Two area girls soccer programs are undoubtedly drawing double-takes by opponents scanning their results.
Since the spring of 2009 and the inception of three classes, Elgin was often overlooked, even though the Maroons reached the regional finals last year.
Although the playoffs are still a long way off, Elgin began the week with a 4-1-1 record.
Last year, Huntley lost 2-0 in the supersectional to Class 3A state runner-up St. Charles East. The Red Raiders had nine of 11 seniors sign to play in college, so 2015 was supposed to be a rebuilding year.
But Huntley is off to a 5-0 start that includes capturing the championship of its own tournament with a 2-1 victory over Rockford Boylan, which has won 12 straight regionals.
Elgin coach Alicia Knoll attributes the Maroons’ success to “a little bit of everything.”
“We have some young players willing to learn, leadership from some veterans, and players simply getting used to playing with different teammates on offense or defense,” she said.
Freshman Brittany Dazzo has been nothing less than dazzling with a team-best seven goals to go along with a pair of assists. Nine others have scored goals for Elgin.
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“Without our defense, the offense isn’t as strong, but without our offense, the defense isn’t as effective,” Hannah Erickson said. “We’ve truly molded well as a unit and we all want to be known as a school to be reckoned with. Our success isn’t such a surprise to me.”
Elgin entered the week having outscored its opposition 19-10, fresh off a first shutout led by goalkeeper Hannah Demel.
“We’ve all gotten into a groove in terms of working together from the back on upfield,” Demel said. “As we get more confident, work together better, we expect to get many more wins.”
Coach Kris Grabner realizes Huntley has a fairly young roster, but a defense by committee has been complemented by two offensive weapons.
“Our offense has looked solid thanks to Deanna (Hecht) and Taryn (Jakubowski) in the lead. We fought hard while we figured out our defense,” Grabner said. “Moving Tayah (Owens) to the middle in back has given us options.”
Owens moved up to varsity late last year as did speedy Sam Heustis. Senior Katie Costantino, an Austin Peay signee, anchors a middle that includes sophomores Emily Lopez and Brianna Wilder.
“Personally, the move to the middle in back is a challenge I like,” Owens said. “Winning the tournament by beating a team as good as Boylan boosts our confidence and proves we are good regardless of how many we graduated.”
Jakubowski’s 20 goals and 10 assists made it easier for Huntley to succeed when all-area returnee Hecht got sidelined by a knee injury last year. While her return for the postseason was merely a mental boost, she’s back to her former scoring self this year with eight goals.
“That injury opened my eyes and has made me a better player,” said Hecht, who has signed with Indiana-Purdue Fort Wayne. “I had to learn to play quicker and use teammates more.
“Our younger players are willing to learn and everyone comes to practice ready to work. Although we lost a very special and talented group of seniors, I don’t believe people should underestimate us. We have the potential to be a special team.”
Yet to be checkmated
Freshman phenom Jordan King scored the Rockets’ first two goals in the season opener and hasn’t stopped scoring. Her 13 goals include three winners for Burlington Central (4-0).
Nemeth is freelance reporter for The Courier-News.