For three quarters of Friday night’s season opener between host Kankakee and Nazareth , it looked like a lock that the pair would play their fourth straight season opener to be decided by a touchdown or less.

But then the Roadrunners showed why they’re the defending three-time state champions.

Following Dylan Wellner’s one-yard touchdown plunge in the final seconds of the third quarter to break a 12-12 tie, a pair of interceptions and a pair of Jackson Failla to Jake Cestone touchdown passes allowed Nazareth to pull away late for an impressive 33-12 victory.

Cestone, who finished with 95 yards on four catches, said the primetime experience that comes with playing for a program like the Roadrunners helped them find an extra gear down the stretch.

“Being on varsity, for me four years

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