Last night, the Huntley Red Raiders faced off against the Crystal Lake Central Tigers on their home turf in a near shutout, however the home team was able to pull out a win.
The cold and rainy weather did not stop the Raiders from playing well, winning with a score of 49-7 Raiders.
Huntley scored its first two touchdowns with just over 4 minutes left in the first quarter.
Senior running back Melvin Aninagyei-Bonsu made the first one with 4 minutes 3 seconds left on the clock, while senior quarterback Eric Mooney took charge on the second touchdown, making it in 3 runs with 1:23 left on the clock, putting the Raiders at 14 points by the end of the first quarter.
Senior wide receiver Ryan Antonsen makes the first touchdown of the second quarter at 5:38 in a pass from Mooney, which was quickly followed by another at 5:11 through a Mooney and senior wide receiver Brian O’Mara connection.
In an impressive fire by Mooney, Huntley makes another touchdown in second quarter with 1 minute 24 seconds on the clock. Once again, O’Mara was on the receiving end, successfully finishing off a 59 yard touchdown putting the Raiders at 35 points, Tigers still at 0.
The Tigers made it to first down but were cut off by the clock setting the score 35-0 Huntley by the end of the first half.
Friday’s game being the last home game of the season, Huntley seniors from football, cheer, and poms were recognized on the video board in celebration of students’ dedication to their activities for the past four years, before the game.
At 7:40 Huntley made yet another touchdown in a 16 yard pass from Mooney to junior wide receiver Michael Boland who was stationed in just the right spot thus putting the raiders at 42 points with no advancement on the score from CL Central just yet.
The game picked back up again around the fourth quarter with senior Sebastian Calabrese coming in with a touchdown at 6:02, putting the score at 49- 0.
The Tigers make a surprise last minute touchdown with 23 seconds left in the game in a 23 yard pass, preventing the home team from bragging a perfect shutout match with just 7 points.
Huntley’s defense and offense was strong on Friday amassing a total of 291 total yards by halftime, and 304 by the game’s end.
Defense really shined last night with only a slip up in the final 23 seconds in the game when the Tiger’s Jake Staples and Daniel Manning teamed up for a touchdown pass.
Despite the damp weather fans and the ever strong Raider Nation still came out to provide the team with high energy and support.
“Those who’ve stayed have made the atmosphere of this game very lively and exciting,” junior Kari Shadaab said. “Everyone is happy to be here.”
Junior poms team member Taina Moore echoed the positive feelings.
“Even though it’s pretty rainy, pretty down at first, people still came out, showed their love, and showed their support.”
The Red Raiders are now 6-1 in their conference standings, with hopeful feelings for the remainder of the season.
