Hawks getting results
The rebuilding project at Hoffman Estates is producing results.
The Hawks continued a season of firsts by going 2-0 for the first time since 1996, beating Elk Grove 19-6 in a Mid-Suburban League crossover football game at Garber Stadium Friday.
Last week, Hoffman shut out its first opponent (Woodstock 7-0) since 1997, and the Hawks limited Elk Grove to zeroes until 9:45 remained in the fourth quarter.
"We're building a foundation," said Hoffman coach Bill Helzer. "Each week, we do something we haven't done in a long time."
Foyin Alade was the Hawks' workhorse with 125 yards in 20 carries, including 7 plays of 10 yards or more. He credited the offensive line of Jacob Uhunmwangho, Mike Multerer, Carlos Tapia, Jon Scannicchio and Zack Downey for opening up the holes.
"The whole line played great, every single one of them," Alade said. "It was much better than last week. Coach said they had some work to do, and they came through today."
"They had a rough go last week," Helzer said. "They controlled the line, and Foyin found the holes."
"We had our defense on the field a little too long," said Elk Grove coach Tom Whalen. "They have athletes, and they made plays."
After a scoreless first half, Hoffman quarterback Frank Wadas directed the offense on a 64-yard, 9-play drive, the final 12 coming on his pass to Shamar McFarlane in the corner of the end zone with 6:06 left in the third quarter.
On the next possession, the Hawks added 2 points when the snap to punter Jake Meyer (14 carries, 66 yards) sailed over his head into the end zone, resulting in a safety.
Elk Grove (1-1) stopped Hoffman on its own 8 when Andy Mack deflected Wadas' fourth-down pass, and then quarterback Nick Meyer drove the Grens 92 yards in 10 plays for their only points of the game. Meyer scored on a 45-yard run with 9:45 left in the game.
McFarlane gave the Hawks some breathing room when he burst around his right end for a 69-yard touchdown run with 5:57 left, and Niko Crambes added a 27-yard field goal to ice it in the final minutes.