Paiden Buckner, a three-year starter for Lane, did his job well this season. But the senior cornerback went through the entire regular season without an interception—the ultimate highlight moment for a player in the secondary.
Buckner picked off two passes in the Champions’ 56-0 win over Joliet Central in a Class 8A opening round playoff game Friday at Lane Stadium.
“I was surprised they even threw my way,” Buckner said. “Teams don’t usually do that. It was great, honestly; that was the best defensive game we have played this season.”
Lane’s defense dominated, holding the Steelmen to fewer than 70 total yards and picking off five interceptions.
“We knew they were a running team,” Champions coach Deshon Conley said. “I felt good if they were forced to pass the ball. I told my guys that. Let’s stop the run early and force them to pass, and we will be in good shape.”
Lane quarterback Blake Perkins punched in a one-yard touchdown on the opening drive, and junior Shamar Pipes ripped off a 59-yard touchdown run early in the third quarter to put the Champions (7-3) ahead 14-0. Pipes carried the ball eight times for 115 yards.
“I saw good blocks, and I knew there was one man I had to make a move on and go score for my team,” Pipes said. “I just have to come out and play hard for my team. They are looking for me to be a playmaker, so that’s what I went out to do.”
Perkins rushed for another touchdown late in the first half and connected with Aidan Andrich on a 24-yard touchdown late in the third quarter. Perkins was 5-for-6 for 57 yards and rushed for 24 yards.
Joliet Central (3-7) was playing in its first state playoff game since 1976.
“We knew they would be excited and wanted to start fast,” Conley said. “That’s part of the reason we took the ball first.”
Lane’s defense scored three touchdowns and a safety. Junior Jack Laufter and senior Taylor Clay returned interceptions for touchdowns, and junior defensive lineman Lucas Wilson ripped the ball away from the Steelmen and ran for a short TD.
“Killing them with a sledgehammer,” Buckner said. “We knew they weren’t better than us and we came out here and showed that.”
Lane will travel to South Elgin for a First Round game next weekend.
Historically, Joliet Central has been one of the area's least successful teams. The Steelmen were winless the first three seasons after COVID and finished 1-8 the past two seasons.
“I’m glad they got to experience this,” Joliet Central coach Thomas Hart said. “There has always been that senior class that pushes us to the next level. There was the one that got us our first win. They set a standard. Now the standard is 3-6, and we have to keep moving.”
Joliet Central was unlikely to qualify for the expanded playoffs this season, so breaking the 50-year drought was a major accomplishment for Hart and his players.
“This was amazing,” Steelmen senior Tristan Sellers said. “Being able to have this playoff experience for the school was special. I am just proud to be able to be part of this process and show the kids coming up behind us what is possible and showing them a goal to push past. There was a lot of life and excitement around at the school. And now there will be more people excited about football. I’m excited about what is to come here.”
@michaelsobriensports Lane beat Joliet Central 56-0 in the Opening Round of the IHSA Class 8A state playoffs. #ihsa #football #chicago #lanetech ♬ original sound - michaelsobriensports
