Red Raiders vow readiness for playoff clash
HUNTLEY – An inspired Huntley football squad will host a Class 8A playoff game Friday against Andrew as the ninth-seed Red Raiders completed an 8-1, 8-1 Fox Valley co-championship season with a come-from behind 27-19 victory over Crystal Lake South Oct. 21.
“We as a staff are just so proud that the team could rally behind each other and bounce back after a sub-par year last year and earn a share of the FVC. It wasn’t an easy path but it was a fun journey with the team,” HHS head coach Mike Naymola said. “We’re definitely excited to host a home game in round one. We love our home crowd. The football community has been very supportive of the team all year and they are just as proud as we are as a staff.”
Huntley finished 3-6 in 2021 after a playoff run from 2014 to 2019. Haiden Janke reached 1,321 rushing yards to lead the offense. The defense surrendered 149 points, fewest in the FVC. The Thunderbolts (6-3 3-1 Southwest) secured their playoff spot with a 28-27 double overtime win over Lockport last Friday.
Family helps HHS overcome
“Family” is a word used often in regards to sports and the love shared with a fellow competitor went beyond the gridiron for Huntley’s football team. Red Raiders senior quarterback Sam Deligio accepted a game ball and a tribute from Naymola for how the senior showed maturity in handling a tragic situation of the passing of his mom, Terri. Deligio topped 200 yards rushing and scored the game’s final two touchdowns.
“Deligio showed just true grit and resolve and he may have played the best game of his life,” Naymola said.
Sam’s mom, Terri Deligio, passed away the Sunday before the game, Oct. 16, age 55. The family that is HHS football squad assisted him in getting through the week, Sam and teammates said. The 12th grader showed maturity well beyond his years and discussed his emotions with reporters amid the team’s celebration.
“As soon as I got off the field, I would think about my mom,” Deligio commented. “We treat each other all like brothers and texted each other during the week.”
“It’s crazy, I didn’t know the stats,” Deligio added about the win.
Deligio ended an 90-yard march with a 24-yard TD run to the right sideline for the go-ahead touchdown and a 20-19 lead. CLS turned back a Huntley red zone attempt but a fumble recovery led to Deligio’s next score, from 17 yards away with two minutes remaining.
“The last touchdown was super-emotional for him,” Naymola said.
The signal caller has grown immensely in ability since last season, the coach said.
“A lot of people had doubts about Sam but this year he is one of the most improved players in the FVC and is a tremendous leader,” Naymola said.
This Friday at Red Raider Stadium there were shouts “Sammy-D” for Deligio, from the Huntley faithful. Players described the main reasons for the comeback from a 3-6 record after 2014 to 2019 playoff seasons.
“Like coach Naymola said, ‘it’s one team, one heart beat and one pulse,” senior offensive lineman Luke Griskey said. “Ben (Wiley), Deligio and I met after last season and we stated we wanted to change the culture of the program and got it rolling.”
Time consuming possessions have helped fueled the success on offense, led by Janke’s 1,00-yard season.
“We wanted to keep them (CLS) off the field as much as we could because they are so explosive offensively,” Naymola said. “They’re a good team and I’m sure they will be a force in Class 6A.”
Janke and the offense, powered by the offensive line, had the answer with a 10-yard touchdown run. Zach Rios capped a run-oriented drive with a score from two yards out and a 14-13 HHS lead but the Gators grabbed a 19-14 lead at the break. An inspired Deligio took over from there.
