Homecoming is the game that is the most anticipated one of the regular season for the Minooka Indians.
This year’s matchup is against the Joliet Central Steelmen. Minooka comes into their Homecoming game 1-1 on the season after losing their most recent game to Neuqua Valley. On the other side, Joliet Central, 0-2, put up 32 points against Bremen last week and looks to shock the Indians and hand them their second loss of the year.
The biggest key for Minooka to get some offense going in the early parts of the game is establishing the run game with senior running back Joey Partridge.
The Joliet Central rushing defense gave up 401 yards on the ground in Week 1 against Stagg and 445 rushing yards against Bremen. Partridge should be in for a huge game against Central.
With a mobile quarterback in Minooka senior Nate Maul who can get out of the pocket, get yards on the ground, and get you yards through the air by threading the needle, you always have a chance to score. Maul will try to get the ball into the best receivers’ hands such as senior Donovan Anderson. On the other side of the ball, Minooka’s defense has only given up 17 points all season.
With stars on the defense such as senior linebacker Cayden Garcia and senior defensive back Efrein Ramirez, they are being able to stop every aspect of the game whether Joliet tries to establish a rushing game or try to throw the ball.
With all of this in mind, Minooka looks poised to win this game easily. I would expect Minooka to at least score 40-plus points and hold Joliet Central to single digits. Minooka will send all the fans home with a Homecoming victory going into Saturday’s dance.
