Giants Fall in IHSA Football Playoffs

(Update at 6:45 a.m. Sunday) A 240-yard second half offensive ground surge by Hononegah overpowered Highland Park High School’s football team erasing a first half lead in a 35-14 playoff loss Saturday in Rockton.

Like he has all year, quarterback Tommy Sutker led the Giant offense and this time it took more courage and strength than usual. Sutker was doubtful to play before the game and needed a knee brace to perform, according to freshman Coach Jim Berardi.

Sutker responded to the challenge in what would turn out to be his final game in a Giant uniform by completing 14 of 20 passes for 192 yards and a touchdown to Jeremy Levine. Sutker regularly found Luke Norcia, Hulvar Lundevall and Jack Maguire as targets.

Despite the 400-yard ground display by the Indians, Jason Goldsmith, Jacob Wiczer and Jeremy Trudell made strong defensive plays, according to Berardi. Kicker Josh Pollack’s leg made a solid contribution as well.

Highland Park missed a pair of scoring opportunities in the first half and two more after intermission. The Giants fumbled at the Hononegah one-yard line in the in the first quarter and again at the nine just before halftime. Advancing inside the 20 twice in the second half, the Highland Park was unable to produce points.

(Earlier at 5:05 p.m. Saturday) Highland Park High School’s football team dropped its Illinois High School Association playoff opener to Hononegah High School, 35-14, today in Rockton.

The loss ends the Giants’ season with a 7-3 record after the team compiled more wins than all but one team in school history and finished second in the Central Suburban League North Division.

While the 1942 edition of the Giants went undefeated at 8-0, the 1964 squad was the only other Highland Park football team to put together a seven-win season.

Patch will update this story as it gets more information about the contest.

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