Rocks dash Blue Devils’ playoff hopes with overwhelming defense in second half
ROCK ISLAND, Ill. — The Quincy High School football team created a glimmer of hope in its pursuit of a playoff berth.
It faded with one bad snap.
Despite allowing Rock Island to score touchdowns on its first three possessions Friday night at Almquist Field, the Blue Devils were in perfect striking distance down 21-18 late in the first half and set to receive the opening kickoff of the third quarter.
After forcing and recovering a Rocks fumble at the 10-yard line and thwarting a scoring opportunity, the Blue Devils were unable to move the ball and were forced to punt. The snap went over Adon Byquist’s head and he fell on the ball at the 2-yard line.
The Rocks scored on the next play as Trey Parks plunged into the end zone for a 28-18 halftime lead. The Blue Devils never got closer, losing the Western Big 6 Conference finale 56-26 and finishing the regular season with a 4-5 record.
A victory would have qualified the Blue Devils for playoff consideration.
Byquist, a sophomore, threw for 232 yards in the first half, connecting with Jack Mettemeyer on a 65-yard touchdown strike and using a 62-yard completion to Gregory Quince to set up a touchdown run.
However, in the second half, Quincy went three-and-out on its first possession and turned the ball over three straight times later in the half, including having a fumble returned 90 yards for a touchdown by Rock Island’s Jaquai Scott.
Quincy’s Adon Byquist runs the ball against Rock Island during a Western Big 6 Conference game Friday at Almquist Field. 
Quincy’s Peyton Weech runs against the Rock Island defense during a Western Big 6 Conference game Friday at Almquist Field. 
Quincy’s Gregory Quince runs the ball after a making a catch while Rock Island’s Niyo Feston gives chase during a Western Big 6 Conference game Friday at Almquist Field.
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