After a lot of anticipation, the Minooka varsity football team won its home opener against Joliet West by a score of 26-22.

“It was key to get momentum early, and Donavon Anderson did just that by returning a punt early for a 65-yard touchdown,” Minooka head coach Matt Harding said. “I feel that we played pretty well to start.” 

Minooka’s defense caused Joliet West to turn the ball over twice in the second quarter.

Senior linebacker Isaiah Dupree came up big on defense as he managed to have 4 tackles for loss, a forced fumble, and a pass deflection. He was named Athlete of the Week by the Sports Media class.

Minooka established the run game in the first half, and it showed by a 85-yard touchdown run by D.J. McIntosh.

Harding also thought the offensive line – Brady Barrowman, Jeremy Marrero, Ryan Susnar, Carter Gessner, and Keith Gravel – helped the team rush for 259 yards. 

Minooka had 2 rushing touchdowns in the second quarter. 

I was definitely just trying to do my job,” Barrowman said “You gotta follow your assignment before you get a highlight.”

The second rushing touchdown was a 2-yard run by quarterback Gavin Dooley. The Indians took a 18-14 lead into halftime as they had all the momentum.

Joliet West quarterback Carl Bew did not make it easy on the Minooka’s defense. He had 312 passing yards and it seemed he was making a play every play.

”The QB, he did a great job getting the ball to their receivers on time and stressed our defense,” said Harding.

The fourth quarter started off with Joliet West intercepting a pass. The Indian defense did not let it affect them as they got the Tigers to turn the ball over on downs. 

“I felt our team did keep their composure,” Harding said “We ended the game on a 17-play drive that took up to 6:00 minutes off the clock.” 

In the end the Indians ended with a big win at home with a final score of 26-22.