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Meadows measures up against Hoffman Estates

After four weeks of nonconference and Mid-Suburban League divisional football games, it's time to make adjustments for next week's conference races.

Both teams are now 3-1. Rolling Meadows appears to be in good shape after a 28-7 win over visiting Hoffman Estates, while the Hawks may need to regroup.

"We were exposed tonight by Rolling Meadows. They took advantage of some of our flaws," said Hoffman Estates coach Mike Donatucci. "There was enough blame to pass around to everyone. I give Rolling Meadows a lot of credit. We self destructed at times. You cannot play like we did against a good team and expect to win. The things that went wrong are correctable, though."

"Our guys really stepped up tonight," said Mustang coach Matt Mishler. "In the first four weeks we learned as a team how important those practices are Monday through Thursday. Hoffman Estates was no cupcake team. They came at us."

Big plays were turned in by players expected to play key roles for 3-1 Mustangs.

Alex Rezny, a defensive player of the week last week, had 3 tackles for losses out of 8 total and tipped a pass with Maciej Pogorzelski intercepting.

Two tackles for losses were on back-to-back plays in the early stages of the third quarter. Even though the Mustangs led 21-0 at the time, the Hawks drove to Rolling Meadows 9 on their first possession.

"I just do what I have to do to make the plays," said Rezny. "I've played hard like this for eight years. I just follow my defensive assignments. All the players on defense stepped up for us to make big plays when we had to. Our loss to Palatine taught us that the defense has to play better - and we have the last two weeks."

Wide receiver Jack Swindells did his job by intercepting a pass to stop a Hawks drive in the first half. On offense he caught two second-quarter touchdown passes, of 28 and 57 yards from RJ Mattucci, to help build the 21-0 halftime lead.

Antonio Atencio scored the first Mustangs touchdown on a 4 yard run with 7:56 left in the first quarter. Hoffman Estates was guilty of 3 penalties for 33 yards to aid the drive.

Mattucci who completed 8 of 12 passes for 185 yards and three touchdown passes. His last scoring pass was 26 yarder in the third quarter to Jack O'Neill. O'Neill caught 5 passes for 94 yards.

The Hawks put their lone score on the board with :29 left in the third quarter as quarterback Jeff Mayes threw a 10-yard pass to Errick Delaney.

"Hoffman came out and played us physical," said Mattucci. "My offensive line came out and had a great game. I couldn't be any prouder of them than I was tonight. Our run game early set up the passing game. To improve we have to execute better and be more physical. Our defense did a great job in getting the offense the ball in good position."

The Mustangs accounted for 401 yards to Hoffmans 303

The contest was marred by penalties. Rolling Meadows had 10 for 110 yards and Hoffman commited 9 for 98 yards.

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