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Hononegah Flag Football

Hononegah Girls Flag Football Rolls Past Hampshire, Finishes Regular Season 17‑2 and NIC‑10 Co‑Champions

Harold Bone

Harold Bone

— 3 min read
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Hononegah Girls Flag Football Rolls Past Hampshire, Finishes Regular Season 17‑2 and NIC‑10 Co‑Champions

The Hononegah Community High School Girls Flag Football team closed out its regular season with a statement win, powering past Hampshire 34–6 to finish 17‑2 overall and 8‑1 in the NIC‑10, earning a share of the conference championship.

Behind the steady leadership of sophomore quarterback Layla Demke and a defense that swarmed Hampshire from the opening whistle, the Indians delivered one of their most complete performances of the year.

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Demke Leads the Charge

Demke was sharp and confident throughout, completing 14 of 24 passes for 167 yards, three touchdowns, one interception, and a two‑point conversion. She added 30 rushing yards and two more scores, plus another two‑point run, showcasing the dual‑threat ability that has defined her breakout season.

Senior receiver Irelyn O’Brien also stepped in for a perfectly executed trick‑play pass, hitting a 28‑yard completion to keep Hononegah’s momentum rolling.

Ground Game Keeps Hampshire Off Balance

Hononegah’s rushing attack was efficient and explosive:

  • Emma Heidenreich powered through for 42 yards on five carries.
  • Harper Vanderheyden added 24 yards on two carries, continuing her role as a spark‑plug in open space.
  • Layla Demke’s two rushing touchdowns gave Hononegah early separation.

Air Attack Dominates

The receiving corps delivered one of its best collective outings of the season:

  • Claire VanSchelven hauled in seven catches for 103 yards, a touchdown, and a two‑point conversion. Her size and athleticism once again created matchup problems all night.
  • Mikayla Mowers added three receptions for 52 yards and a touchdown, stretching the field with her length.
  • Irelyn O’Brien contributed three catches for 14 yards and a touchdown, while Vanderheyden added a 35‑yard reception and Heidenreich chipped in a short catch.

Defense Sets the Tone

Hononegah’s defense—fast, disciplined, and relentless—smothered Hampshire from start to finish.

  • Addison Beilfuss delivered a monster performance with 12 tackles, two pass breakups, and two interceptions, returning one for seven yards.
  • Taitum Cates was unstoppable off the edge, recording three sacks.
  • Alexandria Huber added two tackles and a PBU, while KayTee Kudlacik contributed a tackle.
  • Madison Lee posted three tackles, and Amaya Waters added four tackles.
  • Eden Wessel chipped in a tackle, rounding out a deep defensive rotation.

Vanderheyden and VanSchelven each added tackles as well, showing their versatility on both sides of the ball.

Remember to tell them you “Saw it in the Rockton-Roscoe News.”

A Championship Finish

With the win, Hononegah secures its place atop the NIC‑10 standings as co‑champions, capping a season defined by resilience, depth, and a roster loaded with emerging stars.

From Demke’s leadership to Beilfuss’s defensive dominance, from VanSchelven’s big‑play ability to the steady contributions across all grade levels, this team has built something special—something that reflects the strength and pride of the Hononegah community.

Thanks to Coach Jason Brunke for all the stats and information about the team and game. Thank you to Scott VanSchelven for the image of Claire.

The postseason awaits, and the Indians look ready.

Hononegah opens postseason play on Wed Sept 30 2026. Bracket provided by Illinois High School Association.

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