Hofstetter's hands all over this victory
If the blocked field goals, tipped passes and recovered fumbles aren't enough to convince you Cory Hofstetter is a defensive end with few equals, check Vikings defensive line coach Dave Carli's wallet.
Better yet, check what isn't in Carli's wallet.
Carli used to motivate Hofstetter and the rest of the defensive line with steak dinners for batting down passes. The key phrase being "used to." That changed when it became a bit too expensive of a motivational tactic.
And it's a good thing, because after Hofstetter's efforts Friday, he'd be eating like a king for a month, and Carli might need a second job.
Instead, Hofstetter will have to settle for hot dogs - and his large role in one of the wildest come-from-behind Geneva wins in recent memory. The Vikings' 2 touchdowns in the final 2:29 brought back memories of their stunning fourth quarter rally to beat Freeport in the 2004 playoffs.
"I think he went broke," Geneva coach Rob Wicinski said of Carli.
Hofstetter made the play that saved the day - not to mention Geneva's No. 3 state ranking and spot with Kaneland on top of the Western Sun Conference - about five different times.
His deflected pass in the fist half led to Trever Hyslop's interception at the goal line. His blocked field goal in the fourth quarter prevented a gritty Glenbard South team from taking a two-score lead with under 10 minutes remaining.
"I just went in there with my hands up like everyone else," said Hofstetter, who then recovered a botched punt snap to set up the game-winning touchdown. "I've got long arms, good for blocking field goals."
Hofstetter isn't just a star defensive end. He's one of the best baseball players in the state who smacked home run after home run for Geneva's regional title team.
Watching him play football, though, it seems he might have missed his true calling - basketball. The way he bats balls at the line of scrimmage, it's hard not to picture the best shot-blocking center the Vikings have had since 6-foot-7 Shaun Ratay.
Alas, there is a sport Hofstetter can't play.
"I play basketball park district, but it has never been my game," he said, smiling.
"I just watch the quarterback's eyes," Hofstetter explained. "They usually telegraph where they want to throw the ball. I just put my arms up where I think the ball is going to be. It has always been an attribute of mine."
An attribute that is spreading through the entire program.
"You know what he's done?" Wicinski asked. "All of them believe they can knock down passes. And the little guys at the sophomore and freshman levels are trying to be Cory Hofstetters. He's just built that up, all through the program, these guys all have their hands up."
Hofstetter's heroics on defense set up Michael Ratay's on offense. The only thing harder to believe than the way Geneva won this game is that no college has yet to offer Ratay a scholarship. Wicinski said that is about to change, that there's a "lot of sniffing" and a lot of guys are "hot on his trail" right now.
Those coaches would be wise to offer soon, and they should check several members of the Geneva defense while they are at it. Maybe sit down and sell their school over a nice steak dinner.
jlemon@dailyherald.com