The win marked Brian Hoffman’s first victory as the Eagles’ new coach.

By JOHN BASSETTI

VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF

HUBBARD — A week after turnovers had a bearing on Hubbard’s loss to Poland, the Eagles made dramatic improvement to correct the mistakes.

It didn’t start that way when Marc Kanetsky was picked off by Warren JFK’s Pat Murphy just four minutes into Friday’s game.

But Kanetsky went on to complete 22-of-31 passes for 238 yards and Hubbard finished with three fumble recoveries and two interceptions to beat JFK, 42-21.

“This week, they [JFK] tried to load up the box and take away our running game with Robert Wigfall and Andre Taylor,” Kanetsky said. “That gave us a matchup on the outside that we really liked, with athletes like Mike Carnahan and Kurtis Drummond. Those guys made plays when they had to.”

Carnahan caught two touchdown passes, while Taylor scored one on the ground and another via reception to help Brian Hoffman register his first victory as Hubbard’s coach.

Kanetsky spoke of weaknesses and mismatches spotted in JFK’s defense.

“They put themselves in some bad situations against our offense,” the senior said. “They isolated a lot one-on-one and then they had to choose between taking away the short stuff or preventing the deep stuff. We hit them on both because they were guessing the whole time. It really gave us an advantage.”

Following a 14-14 halftime tie, Hubbard scored 21 third-quarter points to put the game out of reach.

The assault started when Bobby Thompson had a fumble pop into his hands at 7:25 of the third period.

On the next play, Kanetsky found Carnahan, his most physical target, in the end zone to complete a 29-yard TD pass.

Madeline’s foot

John Madeline added his third of six extra-point kicks to give Hubbard a 21-14 lead it wouldn’t relinquish.

On the ensuing kickoff, Drummond recovered a fumble at JFK’s 28 and, seven plays later, Thompson pushed across for another tally.

Kanetsky said his previous best passing game was 300 yards against Lakeview during his sophomore year, but Friday’s win was gratifying because it was the first in his senior year.

Besides Carnahan (6 for 75 yards) and Drummond (4 for 54), Kanetsky used Wigfall, Taylor, Marcus Coonce, Cory Farcas, David Urey and Chad Macek as receivers.

“A lot of people say I like to key on two guys all the time, but that’s not true,” Kanetsky said. “I guess tonight showed that’s not the case; that I’ll take what’s given me.”

Carnahan is usually Kanetsky’s top target, along with another top receiver, Sam Bellino, who suffered an ACL injury before the season.

An interception by Urey led to Wigfall’s 8-yard touchdown run in the second period and Cody Kilar’s theft led to Taylor’s third-quarter TD.

Hoffman likes balance

“The players executed the offense well tonight,” Hoffman said. “If the opponent’s taking away our run, we’ll throw the ball and vice-versa. We try to be as balanced as we can be, but, tonight, we saw some opportunities to take advantage of the passing game and again, Marc made some great decisions out there. Plus our offensive line and fullbacks Urey and Thompson did a nice job protecting him.”

After JFK’s Eric McBride gained 48 yards on three straight runs early in the game, the running back suffered a possible discolated shoulder, while reaching in for a touchdown try.

“Eric played a great first half, so it was tough losing him,” coach Tony Napolet said.

Napolet also noted that JFK’s defense was on the field too long.

“Hubbard beat us on some big plays and the quarterback threw the ball well. We didn’t defend the pass very well, nor did we put much heat on them. Tonight, they were a way better football team.”

bassetti@vindy.com