Huntley dominates Jacobs to take control of FVC race

Final score: Huntley 47, Jacobs 6

Records: Huntley 6-0, 6-0 Fox Valley Conference, Jacobs 5-1, 5-1

Player of the game: Huntly wide receiver Carson Rowe. The senior caught six Malik Carter passes for a total of 112 yards including three TD catches of 37, 22 and 31 yards.

Other statistical leaders: Carter completed 10 of 12 passes for 238 yards. In addition to three TD tosses to Rowe, the junior threw a 14-yard scoring pass to Matt Schroeder. Running back Chase Hojnacki rushed 20 times for 123 yards, scoring on a 9-yard and a 4-yard run. Jacobs quarterback Austin Stennett was successful on 14 of 21 pass attempts for 137 yards. Teammate Owen Crouch caught seven Stennett tosses for 87 yards including one for a touchdown.

Turning point: Huntley stopped Jacobs on its first drive of the game on a fourth down attempt at the Red Raiders’ 35-yard line. Huntley scored its first points on the ensuing possession and never looked back, ending all seven of its possessions in the end zone.

First-half highlights: Huntley led 27-0 at halftime. Jacobs struggled to generate any offense. After the turnover on downs to start the game, the Golden Eagles’ other four possessions of the first half ended with punts in their own territory. Huntley scored on two Hojnacki rushing TDs and two of Carter’s passing touchdowns — Rowe's first score and the other to Schroeder.

Second-half highlights: Huntley’s offense continued to roll in the second half, scoring two more times in the third quarter on Rowe’s second and third TD receptions. Jacobs finally got on the board in the fourth quarter on a 10-play, 88-yard drive that ended with a 23-yard Stennett reception by Crouch. Senior Langston Stanley scored the Red Raiders’ last TD on a 24-yard run.

X-factor: Huntley and Jacobs were tied at the top of the Fox Valley Conference with perfect records. Huntley’s win gives the Red Raiders sole possession of first place with wins over Cary-Grove and Jacobs the past two weeks.

Quotes: “Paul Reinke, our defensive coordinator, did an awesome job of getting our guys ready and making sure they’re reading their keys, that’s a big part of our defense. Also being able to get that first stop on their first drive really set the tone for us,” said Huntley coach Mike Naymola.

“We’re so confident right now that we have been anticipating outcomes like this every single week. We’re working all the time. Not saying too much, just putting our heads down and working as a group,” Rowe said.