Hononegah Girls Flag Football Rolls Past Sycamore, Edges Huntley in Saturday Tri‑Event

Demke, Vanschelven lead explosive offensive day; defense racks up turnovers as program momentum grows

Hononegah Community High School Girls Flag Football team meets to discuss what play they should run against Sycamore in a 48-0 victory on Sat August 29 2026. Photo/Harold Bone

Hononegah Girls Flag Football put together a statement Saturday, sweeping Sycamore and Huntley in a three‑team showcase that highlighted both the program’s depth and the rapid growth of girls flag football across the region.

The Indians opened with a 48–0 shutout of first‑year program Sycamore, then battled to a 19–13 win over Huntley, now in its second season.

Game 1: Hononegah 48, Sycamore 0

Offense

Ava Demke: 1–2 passing, 28 yards; 8 rushes, 61 yards, 4 TD, two 1‑point conversions
Taylor Passmore: 4–5 passing, 48 yards, TD, INT
Emma Heidenreich: 13 rushes, 95 yards
Claire Vanschelven: 2 rushes, 32 yards
Claire Vanschelven: 1 catch, 12 yards, TD, 1PT, 2PT
Alexandria Huber: 4 catches, 64 yards

Defense

Addison Beilfuss: 2 INT (13 yards)
KayTee Kudlacik: 3 tackles, INT (17 yards)
Eden Wessel: 1 tackle, INT (3 yards), 3 PBU
Claire Vanschelven: INT (36 yards), TD
Additional tackles/PBUs: Alexis Eich, Alexandria Huber, Karla Krause, Madison Lee, Kate McLarty, Reagan Metz, Harper Vanderheyden

Special Teams

Harper Vanderheyden: 3 punt returns, 54 yards, TD

Hononegah’s defense forced six interceptions, turning the game into a showcase of speed, anticipation, and pressure.

Claire Vanschelven takes back and interception against Sycamore on Saturday August 29 2026 at Kelsey field on the campus of Hononegah Community High School. Photo/Harold Bone

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Game 2: Hononegah 19, Huntley 13

Offense

Ava Demke: 7–12 passing, 153 yards, 3 TD, 1PT; 9 rushes, 50 yards
Taylor Passmore: 2–5 passing, 9 yards; 2 rushes, 1 yard
Emma Heidenreich: 7 rushes, 10 yards
Claire Vanschelven: 7 receptions, 149 yards, 3 TD
Mikayla Mowers: 1 catch, 5 yards, 1PT
Alexis Eich: 1 catch, 6 yards
Ava Demke: 1 catch, 3 yards

Defense

Claire Vanschelven: 2 tackles, 2 PBU, 3 INT (24 yards)
Harper Vanderheyden: 3 tackles, 1 PBU, INT (12 yards)
Addison Beilfuss: 5 tackles
Taitum Cates: 3 tackles, 1 sack
Additional tackles/PBUs: Alexandria Huber, Karla Krause, Madison Lee, Amaya Waters

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

Hononegah sealed the win with late defensive stops and a fourth‑quarter interception from Vanderheyden.

Head Coach Jason Brunke said when asked about the multi‑team Saturday format and how it might be impacting the developing the sport:

“It’s a good opportunity. The way the schedule sets up and really the way the game plays, I think we’re all still figuring out what the best way to build a schedule is. Doing it on Saturday gives you a little more time.”

He added that the event reflects how quickly girls flag football is expanding:

Events like this, where three teams come together to play three games in one day, really shows how fast girls flag football is growing.”

Brunke also noted the value of seeing teams outside the conference:

“It’s hard to travel during the week. We have two conference games every week, so doing it on Saturday helps. It’s great to see athletes get new opportunities. It’s a fun and exciting game, and the more we can do it and learn and grow, the better.”

What’s Next

Hononegah moves to 5-0 overall and 2–0 in NIC 10 conference play, showing explosive offense, disciplined defense, and a roster stacked with contributors at every grade level. The Indians return to conference play next week.