Playoff momentum, FVC title HHS priorities
HUNTLEY – The Huntley one-two punch of dominating defense and balanced offense overcame a determined Dundee-Crown football squad that came out ready to shock the Fox Valley Conference race.
The rain and wind had died down by the time James Lang’s take away prevented the Chargers from making it a one-score deficit in the final minutes of Huntley’s 31-19 triumph Oct. 14.
Huntley improved to 7-1, 7-1 FVC, and remained in a three-way tie with Jacobs and Prairie Ridge. The HHS senior night game is next against Crystal Lake South (5-3, 5-3) Oct. 21.
Huntley coach Mike Naymola gave his impressions of the Gators, led by junior quarterback Jaden Casmino, wide receiver Mike Prokos and running back Nate Van Witzenburg. Their 292 points stand runner-up among FVC offenses.
“CLS has a dynamic offense, a balanced attack that will spread you out and make things difficult to defend,” Naymola said. “They have multiple weapons that can hurt you with a quarterback that understands their offense very well. As a defense we need to play together and don’t do anything outside of our jobs.”
Red Raiders turn back D-C
Huntley’s big plays on defense Oct. 14 at D-C totaled three turnovers, two fumbles and one interception.
Zach Garifo’s interception at the HHS 40 and Lang’s fumble recovery off a tipped pass in the end zone were fourth quarter takeaways. The game began early with the defensive line, with the Chargers ahead 7-3, holding firm on runs inside the two-yard line. HHS also executed an on-side kick, blocked a field goal try and had one fourth down stop. Dashaun Manning led the individual tackle totals with nine.
“We survived,” Naymola said. “The fourth down goal-line stand was crucial – we had three or four guys knife through there, and we were able to drive 99-yards for a halftime lead. Also crucial was the fumble recovery and interception.”
Quarterback Sam Deligio’s two yard TD run gave the visitors a 10-7 lead on a drive that included a 31-yard run by Janke. Deligio’s next strike, part of a 75-yard passing game, was 25 yards to Jacob Zastrow for a 17-7 lead on the way to 31 points.
D-C (2-6, 2-6 FVC) put a scare into the Huntley side with a passing dominated drive that ended in a score, closing the lead to 31-19, but again the defense had a stop on a two-point conversion for the final tally.
The Red Raiders totaled 418 yards with 343 rushing led by Janke’s 234 yards on 34 carries.
Running game key
The Red Raiders had another big night offensively running the football as they reached 418 yards led by 343 yards rushing. Janke (234 yards on 34 carries), who is the FVC leading rusher, topped 1,000 yards for the season and has eight touchdowns. Rios has rushed 54 times for 252 yards.
“Janke has been the offensive backbone for us all year,” Naymola said. “None of that happens without the offensive line creating room for him to run. Rios has been pushing Janke all year as they split reps in practice. Rios makes sure Janke doesn’t get too comfortable in his starting role as we trust Rios to carry the ball as well. The culture of competition brings out the best in winning programs.”
Playoff assignment
The Red Raiders will learn of their first round opponent when the Class 8A bracket is announced by the IHSA Saturday night.
