Oct. 10--Homewood-Flossmoor's dynamic offense is one of the best in the state.
But the Vikings' defense has quietly shown a dramatic improvement from last season. Friday's contest against Lincoln-Way East illustrated that improvement.
The Vikings' defense allowed 202 total yards, and receiver Kendric Pryor caught five passes for 134 yards and a touchdown as No. 1 Homewood-Flossmoor recorded a 28-3 win over No. 12 Lincoln-Way East in Flossmoor.
The Vikings (7-0, 5-0) avenged last season's 43-40 loss to Lincoln-Way East (5-2, 4-1), and gained the inside track to their first Southwest Suburban Blue title.
H-F defensive back Justin Hall recovered a pair of fumbles to stop two Griffins scoring threats. The sophomore's 69-yard touchdown return off an errant snap, put the Vikings ahead 14-3 in the second quarter.
"We knew this was going to be a tough game, and I took advantage of opportunities," Hall said. "Our defense came to play. Everybody has been down on our defense all year, but we wanted to shock people today, and we did."
On the kickoff following Hall's touchdown, the Vikings covered an untouched deep kick to set up a 2-yard scoring run by Devonte Harley-Hampton for a 21-3 lead. With his brother Deante limited because of injury, Harley-Hampton rushed for 133 yards and two touchdowns.
"I knew I had to pick up the slack and felt the pressure with my brother out," Devonte Harley-Hampton said.
The Vikings sacked Lincoln-Way East quarterback Brandon Bauer three times while limiting him to 81 passing yards and 50 rushing yards. The Griffins' lone score was a field goal on their first possession.
Bob Narang is a freelance reporter for the Chicago Tribune.
Player of the game: Kendric Pryor, H-F, 5 receptions, 134 yards, TD.
Key performers: Lincoln-Way East -- Brandon Bauer, 12 carries, 50 yards, 10-for-15 passing, 81 yards; Sean Reyna, fumble recovery. H-F -- Justin Hall, 2 fumble recoveries,1 returned 69 yards for TD; Devonte Harley-Hampton, 21 carries, 133 yards, 2 TDs.
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