West Aurora wins fourth-ever playoff game amid RB injuries: Kane County Chronicle Football Notebook

Nate Eimer knew when to defer to his players. The West Aurora coach saw his team give up a 42-yard touchdown to Leyden on the first play of the fourth quarter last Friday, giving the Eagles a 14-13 lead in their opening round playoff game. The Blackhawks, meanwhile, had won only three postseason games in program history and hadn’t scored since just before halftime. Needing a response, Eimer turned to his playmakers. “I looked at Tyler [Fecht] and Richard [Bell Jr.] and said, ‘It’s your guys’ game,’” Eimer said, Less than a minute later, the duo answered the call. Fecht threw a 43-yard touchdown pass to Bell to regain the lead for good as West Aurora won, 40-21. The touchdown itself was a microcosm of the Blackhawks’ creativity and improvisation on the field. The team often relies on smash concepts, but this time, instead of running a simple hitch route, Bell opted for a double move, breaking free from the defensive back for a wide open target. “Rich was open by 20 yards,” Eimer said. “