Emphatic end to Huskies' losing streak

The Homecoming festivities began well before kickoff at Hersey with a fireworks show and a helicopter flying in the game ball.

The Huskies kept the fireworks going as they ended a 15-game losing streak and defeated Elk Grove 37-14 in a Mid-Suburban East showdown Friday night in Arlington Heights.

Hersey (1-4, 1-0) got on the board early, leaving the Grenadiers (1-4, 0-1) with an uphill battle the entire game. On the second play from scrimmage, sophomore running-back Chris Polinski (16 carries, 140 yards) broke free on the left side for a 62-yard touchdown run.

"We focused all week on starting fast and we sure did that tonight," said Hersey coach Mark Gunther. "We got behind the O-line in the first quarter and they got us the momentum we needed."

The biggest offensive threat that Hersey provided was junior quarterback Steve Nelson. His dominant offensive performance was highlighted by his 109 yards on the ground, which included touchdown runs from 42 and 5 yards. Nelson also went 9-for-13 passing for 150 yards and a touchdown.

"We finally put the right things together for an entire game," said Nelson. "Everything just seemed to click tonight and we were finally able to get a win."

Filling out the balanced running attack for Hersey was Dominic Biagini. The junior running back had only 4 attempts but rushed for 71 yards and a touchdown.

It seemed as though every time Elk Grove began to get its offense moving, a stingy Huskie defense would end any sort of run. That didn't stop the Grenadiers from having a couple of solid offensive performances, though.

Junior Matt McEnery hauled in 11 passes for 135 yards and a 22-yard touchdown in the third quarter. Quarterback Nick Meyer rushed for 59 yards and threw for 164 more in the loss.

Calling the victory for Hersey a relief would be an understatement as Gunther received a Gatorade bath from his players.

"What a great bath," said Gunther. "It's been a long time coming."