After Second Straight Setback, H-F Football Needs to Regain Mojo

Homewood-Flossmoor's football team came out of the gates on Friday night against Bolingbrook looking like it still was reeling from a disappointing homecoming lost to Lincoln-Way East.

The Vikings fell behind early and, despite a valiant comeback, could not pull out the victory against a team as good as Bolingbrook. The Raiders raced to a 27-0 lead and held on the second half to win 41-28.

“I take the blame for the way we came out there in the first half,” Vikings coach Craig Buzea said. “If we do that the rest of the way, we will not win another game."

The H-F crowd looked stunned after the Raiders jumped to a 27-0 lead with less than a minute left in the first quarter. And a Viking team that came in with high expectations after a Class 8A state semifinal appearance suddenly looked outmanned.

Quarterback Tim Williams threw interceptions to Bolingbrook's Tevin Teamer on consecutive plays. The Vikings lost two fumbles. They looked like they would be left for dead.

But give the Vikings credit for battling back and making a game of it.

Williams recovered in the second half to throw two touchdown passes, first teaming with Sheldon Jones and then hooking up with Kristopher Porche.

After Anfernee Roberts ran back an interception for a touchdown to make it 41-28 midway through the fourth quarter, it looked like H-F might have a shot to pull off a dramatic comeback. But the Raiders were the better team and managed to stave off the Vikings.

“We have not been getting any respect as a team and as a defense,” Teamer said. “After tonight, we showed how good we can be.”

For the Vikings, it's time to step up and show how good they can be, and the job starts next Friday in Lockport.