Hersey shuts out Wheeling

Defense was the dominant theme in Thursday night’s Mid-Suburban League East football game between Wheeling and host Hersey.

Both teams were held to less than 200 yards of total offense, but the Huskies defense was able to intercept Wheeling quarterback Tyler Brady three times en route to a 16-0 victory.

“Considering how many injured players we have on defense, these kids are really finding their roles,” Hersey (4-3, 2-1) coach Dragan Teonic said. “Now that they have enough experience under their belt they are starting to play really good defense.”

Teonic said three weeks ago the Huskies had to make some major defensive changes, which included shifting some players over from the offensive side of the ball due to injuries.

“It’s awesome to shut out a rival,” defensive back Jake Mueller, who had 2 of Hersey’s interceptions, said. “It feels amazing, and it is a big win for us.”

Seventy of Wheeling’s 181 yards of total offense came on just two plays: a 41-yard run by Jeremy Frederick, and a 29-yard fake punt pass from Michael Yoshino to Leo Giordano. Otherwise, the swarming Hersey defense led by Mueller, Frank Kalble, Joe Rodgers and Matt Korff put together the kind of performance the Huskies will need to get one more win and be eligible for the playoffs.

“It feels great,” Rodgers, who had the other Hersey interception, said of being 1 win away from playoff eligibility. “We just have to come out here next week and prepare well. We win with what we do on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.”

Hersey’s offense was good early and late, scoring touchdowns on its first and final (with the exception of two quarterback kneels to kill the clock) drives of the game. Running back Hunter Rollins opened the scoring with a 3-yard touchdown run, and quarterback Brad Zaucha brought it to a close with a 15-yard scamper.

“First of all, they had a very good scheme and they did a great job of defending us,” Teonic said of why his offense struggled. “Secondly, we had a couple holding penalties on a couple of drives that were starting to look good, and that hurt us.”

Sandwiched between the touchdown drives was an impressive 45-yard field goal by senior Kevin Kozil for the Huskies.

Wheeling (1-6, 0-3) linebackers Brandon Yacu, Sam Rosengarden, Herny Gonzalez, and Ed Scanlon were the standouts on the Wildcat defense. One of those four were seemingly in on every play.

“Our guys were all over the place trying to take away what they do best,” Wheeling coach Dave Dunbar said. “We struggled on offense because of their defense. It was just a well-fought football game.”