National scout sees a need for speed
With the first week of action already in the books, here are some observations from across the state of Illinois.
Big win? Lincoln-Way Central (1-0) had the task of opening the season on the road Saturday against the always tough East St. Louis Flyers (0-1). The Flyers put up a 20-0 halftime lead before the Knights came roaring back to post a 30-27 win in overtime.
The Knights were led by junior quarterback Robbie Glielmi, the son of Lincoln-Way Central coach Rob Glielmi. The younger Glielmi passed for 176 of his 194 yards in the second half. Senior wide receiver Jake Wieclaw caught a touchdown pass along with kicking the game winning 24-yard field goal in overtime for the victory.
Strange doings? The headline game at the annual Preseason Prep Bowl Kickoff Classic held at Soldier Field on Sunday featured two storied programs in Mt. Carmel (1-0) and Joliet Catholic (0-1).
Joliet Catholic took a 20-14 lead late in the fourth quarter. The Hilltoppers nearly controlled the game the entire second half, holding the Caravan to 18 yards of total offense and 0 first downs.
Strange doings you ask?
With less than two minutes to play in the game, Mt. Carmel quarterback Jordan Lynch threw an errant pitch to running back Tim Brown. Brown, along with nearly the entire Joliet Catholic defense, scrambled for the loose ball. Brown picked up the ball and threw a desperation pass to wide open wide receiver K.C. Picard, who rolled untouched 70 yards for the game-winning touchdown.
The need for speed? In attendance at the Preseason Prep Bowl games Sunday was Rivals.com national football recruiting expert Mike Farrell. Farrell, who travels across the country watching and evaluating prospects for Rivals.com, was asked what is the difference he's seen in prospect from Illinois as opposed to other football talent producing states.
According to Farrell: "Other states seem to produce more speed guys than Illinois, and those prospects just play the game at a higher speed in many cases.
"What I like about the kids I've seen from Illinois is that they play hard-nosed and physical football. Illinois kids will hit you and it's a real smashmouth mentality here."