Week 3

Hobart, IN: The HSFL continued it's sixth season on Sunday with a traditional 5 on 5 contest scheduled to be the first team to 12 touchdowns. The first half was a back and forth battle, and largely a defensive struggle. HSFL MVP Bob Glover completed several passes to his brother Matt, and Pro Bowler Josh Neace for Team 1, but Team 2 held strong. Justin Sawicki and second year veteran Kyle Gonzales helped lead the Team 2 attack, and with the help of two interceptions thrown by Glover, Team 2 took a 6-5 lead into the half.

Team 1 was not concerned, as they rebounded from a half time deficit to win in Week 1. Something happened, however, early into the second half that would prove fatal for Team 1's efforts. On an early second half play, Glover rolled out and escaped a potential sack from Jeff Renn. As Glover ran down field, he was met by Justin Sawicki in a head to head collision. Glover went down hard and came up with a sizeable gash underneath his right eye to show for his efforts. Glover was eliminated from the equation for the first time in his 6 year career, and Team 2 took advantage. Josh Neace took over the majority of Team 1's quarterbacking duties and played well, but it was not quite enough. With Kyle Gonzales leading the way, Team 2 managed to capture a 12-10 victory to even the season series at 1 game each.

Team 1 suffered from the loss of defending league MVP Bob Glover. He did manage 4 touchdown passes and 1 touchdown reception prior to his injury. Team 1 was helped once again by emerging rookie Josh Coons. Coons totaled 4 touchdowns and 1 touchdown pass in just his third career HSFL game. Josh Neace took over the quarterbacking duties once Glover was knocked out and threw for 3 touchdowns. He also added a touchdown reception and an interception on the day. Matt Glover made what is expected to be his only appearance of the year, making several catches early, but only totaling 1 touchdown. Chris Hott continued his steady rookie campaign by playing solid defense and hauling in a touchdown catch. John Berlin added 2 touchdowns and 1 touchdown pass for Team 1, but all reports are that his lack of defensive presence may have been what cost Team 1 the game in the second half.

What can you say about Kyle Gonzales after Week 3? The second year veteran threw for an incredible 11 touchdown passes and added an interception in his 2002 debut. He gave Team 2 their first real passing threat in the last two years and was the biggest reason for their win. Rookie Justin Sawicki added 5 touchdowns and 1 sack to the Team 2 effort, and continues to stay neck and neck with Josh Coons as the early Rookie of the Year favorites. Team 2 Co-Captain Jeff Renn scored 3 touchdowns in the game and added 2 sacks to disrupt Team 1's passing game. Another of the many rookies in action in Week 3, Clyde Neace added 3 touchdowns and an interception in just his second career HSFL game. Team 2 Co-Captain Mike Arana looked as good as he has in two years on defense, making several tackles, intercepting a pass and even adding a touchdown reception for Team 2. Hall of Famer Kenny Williams made his 2002 debut, providing Team 2 with a defensive spark, intercepting a pass and adding a sack. Ryan Geib, who was playing through an illness, did not play much and did not put a dent in the stat sheet.