running of McGee and Prosper Aremu, allowed Galesburg to control the second half.

In the third quarter, Hickey connected with Demetrious Watson for a 29-yard touchdown. Later, Hickey found McGee for a touchdown, completing McGee’s hat trick. The third quarter ended with the Streaks comfortably ahead, 28-9.

Fourth-quarter surge seals victory

In the fourth quarter, Walker, Watson, Aremu and Zacheriah Smith all scored, adding to Galesburg’s season-high 54 points.

The defense also provided a strong performance with a pair of sacks and kept the Pioneers in check, with the exception of a couple of Alleman breakaway runs that briefly kept hope of a comeback alive.

After bringing varsity football back this year following a three-season pause, Alleman opened with a decisive win but has since dropped three straight. The Pioneers will look to regroup next week at Rock Island.

Streaks move into third place in WB6 standings

For Galesburg, the victory not only evened the season record but also put the team in third place in the Western Big Six Conference behind 2-0 Quincy and Moline.

The Silver Streaks are on the road again next week for a trip to Sterling. The Golden Warriors are 2-2 but are coming off a convincing 49-22 win at United Township.

Score Recap
Final: Galesburg 54, Alleman 22
Records: Galesburg 2-2 (1-1 WB6), Alleman 1-3 (0-2 WB6)
Next game: Galesburg at Sterling, Sept. 26, 7 p.m.
    Alleman vs. Rock Island, Sept. 26, 7 p.m.