After a long season filled with many achievements, the Hoffman Estates football team is ready to make their mark in the playoffs. Despite many tough games against Fremd, Palatine, and Barrigton, the Hawks stayed strong and were able to have an incredible season.
“The kids were kind of down,” said Tim Hesye, head coach. “But our approach was just to get back to what we do. It wasn’t like we played badly against Fremd or Palatine. Both teams are really good programs, and we went toe-to-toe with them. We just stayed focused on who we are.”
This mindset was extremely prevalent during the game against Conant High School (CHS). The Hawks had been dominating the game until the third quarter when the CHS football team were able to get the score tied 14-14. Then with three minutes left in the third quarter, Austin Lezniak threw a beautiful pass to Torey Baskin and brought the Hawks, just a few feet from the end zone.
“Well, I knew we were gonna make a big play at some point but, then after that, it just brought everyone’s confidence and hopes, so it really just sparked offense and defense,” said Lezniak.
After that pass the Hawks built momentum and went on to score two more touchdowns and were able to get the 2025 Mayors Cup, with a score of 28-14.
“You know, when they tied it, our spirits were kind of down, and that just picked us right back up. And after that, we scored back-to-back touchdowns, and I don’t think they had a first down the rest of the game,” said Hesye.
Even though the HEHS football team has played against tough opponents, their confidence hasn’t wavered. Against difficult teams the Hawks are able to rise to the occasion and show up for their fans.
“I feel that the team has learned that no matter the opponent we always have a chance to hang with them. And I think we saw a little piece of that last week against Barrington,” said Vincent Luzwick, senior. “Even though they are one of the top teams in the state, we hung with them for most of the game and that helped us gain some confidence.”
“Honestly, the team morale is still very high because we felt like we played great against the number five team in the state,” said J’Mari Jackson, senior. “So we didn’t lose any morale with, if anything. We grew in morale.”
Going into their first game of the playoffs against Batavia High School, the Hawks are determined to not let their season end.
“The energy that the team has had this week in practice has been like no other,” said Luzwick. He said the players are pushing each other harder than they already do because “our coaches have high expectations and know how far this team can go.”
As the Hawks prepare to take the field against Batavia, they are ready to leave it all out on the field. With confidence soaring and the community behind them, the HEHS football team is ready to prove they belong among the best.
“I look forward to the playoffs [and] to making history,” said Jackson. “We’ve got a chance. If we take down Batavia, maybe go to the semis, [and] we’ll make history. Even if we just beat them, we’ve already made history by taking out one of the blue bloods in the state.”
