STERLING — Raciel Ocampo’s 47-yard field goal in the second quarter proved to be the difference in Sterling’s 23-21 home win against Kaneland Saturday.

Both teams scored three touchdowns apiece, but the Golden Warriors’ field goal with 48 seconds left in the first half gave Sterling the edge in the Class 5A playoff game.

Sterling also scored on a 30-yard pass from Niko Rivera to Clay Hadley and 1-yard runs from Ben Minnick and Rivera. Minnick led all rushers with 85 yards on 23 carries. Rivera finished 6-of-11 for 89 yards.

Kaneland quarterback Joe Camilliere rang up 246 yards on a 19 of 32 night. Ryley Bailey had 11 catches for 131 yards.

Sterling will play Morris in second-round action next week.

- rrstar.com