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Hoffman Estates off to 4-0 start with big win

Hoffman Estates' football program lives, breathes and plays for honor and strength, which was clearly on display when the Hawks faced Central Suburban League entry Maine East on Friday.

The defensive players wore the word "strength" while the defensive players sported "honor" on their jersey backs.

And then they went out and embodied those words in a 48-6 victory.

As time ticked down in the fourth quarter, the Hoffman Estates faithful chanted "4-0" - the first time that's been accurate since the 1990s.

Hoffman Estates junior quarterback Austin Miller-Coalson spread the ball around to seven different receivers, tossing 3 touchdowns passes in the win (13-of-15,197 yards). Two of his touchdowns were to senior receiver Daniel Banahan.

"(This win) means a lot," said Miller-Coalson. "We've worked really hard to be prepared. We have to stay humbled and keep moving forward. Strength and honor is what we live by."

Hoffman wasted no time on its first possession, driving 80 yards for a touchdown which ended in a Miller-Coalson-to-Banahan connection for 26 yards. According to Miller-Coalson, it was a broken play and he ultimately tossed a jump ball and entrusted Banahan to come down with the ball.

Banahan later caught an 8-yard pass from Miller-Coalson.

The Hawks never looked back.

In nine total possessions, Hoffman scored on six of them.

"Once (Hoffman coach Mike Donatucci) came in, our goal was to go to the playoffs," Banahan said. "If we just continue the same focus, that goal can be made. We have to keep the momentum going. Each win is a great motivation for us."

The defense played its part, keeping Maine East shut out until the fourth quarter.

At half, the Hawks had allowed no points, 80 total yards (most from a late first half 45-yard run by junior Blue Demon running back Julio Cabrales), 4 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries, a forced fumble (recovered by the Hawks), 2 turnovers on down and 6 points after Hoffman junior defensive back Antonio Wiebel ran back a 35-yard interception.

Hoffman led 28-0 after one quarter and had a commanding lead going into halftime with 42 points.

"Turning around programs is all about timing, talent and character," Donatucci said. "There's 12 seniors and a very talented junior class and they deserve all of the credit. We've got a great coaching staff and they've done a great job all around - in the weight room and on the field for nine months."

Other Hawks scorers included junior running back Tyae Grace (4-yard run), junior receiver Jayvon Blissett (33-yard pass from Miller-Coalson), junior running back Michael Eppenbaugh (2-yard run) and sophomore running back Jordan Lane (56-yard pass from sophomore quarterback Kyle Krogstad).

Maine East had difficulty moving the ball on offense and had trouble stopping the Hawks on defense.

The Blue Demons found success late in the second half and were able to punch a ball into the end zone with a 10-yard run from Cabrales. The touchdown run was set up after a 45-yard pass squeezed by senior receiver Jakhari Dobson from the arm of junior quarterback Jusuf Zvizdic.

"We feel like we're getting better each week," said Maine East coach Scott Smith. "We'll be more competitive as the weeks go by. We're trying to develop a program. We have to battle."

Hoffman Estates opens up Mid-Suburban West play with a difficult opponent in Palatine which is also 4-0.

"(The Hawks) know what the (MSL) West is all about," Donatucci said. "The kids know that they have to bring it to practice all week. We'll have our hands full, but we'll be ready."

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