Janke, unique kick highlight win
HUNTLEY — Huntley’s standout running back had another big effort, and the team’s 35th and final point of the night was an unusual one in the second win of the football season.
A Point After Touchdown (PAT) by senior Elizabeth Johnson capped off a 35-6 Huntley victory over McHenry. Sept. 1.
“Coach (head coach Mike Naymola) told me in the first half I would get a chance in the second half,” Johnson said.
Johnson’s historic kick happened after Haiden Janke scored his third touchdown on a four-yard run with a little over 10 minutes remaining. Johnson, who wears No. 89, lined up for the PAT attempt, after a hold by starting quarterback Braylon Bower after the long snap by Braylon Bower. Johnson’s kick split the uprights.
“I was excited and relieved,” Johnson, a member of the Red Raiders girls soccer team, said. “My legs were shaking.”
The holder and kicker work often for such moments. “I work with Braylon on our special teams and kicking drills,” she said.
“I think she made it by about five yards. It was a good feeling,” Bower said.
Talon Sargent was perfect on his PATs as well on Friday, as Huntley moved to 2-0, 2-0 FVC.
“Johnson has been with us her whole career and has been patient in waiting for her chance,” Naymola said.
The Red Raiders’ run game was led by Janke who rushed for 130 yards and three touchdowns on 18 carries. Bower ran for 56 yards and threw for one touchdown of 14 yard to Jacob Witt. He completed 66 % of his passes, for 92 yards. A fumble recovery set up one of the scoring drives. Huntley gained a total of 261 rushing yards.
“We’ve decided already on the theme for this week and that is discipline. We had too many penalties and errant plays,” Naymola said. “We wanted to open up the offense to give others some opportunities and that remains a work in progress.”
“The first two games of the season have just been amazing, all we can do on offense and defense,” Janke said. “We’re there for each other and we trust the process.” The Red Raiders, who have a 61-27 edge on opponents in scoring, share the FVC lead with Cary-Grove and Prairie Ridge at 2-0, 2-0. McHenry was 0-2, 0-2. Jacobs cones into the Friday clash at Huntley at 1-1, 1-1.
