Huntley punches its playoff ticket

Huntley came up with a fitting acronym after it was knocked out of last season's football playoffs with a loss to Crystal Lake South.

The Red Raiders' mantra was "FIST" for fast, intense, strong and tough. They had it on T-shirts, used it as offseason fuel and were reminded of it by coach John Hart in the locker room before Friday night's game at Ken Bruhn Field in Crystal Lake.

And "FIST" was clearly evident as Huntley officially punched its ticket into the postseason and also got a little payback with a convincing 38-7 Fox Valley Conference Valley Division victory over the Gators.

"You have got to be a tougher kid than the kid in front of you," said senior defensive tackle Chase Burkart after Huntley's first-team defense allowed only 88 yards and no points through three-plus quarters.

"It's ironic that we came out here and showed how fast, intense and strong we were," said Huntley senior defensive end Jeremy Behnke, who had a sack. "It was a big statement game for the whole team. They are a solid team."

CL South (3-4, 2-1) didn't cross midfield until the fourth quarter as Huntley (6-1, 2-1) made the playoffs for the second time in three years under Hart and fifth time in its history.

Burkart, Behnke, Tim McCloyn, Zach Herbert and Tyler Larson helped control a Gators' running attack of Corey Sheehan (15 carries, 72 yards) and Kyle Bartusch (6 carries, 34 yards) that led the way to 72 points the last two weeks.

"It really was (our best defensive game)," Hart said as the Red Raiders avenged last year's 27-7 loss. "I thought our defensive coaches had them really, really prepared. We played really aggressive and we played assignment football.

"Our challenge last year was we got physically whipped here and we want to be a physical, tough team. We were versus Cary (42-14 loss two weeks ago) and obviously tonight we grew a little bit."

Ryan Ford's interception on the third play of the game led to fullback Jacob Witt's 1-yard touchdown plunge on fourth-and-goal. A fumble recovery on a kickoff by James Ambrose set up Donnie Young's 34-yard field goal and linebacker Daniel Dennis' stop of a fake punt for a 6-yard loss led to quarterback Anthony Binetti's second touchdown pass to Josh Esikiel for a 24-0 lead 5:29 before halftime.

"We did it as a team, too, not as individuals," Behnke said.

"We emphasized toughness so much in the offseason," Burkart said. "Everyone showed up in the weight room and pushed each other as hard as they could."

Casey Haayer rushed for 94 of his 97 yards in the third quarter with 1- and 21-yard touchdowns. CL South had 4 turnovers and finally broke the shutout on Bartusch's 8-yard run with 6:32 left.

"It was ugly early," said CL South coach Chuck Ahsmann. "You can't give them the ball ... and expect your defense to keep coming up with stops."

The Gators now face the daunting task of having to beat Jacobs and Cary-Grove to make the playoffs while Huntley will shoot for a home playoff opener as it finishes with McHenry and Dundee-Crown.

"There was a little bit of revenge to come out and do what we did," Behnke said.