ROCKTON — Hononegah certainly didn’t know it after pounding Rockford Guilford 35-0 last week at Kelsey Field, but it faces a bounce back game this week.
The Indians head to Freeport will have to shake off the shock of having to forfeit a win over rival Harlem on Tuesday that dropped them to 3-1 and a game behind the Huskies and Belvidere North in the NIC-10 standings.
Fortunately everyone is eligible moving forward and the Indians may need all hands against host Freeport (2-2) which could be 4-0 after tough losses to Boylan and the Blue Thunder.
“They’re a very well balanced team,” Hononegah head coach Brian Zimmerman said. “Their fullback (Cameron Werner) and two wingbacks (Ben Summers, Denarius Epps) are all athletic, tough running backs. Our defense is definitely going to be challenged by their offensive line and backfield.”
Zimmerman is also impressed with Freeport’s defense.
“Their defense is stout,” the coach said. “We are going to have to play well and not have any turnovers if we are going to be able to compete with them. We have to treat every game like a playoff game if we want to contend in the conference.”
In other area games on Friday night:
• STERLING (2-2, 2-0 Western Big 6) at BELOIT TURNER (2-3, 1-2 Capitol): The Trojans host non-conference foe Sterling (Ill.) which opened with two losses, but is coming off two wins including a 40-3 romp over Galesburg last Friday. Turner fell to Lake Mills 21-0 last week.
The Trojans’ offense needs to step up this week. Quietly, quarterback Jaxon Walenga is having a strong season, completing 63 percent of his passes (46-73) for 511 yards and rushing for 184 more on 57 carries.
• HORICON/HUSTISFORD (1-4, 0-3 Capitol) at BIG FOOT (1-4, 0-3 Capitol): Horicon/Hustisford is coming off a 21-0 victory over non-conference foe Manitowoc Lutheran. The Chiefs lost to Columbus 57-13 last week.
Horicon/Hustisford’s rebuilding year had a highlight last week, but it’s been a struggle in conference play, outscored 88-6. The Chiefs know all about that. They’ve been outscored 127-20. Their defense will want to keep tabs on Caleb Peplinski, who had a big game last week (four catches, 118 yards). Big Foot counters with Evan Henningfield, who threw for 157 yards and two TDs last week.
• NEW GLARUS (4-1, 2-1 SWC) at BRODHEAD/JUDA (1-4, 1-2 SWC). New Glarus defeated Richland Center 20-8 while Brodhead/Juda broke into the win column downing Dodgeville 45-15.
The Cardinals’ Gabe Bockhop has already passed for 1,113 yards, completing 62.6 percent of his passes (72-115), seven for TDs.
• PARKVIEW/ALBANY (2-3, 1-2 Trailways) at CAMBRIA/FRIESLAND (3-2, 2-1 Trailways): The Vikings are coming off a 22-13 win over Dodgeland while Cambria-Friesland dropped Lourdes Academy 32-21.
Parkview/Albany relied on its running game last week with Mathias Treinen rushing for 106 yards on 15 carries and Caleb Smith adding 96 on 12 and two scores.
• NORTH BOONE (2-2 Big Northern) at STILLMAN VALLEY (1-3 Big Northern): North Boone was thumped by powerfully Byron 71-6 last week. Stillman Valley fell to Rockford Christian 34-14.
ASHTON-FRANKLIN CENTER (0-4) at SOUTH BELOIT (3-1): The SoBos routed Kirkland Hiawatha 40-6. AFC lost by a lopsided margin, 50-0 to Polo.
Trudane Peterson rushed 19 times for 162 yards and two TDs against the Hawks last week and the SoBos had 233 yards rushing.
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