Hoffman Estates Triumphs Over Conant, Retains Mayor’s Cup

The Hoffman Estates football team showcased remarkable resilience by defeating their cross-town rival, Conant, with a score of 28-14 on October 14, 2023. With this victory, they secured the Mayor’s Cup for the sixth consecutive year and improved their overall record to 6-2, solidifying their position in the playoffs.

After suffering back-to-back losses, the Hawks demonstrated a sense of urgency. “We were just tired of losing,” said Hoffman Estates receiver Torey Baskin. “We really locked in this week and made sure that we handled business.” The win not only kept their playoff hopes alive but also eliminated Conant from postseason contention, as they fell to 3-5 overall.

Game Highlights and Key Performances

Hoffman Estates established an early lead, going up 14-0 in the first half. However, Conant fought back, tying the game with a rapid scoring spree at the start of the second half. The turning point came when Baskin made two crucial receptions, including a 21-yard catch on fourth down, followed by an 11-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Austin Lezniak.

Baskin concluded the game with an impressive six catches for 104 yards. Additionally, Landon Ford contributed significantly with 88 rushing yards and two touchdowns. The Hawks’ offense was also supported by a touchdown run from JMari Jackson.

Despite Conant’s efforts, which included forcing three turnovers, they struggled to capitalize on these opportunities. Quarterback Tyler Marchese managed to score a spectacular 77-yard touchdown run early in the third quarter, followed by a touchdown pass to Sarma Abhimanyu, but the team could not maintain momentum.

Coaches’ Insights and Future Considerations

Both teams emphasized the need for discipline. Hoffman Estates head coach Tim Heyse acknowledged the importance of maintaining focus. “This team fights until the end, whistle to whistle,” he noted. “But we can’t keep shooting ourselves in the foot with turnovers. That has been our Achilles’ heel the last three weeks. It has to stop.”

Anthony Donatucci, head coach of Conant, expressed disappointment but also pride in his team’s effort. “We asked them to play like their hair was on fire. Just be relentless and take the tempo back,” he stated. “We were fine in the first half; we just shot ourselves in the foot against a good team like Hoffman.”

Looking ahead, Hoffman Estates aims to build on this victory as they prepare for the playoffs, focusing on reducing mistakes, while Conant will seek to regroup for their final games of the season. The rivalry between these two teams remains a highlight of the local football calendar, and with this year’s match, the Hawks have solidified their dominance in the series.