Hononegah Rolls to 28–6 Win over East, behind Demke’s Three‑TD Night and another All‑Around Showcase from Claire VanSchelven
We’ve got two quarterbacks learning on the job — this is a brand‑new sport, and you don’t get kids coming in with experience. It’s growing from the ground level.”
Offense Finds Its Rhythm Early
Quarterback Layla Demke delivered one of her most complete performances of the season, finishing 12‑for‑20 for 132 yards and three touchdowns, adding 75 rushing yards and a score on 13 carries. Her ability to extend plays and attack open space kept East’s defense off balance throughout the night.
Backup QB Taylor Passmore saw limited action, going 0‑for‑1, but continues to grow in her role as Hononegah’s second signal‑caller.
On the ground, Emma Heidenreich and Harper Vanderheyden combined for 24 tough yards, helping keep drives on schedule.
Receiving Leaders
- Claire VanSchelven: 5 receptions, 59 yards, TD, two 1‑point conversions
- Huber: 2 receptions, 33 yards, 2 TDs
- Alexandria Vanderheyden: 2 receptions, 31 yards
- Alexis Eich: 1 reception, 8 yards
- Emma Bullard: 1 reception, 3 yards
- Emma Heidenreich: 1 reception, –2 yards
Claire VanSchelven, the 5’10” freshman phenom who has rapidly become one of the NIC‑10’s most dangerous two‑way players, once again delivered a complete performance. Her blend of length, speed, and instincts continues to elevate Hononegah’s offense.
🛡️ Defense Sets the Tone Again
Hononegah’s defense has now held four of seven opponents to single digits — and Monday night was no different.
- Taitum Cates led the way with 6.5 tackles and a sack
- Addison Beilfuss added 4 tackles and 2 pass breakups
- Madison Lee contributed 3.5 tackles
- Karla Krause chipped in a tackle and PBU
- Alexandria Vanderheyden, Claire VanSchelven, and Amaya Waters each recorded an interception
Claire VanSchelven’s interception — returned seven yards — came at a critical moment, halting East’s best drive of the night. Waters added another takeaway to seal the win.
Hononegah Community High School rolled to a 28-6 victory on Monday night on Kelsey Field against Rockford East. Photo/https://www.alanmohringphotography.com/
Postgame Conversation with Head Coach Jason Brunke
After the game, I caught up with Head Coach Jason Brunke, who continues to guide a roster filled with emerging talent and first‑year players learning the sport on the fly.
On the team’s growth and what comes next:
“I think it’s just a lot of consistency,” Brunke said. “They’re starting to figure things out. We’ve got two quarterbacks learning on the job — this is a brand‑new sport, and you don’t get kids coming in with experience. It’s growing from the ground level.”
He praised both Layla Demke and Taylor Passmore for their development, noting that Layla’s athleticism is beginning to shine through.
“Layla’s starting to figure things out and make plays. She’s obviously a great athlete. It’s just continuing to inch forward.”
Brunke emphasized the importance of eliminating negative plays — a challenge in a sport where field position is everything.
“Twenty yards is hard enough with all the speed on the field. When you go minus‑5 or minus‑7, it’s an absolute drive‑killer. So we’ve got to tighten up there, keep getting positive plays, limit turnovers, and execute defensively.”
On the colder weather and game conditions:
“The wind was definitely a factor today,” Brunke said. “Driving east was tougher to throw — we saw some balls get pushed. But you’ve got to play with the weather. We’ll do what we have to do to move the football.”
A Team Rising Together
Hononegah’s undefeated record is no accident. The offense is gaining confidence, the defense is swarming, and the team’s young core — led by standout freshman Claire VanSchelven — continues to elevate the program’s ceiling.
With colder weather ahead and conference play tightening, Brunke’s message remains simple: keep stacking positive plays, keep learning, and keep growing.
The Indians return to action next week as they look to stay perfect and continue their climb atop the NIC‑10.
Harold Bone
