Ready to run: dual rush threat shines
HUNTLEY — Talk about getting off to a good gridiron start.
The Huntley running back tandem of Reichen Dvorak and Gavin Havens is doing just that. They led the Red Raiders to a 44-0 win over McHenry Sept. 6, for a two-game points total differential of 79-7 in a 2-0 beginning. Huntley aims to keep its wins coming when the Red Raiders battle at Jacobs (1-1) Sept. 13 at 7 p.m. In Fox Valley Conference action.
The new approach gives a balanced look since talented running back Haiden Janke graduated last spring after a 1,300-yard season.
The Huntley rushing game was led by Dvorak and Havens, who both finished with 68 yards rushing and three touchdowns. Dvorak carried the ball 15 times while Havens had nine.
For Dvorak, he is happy to be back this season after suffering a season-ending ACL injury against Prairie Ridge last year. He did his rebab at Mercy Health in Rockford.
“We stand next to the coaches and they keep rotating us,” Dvorak said
“The offensive line did a great job of holding their blocks,” Havens said.
“We used Janke the last couple of years so much, but now its four (plays) in and four plays out,” HHS Coach Mike Naymola said.
“They both have speed and power,” senior quarterback Braylon Bower said.
The passing game helped keep the Warriors guessing. Bower totaled 140 yards, as Jordan Oruche led the group with 50 yards on three catches; Colin Hochmuth chalked up 36 yards ib three catches and Wyatt Fleck pitched in 25 yards on two snares.
Defensively the shutout was led bt Dylan Pease with eight solo tackles, three assists, and a forced fumble. Carter Pope contributed five solos, one assist and one tackle for loss. Charles Condon III had four solo stops and two assists.
It was Gold Out night at HHS Sept. 6, and it seemed all that Huntley tried was indeed golden in a 27-0 first quarter romp.
“We started well with a turnover on special teams, and a fumble recovery. That’s tough for a team to overcome, down 14-0 before your offense gets on the field. The defense was flying around tonight. We challenged the offensive line before the game to help us finish drives better in the red zone and they did,” Naymola said.
It was not all good news for the Red Raiders, though. Travis Dudycha, who led the team in tackles at CLC, suffered a knee injury.
“It’ll be the next man up mentality,” Naymola said.
College connections
Northern Illinois University alum Kyle Jenkins is the assistant defensive line coach for the Red Raiders. He played his college football for NIU, which shocked Notre Dame, 16-14, Sept. 7 in South Bend. NIU, 2-0, gained the 25th Associated Press poll ranking.
Backup quarterback Josh Host is a freshman from nearby Marengo.
The Red Raiders also had a connection to the Iowa State football team’s 20-19 upset win over Big 10 University of Iowa Sept. 7. Chet Andrews is a sophomore on the Cyclones squad. He played for then HHS head coach Matt Zimolzak.
“Andrews is a former defensive end for us,” Naymola said. “He actually only played one season for us but he broke our single season quarterback sack record with 12. Andrews is still on the team (at ISU) and is used primarily as a practice player but hopes to get on the field soon.”
