Red Raiders earn homecoming victory
HUNTLEY — Huntley capped off a successful homecoming week with a dominating win on the gridiron. The Red Raiders thrilled their fans with a 34-7 thrashing of Hampshire Sept. 22.
The Red Raiders attack was a varied one, with equal doses of Haiden Janke rushes, Braylon Bower’s passing and a defense that held the Whip-Purs to two missed field goals when it was close and a consolation touchdown. Huntley improved to 4-1, 4-1 in the Fox Valley Conference.
“Each Monday we establish a theme of the week,” Huntley coach Mike Naymola said. “Last week we took a punch to the mouth against a good Prairie Ridge team (a 27-14 loss) so we chose adversity and how you respond to it. We talked about responding as players, coaches and that it is always more positive when you have teammates. We wanted to capitalize on opportunities.”
Quarterback Braylon Bower completed two TD passes, one to Omare Segarra for 16 yards and one to Bryce Walker for 31 yards and ran for a six-yarder. Bower threw for 142 yards on nine of nine throws. Bower is also a threat on the run, Naymola noted. The QB added 95 yards rushing Friday.
“His efficiency in the passing game is the best we’ve had in years,” Naymola said.
“The passing game has improved a lot,” Bower said. “I came into summer camp to work on the throws downfield.”
The Red Raiders were psyched for the homecoming atmosphere.
“It was a great atmosphere all week, and it was great everyone came out to support us,” Bower said.
“We came out with a bang because we had a chip on our shoulders after last week. We pride ourselves on discipline,” Janke said.
Janke added a three-yard touchdown run for 11 on the season, as he led the rushing attack once again. He ended with 110 yards on 18 carries as the Red Raiders topped 200 yards rushing.
“I love the offensive line. They’re the best offensive line, being so big. We talk and game plan with Mike Sebestyan (line coach) all the time,” Janke said.
Paving the way for Janke and Bower was the front line of Adam Tramuta; Jack Crudele, Vinny Tiberi, Cam Mueller and Kelly Glassner.
“It’s a pleasure to block for Janke and we all work as a cohesive unit,” said Tramuta, a senior and team captain, along with Crudele.
The defense dominated all game. Junior linebacker Ari Fiebig led the way with 11 tackles and one tackle for loss; Ryan Wabel totaled seven tackles, four tackles for loss and two sacks and Colin Masten contributed eight tackles, five sacks and an interception.
Up next
Crystal Lake South (2-3, 2-3 FVC) visits Red Raider Stadium in FVC action Sept. 29. Prairie Ridge (5-0, 5-0) is leading the FVC as it beat Cary-Grove, 21-20, on Sept. 22. HHS is at C-G Oct. 7.
