Hoger, Cary-Grove deny Dundee-Crown
In reality, Hoger is the Trojans' fourth running back. The diminutive senior signal-caller ran roughshod on the Dundee-Crown defense, compiling 198 yards on 14 carries which included 3 touchdown runs.
Hoger's efforts helped the Trojans to a 37-7 homecoming victory over D-C in a Fox Valley Conference Valley Division game at Al Bohrer Field Saturday afternoon.
"The linemen and the backs were blocking great," said Hoger. "The holes were huge and I had a lot of room to run. "
Hoger and the Trojans set the tone on the first drive of the game. Actually on Cary-Grove's first play of the game, Hoger scampered for 13 yards. Two plays later on a quarterback keeper, Hoger sprinted 38 yards for Cary-Grove's first score of the game.
Marcus Kerrigan's extra point gave the Trojans a 7-0 lead with 6:38 remaining in the first quarter. Cary-Grove (5-1, 2-0) led by that score after 12 minutes.
"That first touchdown was a designed play for A.J.," said Cary-Grove coach Bruce Kay." He played a great game and really reads defenses well."
The Trojans took control of the game with 16 unanswered points in the second quarter.
Hoger scored on a 15-yard run, Andrew Schuh reached paydirt from 2 yards out and Kerrigan booted a 34-yard field goal as Cary-Grove led 23-0 at halftime.
Hoger, who completed 3-of-5 passes for 43 yards, tossed an 18-yard touchdown pass to Jacob Gerhardt with 8:18 left in the third quarter. Kerrigan's extra point Gave the Trojans a 30-0 advantage.
Hoger ended an incredible day with a 28 yard score with 9:09 left.
D-C's only score came on a 71-yard touchdown run by Ian Salvatini with 3:01 remaining.
The Trojans compiled 394 yards on the ground. Backing up Hoger for Cary-Grove was Eric Chandler with 75 yards on 16 carries and Schuh ran 8 times for 74 yards with a TD.
"Our offensive line did a great job today," said Kay. "Our offensive line coach, John Bryan, did a good job of preparing them."
Salvatini, who had a 71-yard TD run, paced the Chargers (1-5, 0-2) with 84 yards on 11 carries.
"Their quarterback did a great job and is very quick," said D-C coach Mike Davis. "We had the angles on him but we tried to arm tackle him.
"We are a very frustrated team right now."