Lead the charge: senior football captains ready

HUNTLEY — Four seniors well-known to most Huntley football fans – Zach Rysavy, Braylon Bower, Grant Tucker and Colin Hochmuth are set to lead the charge as team captains.

Head coach Mike Naymola praised the new season’s team leaders.

“The four players that were selected started their journey to be our captains in December when our off-season program began. They all have stepped up and began taking extreme ownership of this 2024 team. They all have led by example setting the tone for what we expect all our football players to do on and off the field. I’m proud of them for all they have done and will continue to do for our program.”

Bower returns as the starter at quarterback, while Rysavy is a three-sport athlete. Tucker has worked his way through to varsity starter and Hochmuth is poised for his final prep football season.

The Red Raiders open the football season at Crystal Lake Central on Aug. 30.

Rysavy will finish his four years contributing to basketball and track-and field, too.

“I’ll finish with 12 varsity letters,” Rysavy said “I started with football, and my dad (Dave) convinced me to go out as a kid and supported me.”

Rysavy was all-FVC in football and  won both the triple jump and long jump events at the FVC meet last year.

“I usually get only a couple of days off between sports, except for spring break. Basketball has been the hardest for me,” Rysavy said.

There is one other sport he would like to give a try – golf, adding fishing is another interest.

Bower, who completed more than 70 percent of his passes last season, is ready to go.

“I see a lot of hunger for the first game and energy,” Bower said.

A big wide receiver, Tucker will be making his first varsity start against the Tigers.

“I’m proud that I’ve been named a captain. The opener will be my first varsity start. I worked from 5 to 6 a.m. with and went from 175 pounds to 210. I feel we’re getting into the swing of things,” Tucker said.

Hochmuth is ready for another season battling in the trenches on the offensive line.

“I’m extremely excited for the chemistry with the offense and defense this year. I think Bower is a great leader,” Hocmuth said after a first week practice.

Hochmuth played flag football for six years then one year of youth football. Like Rysavy, he is a track-and-field man as well as a discus and shot put thrower. He would like to continue track and field in college.