Mundelein football misses winning opportunity in Week 1

Every person associated with the Mundelein football program will remember the way the season started last year.

Winless since the 2010 season finale against Libertyville, the Mustangs scored a 29-22 victory over Wheeling. Senior running back Emanuel Jones described it as “breaking the losing streak that felt like a curse.”

Although there were some close calls, Mundelein was unable to win another game that season, placing extra significance on Friday’s season opener against Wheeling.

This time, though, it was Wheeling that scored a much-needed 34-20 victory.

“We have to treat every game like a playoff game,” Mustangs coach George Kaider said. “I’m disappointed, especially with the way we played on defense. We stress all the time about building a wall and I don’t think we rallied to the ball well enough or tackled in the open field.”

The Mustangs had success moving the ball, but turnovers hurt their momentum. Mundelein was intercepted four times.

One particular bright spot for the Mustangs was the play of running back/safety Robert Hamilton. He had 88 yards rushing on 13 carries and scored three touchdowns; one of his scores was a kickoff return in the fourth quarter.

“We were able to block them in the first half and get our option game going,” Kaider said. “We got Rob on the edge and we felt really good about his performance. He ran hard and aggressive.”

Hamilton played cornerback on defense last year and saw limited action on offense. Hamilton, 5-foot-7, focused on getting stronger in the offseason and he added about 20 pounds to his now 165-pound frame.

“Rob’s always been a great competitor and he got a lot faster and stronger,” Kaider said.

When practices started this August, Hamilton said he could tell his work in the offseason had paid off.

“I’m quicker and stronger,” he said. “I like having the ball and giving my team a chance for a big play. I’m pretty happy to be back on the field and playing both ways.”

Senior offensive lineman Joe Nagel said the Mustangs have a lot of confidence when Hamilton has the ball.

“He’s one of our hardest-working players and was our best playmaker against Wheeling,” Nagel said.

On defense, Hamilton made a smooth transition to safety from cornerback.

“I like that I can see the whole field and try to make plays across the field,” Hamilton said.

Kaider said Hamilton will be a key player for the Mustangs on defense as well.

“He kind of plays safety the way he runs the ball; he’s disciplined and attacks downfield,” Kaider said. “He’s really a leader and a captain of the defense out there.”

The Mustangs return to action at 7:30 p.m. Friday with a home game against Highland Park.

“The Wheeling loss hurts, but we have to move on and bring it against Highland Park,” Hamilton said.