Happy Huntley homecoming with 6th football victory
HUNTLEY – Huntley unleashed all of its weapons on offense and had another stellar effort on defense as the Red Raiders celebrated homecoming with a 35-0 shutout of Hampshire Oct. 7.
“It was a great week and the theme was to focus on the game (with the homecoming activities going on),” Huntley coach Mike Naymola said.
Huntley remains tied in a three-team battle for the Fox Valley Conference title with Jacobs and Prairie Ridge with 6-1, 6-1 records with two games left in the regular season.
Huntley out-gained Hampshire 359-161 in total yards, 142-68 passing and 217-93 rushing yards.
Red Raiders quarterback Sam Deligio completed better than 70 percent of his passes and threw one long touchdown strike of 65 yards to Logan Mikutis. He also scored on a two-yard run. His throws included a 35-yard pass to Jacob Zastrow to set up one score and a 19-yarder to Connor Ardell. Deligio escaped into the Hampshire secondary for a 27-yard run which set the stage for a TD plunge by Haiden Janke (112 yards on 25 carries, long 33 yards).
“Deligio has a good throwing arm,” HHS head coach Mike Naymola said. “But so far the season has dictated that we grind it out. It was a great homecoming,” Deligio said.
“It was amazing,” Janke said of the offensive line blocking and homecoming in general.
Deligio also said the offensive line played a great game, giving him time to throw the ball. The line included the return of senior Luke Griskey from injury.
A two-yard touchdown run by Zach Rios gave Huntley a 35-0 third quarter lead and the game finished with a continuous clock.
Naymola explained the main reasons for the Huntley turnaround back to a playoff team.
“We are out to prove that last year was a fluke,” the coach said. “We have 10 to 12 senior leaders who did a great job setting the culture of reestablishing Huntley football.”
“It started in January with winter morning workouts,” Deligio said. “We came up with the saying, “‘all for us.'”
The defense turned back the first Hampshire drive on a fumble recovery by James Lang and recorded multiple turnovers on downs. Senior linebacker Dashaun Manning led in total tackles with 11.5, three for loss, one sack and one fumble recovery. CJ Filipek totaled six tackles and two sacks. Joey Ardivson contributed 5.5 tackles and one fumble recovery.
Huntley is at Dundee-Crown (2-5, 2-5 FVC) before finishing the regular season with 5-2 and playoff qualifier Crystal Lake South here Oct. 21.
Walker’s return
Homecoming night began with a teammate making an inspirational return to the Huntley sideline. Junior Bryce Walker wore his No. 19 jersey while riding a scooter after he suffered season-ending injuries in a win against Jacobs.
“I love him to death and we’ve been texting all week and he said he would be here if he could,” Deligio said.
“He came to school today and took part in our pregame meal,” Naymola said of Walker. “He was released from the hospital this week – he’s had some rough go of it with three surgeries.”
“I had not seen him since the injury, I love the kid and he boosted us,” Janke said.
