Varsity football looks to deal Joliet Central its 40th straight loss tonight while simultaneously celebrating Homecoming and H-F’s 20th anniversary celebration of the 1994 state championship team.

Last year the Vikings (2-1) cruised past Joliet Central 49-0.  The team will be heavily favored again tonight, but  defensive tackle Kaylen Luna says the team is not underestimating the 0-3 Steelmen.

“We have respect for every team, and we take it week by week so we will still prepare for the team we have to play in that week,” he said.
Joliet Central is coming off a 50-0 loss to Bolingbrook.

Even though Varsity isn’t playing a powerhouse like Bolingbrook this week, there is still genuine excitement about their Homecoming match-up, especially as the school celebrates its only state championship football team.

“It’s a pretty exciting feeling. I hope we get a good support cast because it will be a good, fun game,” Luna said.

While the Vikings are heavy favorites this week,  their season will only get tougher.

Lincoln Way East and Bolingbrook, the toughest conference rivalries, have been scoring points at will this season.

“We are not necessarily skipping past Central,” tight end James Sheehan said. “But we are looking forward to our road game against Lincoln Way East next week.”

The biggest opponent Varsity has faced this year handed them a tough, come-from-behind loss. Stevenson, the Chicago Tribune’s top ranked team, defeated them in week two  34-21.
The H-F offense went stagnant in the second half, only scoring three points. At the same time Stevenson quarterback Willie Bourbon scored four consecutive rushing touchdowns to seal the win.

With that loss behind them, the team looked to get back on track for the Joliet West game.

“We have been doing a lot of team building exercises,” lineman Jaylen Berry said, “and a lot of running.”

Last year, the Vikings outplayed them 48-14. Same story last week as Joliet West was completely overmatched. H-F put up 34 first half points, led by quarterback  Bryce Gray who had four touchdowns total.

Bryce had 15 completions in 24 attempts and many of his completions were to top targets tight end James Sheehan and wide receiver Kendric Pryor. Pryor recorded 131 yards receiving and one touchdown. Sheehan recorded 88 yards receiving and two touchdowns.

The defense also shutdown the Steelman, allowing them to cross the 50 yard line once.