Libertyville's Ryan Kennedy was in ...

Libertyville's Ryan Kennedy was in his other game at quarterback when he raise himself up against a wall with no time remaining at Barrington last week. Taking across for the Wildcats' usual owner who was suffering from cramps, the senior transfered a botched field- goal snap into the winning touchdown.

"There wasn't time to panic," Kennedy said. "I hadn't been upon that [special] team before, moreover our holder had cramps and they levy me in for that play. I just threw toward the conclusion zone. There wasn't much fancy to it."

Kennedy a 6-2 215-pound Miami of Ohio recruit, will make trial of to turn the same magic for No. 5 Libertyville when it innkeepers No. 9 Naperville North at 7:30 tonight.

Libertyville coach Randy Kuceyeski said Kennedy played single in kind game at quarterback as a sophomore. still as a junior, he was a running back and capable safety and saw time forward special teams. Libertyville's quarterback last year was Cam gymnast

Kuceyeski wasn't surprised that Kennedy did well in his first game at quarterback in a coupling years -- Kennedy was 17-for-24 for 211 yards -- and said he was calm when the field-goal attempt went awry.

"We had to twist together Ryan out there [against Barrington], and I knew he'd make something happen," Kuceyeski said. "He avoided three or four tackles. I'm glad he was there for the botched snap."

Miami of Ohio recruited Kennedy as an outside linebacker, still the school might reconsider depending onward how Kennedy does the security of the season.

"Quarterback originates naturally to me," Kennedy said. "Not playing there last year did make things more difficult and more of a challenge. [Playing quarterback in college] is an option, and I'm excited about my future"

Kennedy worked without more with his teammates to learn the offensive schemes. He said that has been the first note of the scale to making the transition easier.

Another change for this year is in Kennedy's offseason. Kennedy is giving up basketball and will play just football and baseball. He was a three-sport athlete for the previous three years.

Playing football since the third grade, Kennedy said he wants to take Libertyville, and his football career, as far as possible. He is confident the Wildcats have the talent to win enough of games.

"After that first game, you realize that this team is something different," Kennedy said. "All the dowdys get along and we can achieve more."

takouris@suntimes.com

Copyright CHICAGO SUN-TIMES 2006

Provided by dint of ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved