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Hoffman Estates comes of age, shuts out Streamwood

Although they might be young, Hoffman Estates' football players sure looked comfortable in their season opener Friday night before a huge home crowd.

The Hawks made few mistakes and their defense was stout as they beat Streamwood 38-0.

After losing all their skill players to graduation, many figured that the Hawks would struggle offensively. But these young Hawks showed that they are ready to step up.

"They are young, but they came through," Hoffman Estates coach Mike Donatuci said. "They played well.

"We still have a long way to go. But enjoy this, and let's get back to work next week."

Junior quarterback Austin Miller-Coalson, making his first varsity start, looked like a very much like a veteran quarterback, going 13-for-18 for 156 yards and 2 touchdowns.

"It was really everything I expected out there," Miller-Coalson said. "I worked really hard for this. My teammates helped me out and we played very well."

Donatucci liked how well his junior quarterback was composed on the field.

"For his first varsity game I thought he did real well," Donatucci said. "He is a heady kid and has a little bit of moxxy about him. He has enough cockiness, but does not cross the line."

Running back Jaylin Johnson gained 96 yards on 18 carries and a touchdown while Jaylan Alexander had 4 catches for 39 yards and 2 touchdowns for the Hawks.

Donatucci said it was important for his team to get a win in their first game.

"It is a great way to get started," Donatucci said. "We have to get this ball rolling and build some momentum."

Hoffman Estates scored the first 4 times they had they ball.

The Hawks broke out on top when Miller-Coalson connected with Alexander to make it 7-0 early in the first quarter.

Following an interception by Anijel Jones, Konnor Lancor kicked a 23-yard field goal to make it 10-0.

With the offensive line of Francisco Hutardo, Ryan Edwards, Jorge Morales, Angel Fernandez and Brandon Shepard dominating play, the Hawks were able to score a pair of second-quarter touchdowns. Type Grace scored on a 6-yard run and Alexander caught a 1-yard touchdown pass from Miller-Coalson as Hoffman led 24-0 at the break.

Hoffman's defensive front of La'Mere Barnes, Dan Farina, Shawn Brown, Eric Delaney and sophomore sub Femi Ogini, caused havoc for Streamwood through the the game. They held the Sabres to just to minus-11 yards rushing in the first half.

The Hawks, which finished with 361 yards of offense got second half touchdowns from Johnson on a 4-yard run and Jordan Lane on a 7-yard run.

Streamwood coach Don Guindon was disappointed in his team's performance.

"We didn't do anything we practiced all week," Guindon said. "I thought we had a good week of practice. But you don't know until the lights come on. The lights came on and we didn't get it done."

Streamwood receiver Jesse Rico had 8 catches for 128 yards.

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