Binetti passes Huntley (4-0) over Hampshire

Huntley quarterback Anthony Binetti realizes he is fortunate to have so many explosive receiving weapons.

Throwing touchdowns to three different receivers in the first half, the talented junior signalcaller completed 16-of-25 passes for 324 yards as the Red Raiders moved to a perfect 4-0 mark by thumping undermanned Hampshire 56-15 in Fox Valley Conference crossover action in Huntley Friday night.

"We have so many good receivers who score anywhere on the field," said Binetti. "They can turn a simple hitch route into a touchdown. We can score anywhere on the field."

Binetti, who threw for 291 yards in the first half, tossed a 55-yard TD pass to Brandon Altergott, a 15 yard TD strike to Josh Esikiel and an 11-yard score to Kyle Kesul.

Altergott caught 7 passes for 121 yards to lead Huntley. Esikiel caught 2 for 66 yards, which included a 51-yarder that set up a touchdown. Kesul corralled 2 passes for 63 yards while Ben Pfeifer caught 3 passes for 56 yards.

Leading Hampshire (2-2) 29-15 at halftime, the Red Raiders' defense came up with the big play to start the second half. Senior Connor Boos picked off a pass from Hampshire reserve quarterback Matt Bridges and raced 52 yards for a score to give the Red Raiders a 36-15 lead with 8:35 left in the third quarter.

"That was a huge play in the game," said Huntley coach John Hart. "Hampshire really came out and played hard in the first half. Connor's interception finally gave us some breathing room."

Along with the 324 yards passing, Huntley ran for 180 yards which gave the Raiders 504 yards of total offense with 20 first downs.

Casey Haayer paced Huntley on the ground with 83 yards on 12 carries which included a 22-yard touchdown run.

Hampshire, which played without senior quarterback Nick Mohlman (leg injury) got a solid effort from Bridges, who is usually the Whip-Purs' wide receiver. The senior QB was 14-for-30 for 202 yards, a touchdown and 3 costly interceptions.

"We thought we would keep Nick out a week just to make sure his leg was OK," said Hampshire coach Mike Brasille. "This game doesn't change anything. We are a good football team. Matt worked hard in practice all week and did a good job. We made too many mistakes to beat a good team like Huntley."

Along with Boos. Anthony Bellantuono and Alex Pertborn picked off passes for the winners.