Focus keeps eyes on playoff goal
HUNTLEY — On a long night of memories, Huntley’s football winning formula continued to have success.
The Red Raiders kept focus on the quest for the IHSA playoffs as an effective game plan worked on offense and defense in a 54-43 wild win over Crystal Lake South Sept. 29. HHS takes its 5-1, 5-1 record to Cary-Grove (5-1, 5-1) in a battle of Fox Valley Conference contenders at 1 p.m. Oct. 7.
“I felt we looked real strong first half, as we scored on five possessions. Then we had some adversity but we showed mental toughness and persevered,” Huntley coach Mike Naymola said.
“It was so much fun, a total team win,” Red Raiders star running back Haiden Janke said.
It’s been a fun two-thirds of the season for Red Raiders fans, too, watching the offense dazzle through Janke and the passing attack led by quarterback Braylon Bower and talented wide receivers.
Janke finished Friday with three touchdowns, the first, a 19-yard run run, a six-yard run and a 66-yard jaunt, for 14 touchdowns on the season. He ended with 200 yards rushing on 22 carries.
“This was his first (200-yards game) this season, he accomplished that feat a few times last year,” Naymola said of Janke. “Janke isn’t easy to bring down, that’s no secret. Most opposing coaches would probably agree with that. What’s more impressive about Janke is his football IQ. He sees the game more like a coach. His understanding of his role and the roles of everyone else is quite impressive. We’re just happy he’s on our side.”
Bower put together a 12-for-17, 179-yards, four-touchdown passing game. Seniors Jacob Witt was the top receiver with 114 yards from seven receptions and two touchdowns, from 20 and 40-yards while Omare Segarra (49 yards) and Jacob Pochicha (five yards) had one TD each.
“Bower keeps reminding us each week why he deserves the QB1 role,” Naymola said. “His consistent play has been a huge reason why we’re 5-1 and he’ll continue to be the reason we have success in the weeks to come.”
Witt and Segarra have been Bower’s main targets passing through six games and Naymola summed up their success.
“Witt had a nice junior season so it’s not surprising to me that he’s having this level of success. He’s worked tremendously hard to give himself the best opportunity possible. On the field, he just keeps making plays when given the chance. I’m very proud of him.”
About Segarra: “Segarra has broken on the scene this season contributing big plays in almost every game. We always talk about making the most of your opportunities on Friday nights and he’s done that.”
The CLS signal caller, Caden Casimino, totaled 553 passing yards in a record-setting night. Despite jaw-dropping numbers from the visitors, the defense was up to the challenge in the fourth quarter rally.
Huntley’s defense was led by a key tackle in the CLS final drive with a sack and later an interception by Rysavy, his second. Garifo finished with seven solo tackles and four assists and one interception and Rysavy had four solo tackles and six assists. Also, Ben Wean contributed six solo tackles, three tackles for loss and two sacks; Carter Pope had one sack and three tackles for loss.
“He (Casimino) is a real gun-slinger of a thrower and has a good receivers corps,” Rasavy said. “There were a lot of 50-50 balls and you have to make the plays. I love our defensive line guys. They have a young core and really made big plays for us.”
Garifo’s 85-yard return of an interception set up Janke’s six-yard score and a 46-20 cushion. Janke’s 66-yard run plus a two-point conversion made it a 54-34 lead but the Gators kept coming, gaining a safety and another touchdown.
Up next
The Red Raiders battle another 5-1 FVC contender, Cary-Grove, at the Trojans’ homecoming at 1 p.m., Oct. 7. Prairie Ridge leads the FVC at 6-0, 6-0.
