When the pressure was at its highest, Noah McKittrick stayed calm and delivered. His 32-yard field goal as time ran out gave Kaneland High School a thrilling 23–21 victory over La Salle-Peru. The dramatic ending left fans cheering and players celebrating as Kaneland secured another playoff spot.
A Game That Went Down to the Wire
With less than two seconds left on the clock, Kaneland was trailing by one point. McKittrick lined up for a 32-yard field goal.
The crowd held its breath as he kicked the ball — and it sailed perfectly through the uprights. That final play changed everything, turning what could have been a heartbreaking loss into a memorable win.
Noah said after the game that he treated the kick like any other attempt. His calm focus under pressure made all the difference.
How the Game Unfolded
The matchup between Kaneland and La Salle-Peru had everything — big plays, turnovers, comebacks, and drama until the final second.
| Team | Key Highlights |
|---|---|
| La Salle-Peru | Scored first with a 54-yard touchdown run by Marion Persich in the second quarter. Later regained the lead in the fourth quarter with another strong drive. |
| Kaneland | Struggled early with turnovers but rallied thanks to quarterback Jalen Carter, who scored twice to take the lead. In the last moments, Carter’s long pass to Brady Brown set up the winning field goal. |
Kaneland’s final drive showed teamwork and patience. They took advantage of penalties and completed critical passes, moving just close enough for McKittrick to seal the deal.
Players Who Made a Difference
Noah McKittrick was the hero of the night. Despite being tired from playing soccer earlier that day, he stayed composed when it mattered most. His practice and experience in pressure situations clearly paid off.
Jalen Carter, the quarterback, was another standout. He led the offense, scoring key touchdowns and making the crucial pass to Brady Brown that brought Kaneland into field goal range. Brown’s catch under pressure was equally vital, proving that every small effort counts in close games.
La Salle-Peru’s Strong Effort
Even though they lost, La Salle-Peru fought hard. They led for much of the game and showed great determination. Their offense, led by Persich, created several big plays. After the game, Coach JJ Raffelson praised his players, saying they gave everything they had on the field.
What This Win Means for Kaneland
This victory gave Kaneland their sixth win of the season, officially qualifying them for the state playoffs for the eighth straight year. The team’s confidence is high, and McKittrick said he believes they have “a big run coming up” in the postseason.
The win also reminded fans that football is not just about strength but also about mental toughness. Every second and every play counts.
Why Fans Will Remember This Game
- The match ended with a last-second field goal — one of the most dramatic finishes possible.
- Both teams showed incredible resilience.
- The win marked another successful step for Kaneland’s playoff journey.
- The atmosphere, excitement, and emotion made it unforgettable for everyone watching.
In one of the most exciting finishes of the season, Noah McKittrick’s final kick turned Kaneland’s fate around, earning them a 23–21 victory over La Salle-Peru.
It was a perfect example of teamwork, determination, and calm under pressure. The Knights proved that belief and persistence can turn any challenge into triumph — one kick at a time.
