Huntley holds off Dundee-Crown
A funny thing happened in the fourth quarter of an offensive shootout between Huntley and Dundee-Crown — defense.
Kameron Sallee kicked a 29-yard field goal to break a tie and Huntley’s defense made it hold up with a pair of defensive stands for a 31-28 victory in a Fox Valley Conference Valley Division showdown in Huntley Friday night.
After Sallee’s field goal, the Chargers (3-2, 1-2) twice got the ball in Huntley territory but couldn’t convert. They missed their final chance when receiver JT Beasley got tangled up with the cornerback and both went down as Garrett Ryan’s pass fell incomplete.
The Chargers took their only lead of the game at 28-21 on a 55-yard burst up the middle by fullback Cody Lane. But Huntley answered on the very next play.
Jake Scalise broke through up the middle, headed for the sideline and raced 68 yards to tie it up again.
“That was the first time that play worked the way it’s supposed to all year,” said Sallee.
Huntley set out to stop the Chargers’ running game and largely succeeded. Take away Lane’s long scamper and a pair of runs by TJ Moss covering 43 yard and the Chargers gained just 42 yards on the ground.
But Ryan hurt the Red Raiders (3-2, 3-0) through the air, completing 12 of 19 for 207 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Sallee wasn’t as prolific but was more efficient. Three of his 6 completions went for scores, including a pair to his favorite target, Bryce Beschorner. Sallee also rushed for 82 yards.
“Our kids found a way to find that backbone and play defense and find a way to win,” said Huntley coach John Hart.
Chargers coach Vito Andriola thought his team dug itself a hole long before the abortive final play.
“We played badly in the first half,” he said. “We should never have been in that situation.”
Huntley took the early lead on a 53-yard reception by Beschoner but, setting a theme for the night, D-C answered immediately. Beasley took the ensuing kickoff 95 yards to even things up.
Beasley also scored on a 34-yard reception.