The last bus ride is always the toughest. On the way back to the home campus, thoughts of what might have been invade the journey through the darkness.

Lincoln-Way Central’s last ride was Saturday. The Knights held three one-touchdown leads on host St. Rita , but the Mustangs proved tougher in the final quarter and pulled out a 31-28 victory on Saul Ruiz’s 23-yard field goal as time expired in a Class 7A second-round game.

Lucas Andresen had a sterling Saturday with 10 receptions, three for touchdowns, plus a fourth score on a rush. Drew Woodburn completed 15 passes in all for 158 yards. But St. Rita had the ball last.

“Playing with these guys for so long, it’s become such a family culture, and it’s tough to see it end like this,” Andresen said. “We had high expectations.

“I think w

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