On the fortunately warm night of Sept. 20, the sky pictured a sunset as HHS’ home bleachers were filled with fans, families, and alum. Almost everybody was dressed according to the “blackout” theme to watch the most popular football game of the season. “Hells Bells” by AC/DC played across the stadium as the Red Raiders set up against the Prairie Ridge Wolves for their Homecoming game.
After an intense game last week, the Huntley loss to Jacobs took a toll on the entire team. After the weekend to rest, most of the athletes came to practice on Monday with an open mind.
“They rallied around each other and decided that the game wouldn’t let them defeat them or define them,” head football coach Michael Naymola said. “They knew execution would be the best thing to determine a good or bad game.”
Coaches showed confidence throughout the day before the game. They have prepared their team well.
“We look forward to a great physical football game,” senior Colin Hochmuth said.
The first quarter began with high hopes in Huntley’s student section, Raider Nation. Prairie Ridge started the game with a strong first down showing everyone they meant business. With around seven minutes on the clock for the first quarter, Prairie Ridge scores a touchdown and an extra point.
When the first quarter ends, Prairie Ridge is leading 7-0. Raider Nation raised confidence through cheers against their opposing student section.
The second quarter kicks off quickly with a touchdown by Prairie Ridge and another extra point. This brought the score by the end of the second quarter to 21-0.
Between games, “[players] talked to each other about how they have to do their job and trust [their] coaches,” senior Charlie Condon said.
Quarterback Braylon Bower starts the third quarter on a positive note with a 6-yard run. The game started to get better for Huntley until Prairie Ridge scored a 7-yard rushing touchdown bringing the score to 28-0. But with eight seconds left, Ari Fiebig intercepts the ball.
During the fourth quarter, Huntley begins to make a comeback against the Wolves. With 4 minutes left, Braylon Bower’s 2-yard pass was complete for a touchdown. Alex Zolen scores an extra point and Huntley fans gain back their energy.
Prairie Ridge scores another rushing touchdown and extra point bringing the score to 35-7. Shortly after, Braylon Bower’s 4-yard pass was completed to Zach Rysavy for a touchdown though no extra point was scored.
The final score was 35-13 in favor of Prairie Ridge.
Red Raider football took this loss similar to last week and knew that execution was what they needed to focus on. They put in their best effort and will continue to stay positive throughout the rest of the season.
“We just have to keep our heads up and have a good week on our upcoming practices,” Condon said.
The Red Raiders hope to come back stronger under the friday night lights on Friday 9/27 against Hampshire High School.
