Antioch fans are used to seeing Nick Day go about his business under the lights.

The Sequoits’ third-year starting fullback has a workmanlike style and demeanor very much in line with how the entire program projects itself.

But Day’s success is forged long before a crowd has assembled in the stands.

“I make myself a big breakfast: everything-seasoned bagel with egg, cheese and butter on it,” he said. “That’s the most important part of my day because it sets the stage for everything that comes after.”

On football Fridays, Day’s go-to meal is typically followed by an Antioch win and a display of his extensive inventory of skills.

Day put on one of his best shows yet during the Sequoits’ 33-12 Northern Lake County Conference road win against Wauconda on Friday, rushing for 207 yards and three touchdowns on 24 carries.

The game wasn’t close but could be the toughest regular-season challenge for conference leader Antioch (6-0, 4-0), which has qualified for the playoffs. Wauconda (4-2, 3-1) had won three in a row.

“The only thoughts on my mind right now are on Grant because anything can happen,” Day said of the Sequoits’ next opponent. “You always have to worry about games even if you’re playing the lowest team in the conference.”

What sets Day apart, seemingly against any opponent, is his physical size. His 5-foot-8, 205-pound frame makes tackling him difficult, and his low center of gravity and legs that could double as tree trunks give him an upper hand.

But Day relishes another facet of his game.

“Balance is a running back’s No. 1 priority, whether you’re on the sideline or running right through the center,” he said. “If you’re able to make a cut on a safety or a defensive lineman, if you don’t have balance, you’re not going to be able to make that cut.”

Day demonstrated the importance of balance to him during one of his TD runs against Wauconda. He spun off contact and managed to get his hand on the ground to avoid going down. Rather than regrouping for the next play, Day headed to the end zone, where he has landed 13 times in six games.

“His contact balance is amazing,” Antioch senior tackle JT Gobeyn said. “I can miss a block, and he’ll still be up when I turn around. He makes my job a lot easier and makes me look better on the field. When we get to watching film, the coaches say that I missed a block, but it’s OK because Nick broke it.”

Day doesn’t seem like he’d be a home run threat, but his 38-yard run put the Sequoits ahead 19-0 at the end of the first quarter.

He added touchdown runs of 6 yards and 16 yards later in the game. Those were more vintage Day. He typically stays between the tackles and bursts through to the second level at a pace that defenders don’t look ready to handle.

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“Sometimes you can’t see him, and he’ll come spitting out on the back side,” Antioch coach Brian Glashagel said. “He also brings an attitude to the type of football we want to play. Without him and that inside presence, a lot of the stuff throwing and getting to the perimeter just wouldn’t be there. Teams have to plan for him.”

Day plans a lot of work to continue improving his balance.

“I do a lot of bands. I wrap them around my waist and tie them to poles,” he said. “I’ll even do it in my basement at night. The more your hip flexors are stretched out, the more you can move your feet. It’s the most crucial part of being a running back.”

Day knows he won’t be one forever, so he has begun thinking about the end of his decorated high school career, which included 1,020 rushing yards and 15 TDs last year.

“It’s starting to hit me,” he said. “We’ve had some easy games, but I’m starting to realize that high school is starting to come to a close. I’m just trying to enjoy my life as much as I can right now.”

Steve Reaven is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.