Hononegah hosts Freeport to open 2016 season

By Chris Johnson

REPORTER

The Hononegah Indians have a lot to live up to this season and the hope for a continued streak of post-season appearances is just one of them.

Since 2007, the Indians have made their way into the State Tournament. A losing season hasn’t been realized for Hononegah since 2003.

A sub-500 season in 2001 is the only other misstep, suffered by Hononegah, in nearly a quarter-century.

Brian Zimmerman, in his first year as Head Coach managed to pilot his team to a 6-3, regular season record. The 2015 season for Hononegah ended with a first round playoff loss.

Much talk has surfaced regarding which team will be the powerhouse of the conference this year.

Harlem will be solid, Belvidere has a habit of winning the big games and Boylan should bounce back from a season that saw them miss the post-season all together.

However, many pundits say it will be Auburn leading the way, with Hononegah at its heels.

The Indians run the ball. They play staunch defense and find pride in negative yardage outcomes.

With a big line and a “ready-for-action” backfield, the Indians will get their chances this season.

Following the Friday, Aug. 26 home opener against the Freeport Pretzels, the Indians prepare for back-to-back road games, starting with the E-Rabs of Rockford East High School on Sept. 2.

In week three, the Indians play at Rockford Boylan.

With an expected 2-0 start looking at Hononegah, the match-up with Boylan will prove crucial in seeing which team has the best chance to rise, in the hard-hitting NIC-10.

The Indians host the Belvidere Bucs in a game to be played on Friday, Sept. 16, before inviting the Blue Thunder and Belvidere North in, for their week five game.

The second half of the season begins on Friday, Sept. 23, as Hononegah plays at Auburn High School. In week seven, the Indians get a slight break, as they take on the Jefferson J-Hawks at Rockton.

In week eight, the battle with Harlem High school hits the field, with both teams, more than likely, vying for a position, with the State Playoffs waiting, just two weeks away.

The regular season comes to a close for Hononegah on Friday, Oct. 21, as they visit the Guilford Vikings.

Many of the questions within the NIC-10 revolve around how well Auburn will play and if anyone will be able to challenge them this season.

No one, however, is overlooking Hononegah.