By Chad Wingert (Contact / Staff Bio)

Originally published November 7, 2009, 01:08 a.m. EST. Updated November 7, 2009, 01:08 a.m. EST

By Chad Wingert

Sports Editor

ST. CHARLES — It seems like a battle every year for most teams, but for Reese and head coach Bob Saylor, injuries is a battle that never, ever ends.

Once again, the Rocket’s had to alter their game plan after both starting quarterback Travis Menapace and Jimmy Hahn, were sidelined after injuries early in the first half.

“Menapace got the start for us but he came out after he hurt his ankle. Then we tried Hahn for a series, but he was sore from being sick,” Saylor said. “So then, about midway through the second quarter, we went with (Kyle) Yaklin.”

Yaklin did his job under center, running the ball 14 times for 63 yards while completing three passes for 32 yards and a TD, but still, it was not enough for Reese to sneak past the Bulldogs.

The Rockets trailed 14-7 at the half, but 14 more points by St. Charles took the wind out of the Reese sails awfully quick.

“It felt like we were at a disadvantage from the whole night,” Saylor said. “We had so many kids that were banged up and Medyk played with a torn meniscus. But, these kids battled until the end.”

Mendyk totaled 89 yards on 16 carries while Trevor Gruber had the other score for the Rockets, hooking up with Yaklin for a 24 yard pass play midway through the third quarter.

Saylor also admitted that defending the single wing offense of St. Charles was not an easy task for the Rockets.

“That single wing offense is tough,” Saylor said. “They are faking and spinning every play while four different guys are running out of the backfield.”

Defensively, Reese was led by Kyle Kinasz with nine tackles while Matt Dietrich, Cody Reif and Jared Bender each collected seven tackles. Caleb Gnatkowski and Nate Holzhei also helped out the Rockets defensive efforts by each recoving a fumble.

“This group of seniors, they are warriors,” Saylor said. “The past two seasons we have lost so many kids to injuries. Now, I just feel bad that this season has to end.”