Strong finish has Hoffman's hopes high

Progress isn't always reflected in the overall record.

Despite three straight 2-7 seasons, Hoffman Estates coach Bill Helzer sees a program on the rise. Especially with the way it played against Mid-Suburban West co-champs Palatine and Fremd to finish last season.

"Those were probably our two best games of the season," Helzer said. "We've used it as motivation - we should have beaten Fremd (27-23 loss in final minute) last year and we beat Barrington the year before.

"They're not light years ahead of us anymore. We feel we've closed the gap and we just have to go out and do it now."

The Hawks have their three-headed monster of offensive threats in junior quarterback David Gutierrez, senior tailback Foyin Alade and slotback Shammar McFarland.

Gutierrez, who will miss the opener with a broken bone in his foot, started eight games in the varsity secondary last year. McFarland was the Hawks' leading scorer.

"We're probably further along than we were last year and I like what we're doing," Helzer said. "David is another of our athletic quarterbacks and he can get the ball out and he's a running threat on the edge."

The offensive line is anchored by left tackle and captain Jacob Uhunmwangho (6-feet-4, 285 pounds), who Helzer views as a Division I caliber player. And junior kicker-punter Nico Crambes hit 3 field goals outside of 40 yards in the final third of last season.

"He'll be a huge threat for us," Helzer said.

There are plenty of spots to fill defensively with nose guard Alex Ochoa and middle linebacker Steve Green the only returning starters. Junior Dalton Garrett will be a factor at linebacker and receiver and senior Kevin Tiongson, who started at point guard in basketball, is out for football for the first time at Hoffman and will start at cornerback.

"He's athletic, can cover and he's got basketball instincts," Helzer said.

And safety and captain Erik Fernandez is part of a class of 31 seniors - most of whom waited for their opportunity.

"He's one of the juniors who paid his dues," Helzer said. "He was voted in because of his character and work ethic."

Another good sign of progress being made.