Hononegah shares NIC-10 championship as Indians win 44-16 over Belvidere
Hononegah takes care of business and brings home a share of the NIC-10 football title.
Belvidere, IL – The Hononegah Indians took care of business and easily disposed of the Belvidere Bucs 44-16 on Friday night, Oct. 25, 2024. The game was out of reach after the opening quarter, as Hononegah was able to get up by a 23-0 margin and never looked back in the victory. With the win, Hononegah tied with Belvidere North for the 2024 NIC-10 title. Both teams finished 8-1 overall and 8-1 in the NIC-10. The only loss for Hononegah was a forfeit loss given to them by the IHSA for violation of a transfer student.
Senior Kurt Smith scored three TDs in the 1st half including a 41-yard run over the right side and then was able to run to the end zone nearly untouched. In the 1st half, the Indians ran for 211 yards and totaled 300 total yards of offense against the 1-win Belvidere Bucs.
The Indians' defense also contributed to another dominant victory, only allowing 78 yards in the opening half and getting a 42-yard pick 6 by sophomore defensive back Brody Sendele for a score. In fact, in the opening half the Indians' stout defense had four tackles for loss and two sacks, including a sack from senior Zander Swanson who looked like a WWE wrestler throwing the Belvidere Bucs QB to the ground to stop a drive in the 2nd quarter.
Coach Brian Zimmermann was very pleased with the way his team played and that they were able to get some of the younger guys in for the 2nd half Friday night. “We talked about getting kids into the game if we play the way we wanted to,” stated Coach Zimmerman. Many of the starters were taken out after halftime when the outcome was no longer in doubt.
Next up for the Hononegah Indians is a 1st round IHSA 7A playoff game. The Indians will find out who that opponent will be on Saturday night when the IHSA releases the brackets.
