Balanced Hampshire tops Grayslake Central
First, Hampshire unleashed its passing attack, with quarterback Nick Mohlman and receiver Tim Jansen combining for several spectacular catches. Then, the Whip-Purs dished up a big serving of Nick Kielbasa.
The senior tailback rushed for 156 of his 211 yards in the second half and scored 4 touchdowns as the Whip-Purs downed Grayslake Central, 35-16, in Fox Valley Conference Fox Division action in Hampshire Friday night.
Grayslake Central quarterback Alex Lennartz was more than just a regular guy for the Rams, picking up some big third downs with his legs, but the Rams’ defense couldn’t stop the Whip-Purs’ balanced attack.
Grayslake Central suffered its first loss of the season. Both teams are 3-1, 1-1 in the FVC Fox Division.
Mohlman completed 10 of 16 passes for 132 yards and a touchdown to Jansen. Eight of those completions came in the first half. Jansen finished with 8 catches for 95 yards.
Hampshire led 14-10 at halftime on Kielbasa’s 19-yard run and a 4-yard reception by Jansen. Jansen’s catch put Hampshire on top after Grayslake had taken the lead following a series of Hampshire miscues.
The Rams converted a Hampshire fumble into their first score, a 15-yard completion from Lennartz to Jacob Vargo. Hampshire fumbled the ensuing kickoff and the Rams took advantage again, taking the lead on Kevin Dunk’s 22-yard field goal.
On its next possession, Hampshire had a touchdown called back on a penalty and Grayslake eventually took over on downs. But the Whips finally got untracked before halftime, regaining the lead with 46 seconds left.
In the second half, Kielbasa took over, running for 3 more scores and helping keep the ball away from Grayslake Central’s offense.
“When we have Tim Jansen and Trey Schramm on the outside like that, and Nick Mohlman being able to get around the corner and get the ball up to them, it opens up so much space,” said Kielbasa. “We were able to mix it up. Just a team effort.”
It was a return to typical Hampshire football.
“We did what we like to do,” said Whip-Purs‘ coach Dan Cavanaugh. “We like to run that double tight a little bit and play physical.”
Lennartz finished with 91 yards on 19 carries for the Rams. He ran for 8 first downs, as the Hampshire tacklers had trouble bringing down the 6-foot-4, 200-pound quarterback.
Malcolm Reed added 64 yards on the ground for Grayslake. But the Rams never got the passing game going.
Grayslake Central scored its final touchdown when Kacey Adams returned the kickoff for a touchdown after Hampshire’s final score.