Marczuk, Ericksen earn Week 9 MVP honors
Kaneland senior quarterback Jake Marczuk and Naperville North junior safety Grant Ericksen have earned Daily Herald MVP honors for their high school football performances in Week 9.
OFFENSE
Jake Marczuk, Kaneland: Kaneland's signalcaller enjoyed one of his finest games in a 41-7 victory at Rochelle that returned the Knights to the playoffs after a one-year absence. The 5-foot-10, 170-pound senior carried the ball 13 times for 137 yards, including touchdown runs of 2, 40, 4 and 30 yards. Marczuk also completed 11 of 15 passes for 175 yards, highlighted by scoring strikes of 50 and 4 yards, without throwing an interception.
Maurice Burkley, Metea Valley: The Mustangs ended on a high note with a 44-37 nonconference win over playoff qualifier West Aurora. A 5-foot-11, 185-pound senior running back, Burkley ran 33 times for 264 yards and 3 touchdowns. He scored on early 49- and 1-yard runs and won the game on a late 79-yard touchdown run.
Zach Oles, Palatine: After putting up impressive passing numbers all season, the Pirates' junior QB showed he could move the ball on the ground, too. On a rainy night, Oles rushed for 287 yards and 3 touchdowns as Palatine held off Conant 34-29 to earn a share of the MSL West title.
Tyler Vincent, Stevenson: The senior continues to show he's recovered from a midseason injury that kept him out of a game. He rushed for 6 touchdowns and 287 yards on just 8 carries, as the Patriots secured a playoff berth with a 55-21 victory over Mundelein.
DEFENSE
Grant Ericksen, Naperville North: After struggling for most of the season, Naperville North closed with its second straight victory thanks to its defense. The Huskies beat Wheaton Warrenville South 7-6 behind the play of their 6-foot-1, 178-pound junior safety. Ericksen snared 2 interceptions, both of them coming in the end zone.
Allan Jaffray, Leyden: The Eagles' season didn't go quite like they wanted it to, but Jaffray's last game at Leyden was one to remember. He delivered a team-best 3 sacks as Leyden's defense got the job done in a 16-7 victory over Willowbrook.
Cameron Mays, Bartlett: This all-Upstate Eight Valley cornerback helped Bartlett qualify for the playoffs for the first time since 2012 with his performance in a 42-27 victory at Glenbard East. The 5-foot-11, 165-pound senior intercepted 2 passes — his 6th and 7th of the season — the first of which he returned 47 yards for a touchdown. Mays also made 2 solo tackles, added 3 assists and defended 2 other passes.
Drew Winegardner, Vernon Hills: Added offensive responsibilities didn't affect the junior safety's ability to impact the game defensively. He intercepted two passes, while scoring a pair of offensive touchdowns as well, as the Cougars clinched a playoff berth with a 51-24 win over Round Lake.