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August 28, 2023

Huntley quarterback Braylon Bower carries the ball against Crystal Lake Central. The Red Raiders won 26-21 Aug. 25.
Steve Peterson
Huntley quarterback Braylon Bower carries the ball against Crystal Lake Central. The Red Raiders won 26-21 Aug. 25.

Sports • August 28, 2023

Bower’s consistency shines in debut

By

HUNTLEY — According to Red Raiders coaches, Huntley junior Braylon Bower earned the starting nod at quarterback which was a quarterback decision that evolved in summer workouts. Bower and senior Cole Copersmet were seeking to be the successor to graduated Sam Deligio.

Bower showed the coaches’ faith in him was well earned as Huntley downed Crystal Lake Central in comeback fashion, 26-21, in the season opener Aug. 25. Bower scored the game-winning touchdown on a three-yard run with less than two minutes to play. Haiden Janke scored three touchdowns with 87 yards rushing.

“Bower earned the starting spot with consistency,” HHS head coach Mike Naymola said. “He was stead all summer and just got better each day. It was a tough decision between Copersmet and Bower but ultimately we felt Bower was better suited to run the kind of offense we like to run. Bower has been very coachable since the end of last football season as knew he had a long way to go to be ready to be the man to run our team. Friday was a good example of his skill set. He has a quick release with just enough velocity on his throws as well as a good feel for tucking the ball and becoming a threat running the ball. His 200 yards rushing against CLC was evident of that.”

“Our offensive line continued where they left off last year despite losing Luke Griskey and Eric Bower, both playing D1 football right now,” Naymola said. “Returning All FVC guard Jack Crudele and guard Vinny Tiberi led the OL that paved the way for over 300 yards rushing. They have developed a trust in one another earlier than I have seen most offensive lines over the years. Usually it takes a few weeks to gel but coach Mike Sebestyen has done a great job getting them ready for the season.”

In the end, Huntley out-gained CLC, 433 yards to 401. The Tigers had a 258-92 advantage in the passing game but the Red Raiders dominated in  the ground game.

Bower is the younger brother of Brianna Bower, who led Huntley to the Class 4A State Softball Championship in 2019. Brianna is now pitching at the University of Illinois after starting her collegiate career at Mississippi State University. Also, Boston Bower, a defensive lineman last season, is playing football at Cathrage College in Kenosha.

“Brianna is definitely a role model for me,” Braylon said.

The Warriors of McHenry will be next for HHS, in a FVC clash at 7 p.m. Sept. 1. McHenry was 0-1, 0-1 after a 34-0 loss to Hampshire.

“Our goal for this week is the same as it is each week,” Naymola said. “We just want to play our brand of football on both sides of the ball and get a little better each week. If we take care of the details, the big things will take care of themselves. McHenry will be ready to go, and so will we.”