Hampshire dumps Crystal Lake Central
After giving up 111 points to powerhouses Cary-Grove and Huntley the last 2 weeks, Hampshire coach Mike Brasille was looking for a better defensive effort.
The Whip-Pur coach got what he was looking for.
Shutting out Crystal Lake Central for three quarters, the Whip-Purs were able to withstand a valiant fourth quarter rally by the Tigers and post a 27-21 victory in Fox Valley Conference action at Central Friday night.
"We really tried to shore up the defense after two lopsided games against two state powers," said Brasile. "Our mindset in practice was what happened the last 2 weeks happened and there is nothing we can do about it. Great effort and great focus by the defense."
During the first 3 quarters, Central (2-3, 1-3) managed only 8 first downs and compiled 138 yards of total defense.
Junior defensive back Nicolas Rummell led the surge for the Whip-Pur defense with an interception and 4 pass break ups.
"We had great focus in practice this week and tried to put the last 2 weeks out of our memory," said Rummell. "We knew Central would be a very tough team to beat and this was a must win for us."
The special teams also came up huge as sophomore Trevor Laffin blocked Joseph Vega's at the Tigers 2-yard line early in the second quarter but the Whip-Purs (3-2, 2-2) were unable to take advantage of the big play and didn't score.
"It was something we have been working on in practice," said Brasile. "Trevor really got a surge and made a great play. It is too bad we were unable take advantage and score."
The Whip-Purs, who are primarily a passing team, were able to establish the run with senior Daniel Tuzak, who scored on a 32-yard run with only 3:06 elapsed in the game. Tuzak, who had a 43-yard TD run called back because of penalty, toted the ball 21 times for 100 yards and a TD.
"Teams really concentrate on our passing game and the run was there," said Tuzak. "Great blocking by our line and it was nice to get the running game going."
Brasile praised Tuzak's effort.
"Central gave us the run and we took advantage of it," said the Hampshire coach. "Nice to get the running game on track. Daniel had a very good game."
The reliable passing duo of quarterback Jake Vincent and Jared Hornbeck hooked up 9 times for 189 yards and 3 scores of 3, 12 and 36 yards.
"Jake and Jared are our safety blankets, " said Brasile. "They are like Frick and frack. They know each other so well."
Central quarterback Jacob Staples, who engineered the Tiger comeback in the fourth quarter, was 20-for-44 for 249 yards and 3 scores.