After the Huntley football team suffered a devastating 27-20 loss to Jacobs, coach John Hart made it clear that he was satisfied with the team’s performance.  He stressed the fact that the team played admirably despite the outcome of the game.  However, he left his players a blunt message about next week’s matchup:  “We have to beat ‘em.”

In a game that may have important playoff repercussions, Huntley was unable to handle the seemingly unstoppable Jacobs offense.  Leading the charge for the Golden Eagles was quarterback Bret Mooney and running back Josh Walker.  Mooney and Walker combined for three rushing touchdowns in the first half. 

“Sometimes you have to take some punches and see if you blink,” said Hart, referring to the efforts of Mooney and Walker.  “Unfortunately, we blinked early tonight.”

Huntley’s offense was able to match Jacobs’ electric ball movement sporadically, but it was unable to establish a tempo.  Huntley was unable to put up any points in the first half and turned the ball over on downs twice in the red zone. 

Fortunately for the Red Raiders, Huntley quarterback Blake Jacobs was able to hit wide receiver Kyle Kesul for a touchdown to set a rhythm for the Huntley offense.  Jacobs would run for a 61-yard touchdown and connect with wide receiver Brandon Altergott for a 57-yard touchdown to cut the Jacobs lead to 27-20.  However, the Huntley defense was unable to hold its ground and the Jacobs offense was able to run out the clock.

“I’m proud of our guys for fighting back,” said Hart.  “That’s something that is really important.”

Huntley’s loss to Jacobs puts its playoffs hopes in jeopardy.  It is possible for Huntley to make the playoffs, but it is much more unlikely and a win next week at Crystal Lake South is essential.  For now, Huntley can only think about Hart’s words after tonight’s game:  “We have to beat ‘em.”