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October 28, 2022

Huntley senior quarterback Sam Deligio shows the customized Chicago Bears football. He received the football as winner of the Bears High School All-Star Week 9 award. Deligio was honored after practice Oct. 27 for his 200-yard rushing, two touchdown performance in the 27-19 HHS victory over Crystal Lake South. The victory gave HHS an 8-1 record and a share of the Fox Valley Conference championship. The game occurred just days after Deligio's mom Terri died. Family members Sam's dad Andy and sister Aly Deligio attended the ceremony. Bears Manager of Youth Football Gustavo Silva said High school All-Star winners will receive two tickets to the Bears against the Philadelphia Eagles game Dec. 18 at Soldier Field as well as $500 which will be donated to an organization the player chooses.
Steve Peterson/My Huntley News
Huntley senior quarterback Sam Deligio shows the customized Chicago Bears football. He received the football as winner of the Bears High School All-Star Week 9 award. Deligio was honored after practice Oct. 27 for his 200-yard rushing, two touchdown performance in the 27-19 HHS victory over Crystal Lake South. The victory gave HHS an 8-1 record and a share of the Fox Valley Conference championship. The game occurred just days after Deligio’s mom Terri died. Family members Sam’s dad Andy and sister Aly Deligio attended the ceremony. Bears Manager of Youth Football Gustavo Silva said High school All-Star winners will receive two tickets to the Bears against the Philadelphia Eagles game Dec. 18 at Soldier Field as well as $500 which will be donated to an organization the player chooses.

Sports • October 28, 2022

Determined, dedicated Deligio motivated for playoffs

By

Huntley quarterback Sam Deligio completed a solid regular season with a two-touchdown, 200-yard rushing game against Crystal Lake South which helped the Red Raiders secure an 8-1 record prior to the Class 8 football playoffs.

Deligio, a 5-10, 185 pound signal caller, chalked up 356 yards rushing and eight touchdowns. He threw for 656 yards, five touchdowns and only one interception in 110 attempts. The Red Raiders face Andrew at Red Raiders Stadium in the Class 8A playoffs Oct. 28.

Deligio, in his second year at HHS after a transfer from Jacobs before his junior year, tackled a survey  about football and sports in general.

What was the team’s off-season work, football camps?

Sam Deligio: “During the off-season we had 6 a.m. workouts every day before school. Around three months in, we got to actually have them on the football field. We did workouts such as tug-of-wars, sled pushing, speed and agility work and more. Once summer camp came around, we were able to start playing football. At Huntley every position has a certain coach or coaches so everyday we all get the opportunity to learn and improve. Our team was fortunate to have the chance to go to Brownsburg, Indiana for a team football camp. We all benefited at the camp through competition and bonded throughout the process.”

What were the team’s biggest wins this season, toughest opponent?

Deligio: “Our biggest wins to date would have to be Jacobs, Cary-Grove and Crystal Lake South. In all
three games we fought together and played for each other. I believe our toughest opponent is still
ahead of us with Andrew. This is actually my first time playing in a football game against a team not in my conference so I am really pumped up and excited.”

How do you get motivated before each game?

Deligio: “I always have a conversation with my dad Andy about the upcoming game. My dad is my hero. He was a very talented football player who was all-conference on both sides of the ball at Elwood Park High School. He played defensive back at Illinois State University. My dad and I talk about what the game will look like. He always keeps me extremely calm and helps me through any concerns I have.”

Which NFL players do you admire?

Deligio: I really admire Kyler Murray (Arizona Cardinals). As a shorter quarterback, Murray is a huge
motivation. To be able to do what he did, such as win the Heisman, get drafted in the first round in both
football and baseball and win the Heisman Trophy, is extremely impressive. He will always be my
favorite player of all-time.”

Any other sports you tried at HHS?

Deligio: “I ran track-and-field last season at HHS for coach Chris Maxedon.. It truly benefited me and made me a much better runner. I have also played baseball for 12 years and plan to play this spring. I played baseball my freshman and sophomore year at Jacobs. However, I gave it up for a season  because I knew track would be a huge help.”

Any HHS alumni who helped you in football?

Deligio: “Eric Mooney and Bruno Bosman both were extremely talented quarterbacks before me. I reach out to Mooney for advice frequently and he has been a huge help to me. Bosman has come to games
and I see him around a lot. He is a super nice guy and always gives me advice about football. I watch hundreds of hours of film on these players and constantly learn through their actions. They are both role models for me.”

How do you assist young players?

Deligio: “When we host youth camps, I try to be a role model for the kids. I mostly stick around the quarterbacks, help with their mechanics, footwork and more. I love working with the kids. It reminds me of going to the Friday night games. I hope I can make a difference in some kids’ lives.”

What were the team bonding activities this season?

Deligio: “While we were at Brownsburg, Indiana, our team participated in bonding activities, everyday led by different coaches. We learned many important qualities of being a family and playing for each other. All of the kids hang out outside of football as well as every Thursday we have team dinners. We have also been able to learn more about each other through speeches, practice and playing football.”

Which teammates can lighten the mood best?

Deligio: “Whenever I am down, my teammate and best friend, Luke Griskey, always cheers me up. Luke is my brother. We have gone on vacations together, spent birthdays together and our families are very close. Griskey always checks up on me as I do for him. I appreciate that very much.”

Significance of Huntley’s 8-1 Class 8A playoff season?

Deligio: “This season has been truly special. Going into this year, we knew what last year was like and we were determined to change it. Our team motto has been “All of Us” all year long. We live by that. No one game is won by one player or a few players. It is a team effort. We also vocalized that we have nothing to lose and everything to prove. It really lit a fire under us. Going into the playoffs with an 8-1 record feels great. We know our mission and we aren’t done yet. As a team we will continue to take care of business.”