Huntley with impressive win on opening night
Eric Mooney certainly made the most of his limited playing time.
Mooney, who missed the final quarter and a half with a leg cramp, gained 123 yards on 8 carries with 3 touchdowns including an 80-yard TD run on Huntley's first play from scrimmage to help lead the Red Raiders to a 28-12 nonconference win over Lincoln-Way Central in the season opener in Huntley Friday night.
The sophomore, who also played a series at quarterback, also scored on runs of 2 and 5 yards before exiting the game with the injury.
Mooney is expected to play next week.
"It is frustrating that I couldn't play the whole game," said Mooney. "I will be fine for next week. I wasn't nervous during the day but was nervous once the game started. It is so exciting to score on my first varsity play. The offensive line and the receivers did an awesome job of blocking. I wasn't even touched."
Huntley coach John Hart was impressed with Mooney's first varsity appearance.
"What a way to start your varsity career," said Hart. "Eric got outside and was gone on the first play of the game. It's too bad he couldn't have played the whole game. It should be fine for next week."
Anthony Binetti, who missed a series in the third quarter with a cramp, completed 13-of-18 passes for 180 yards with 2 interceptions. He tossed a 2-yard touchdown pass to Daniel Frederick, who caught 5 passes for 54 yards.
Binetti also ran 19 times for 53 yards.
"I was glad I was able to get back in the game," said the Huntley signal caller. "For a first game we played OK. We need to cut down on the mistakes. We will be better and more prepared next week."
Huntley (1-0), which gained 332 yards on 60 carries and racked up 27 first downs, got 61 yards on 15 carries from Casey Haayer, who missed the second half with a shoulder injury. His status for next week is unknown.
The Raiders showed their depth in the backfield as Carter Beaudette came off the bench to gain 83 yards on 15 carries.
The Huntley defense, which gave up a first-quarter touchdown to Lincoln-Way Central (0-1) on a 67-yard run by quarterback Austin Strilka, gave up only one score the rest of the game.
"Our defense played great the whole game," said Hart. "They have a tough offense to stop and we did a great job of holding them to just two scores."