Glenbard North's Carev getting chance to take snaps
Last season Glenbard North's Mike Carev quickly become known for his big-play ability from the wide receiver position. In only two games this year, though, the senior's shown how dangerous he can be in other areas.
Making his season debut in Week 3 against Naperville North, Carev scored on a 36-yard run while taking a direct snap out of the "Wildcat" formation. Carev added a 49-yard touchdown run on a sweep in last week's 32-0 win over Wheaton North.
A quarterback at the freshman and sophomore levels, last season Carev moved to wide receiver because Evan Watkins, now at Northwestern, was a returning starter behind center. With signal-calling still in Carev's blood, it's one more way Panthers coach Ryan Wilkens can put his playmaker in position to make a major impact.
"We're really happy with where (starting quarterback Tom Traficanti) is at," Wilkens said. "He's composed and he's just done a nice job.
"But we'll definitely have some situations where we can have (Carev) back there," he said. "He's used to playing quarterback and does a pretty good job at it. He's dangerous back there."
Two's better than one: It's midway through the regular season, and Wheaton Warrenville South coach Ron Muhitch continues to use both senior Mack Tracey and junior Reilly O'Toole at quarterback.
O'Toole started in last week's win over Naperville Central, but Tracey entered the game after O'Toole fumbled the ball on a sack during the Tigers' opening possession.
After letting his younger quarterback settle down a bit, Muhitch put O'Toole back in the game. He completed 3 of 4 passes for 42 yards while Tracey was 4 of 7 for 37 yards and added 53 rushing yards.
Muhitch feels confident with both players. Depending on the situation he'll use either one.
"It's just a feel thing," Muhitch said. "Mack came in and settled us down and made a couple of big plays."
O'Toole is more of a prototype, drop-back passer while Tracey, who played wide receiver last season, is valuable in the Tigers' running game. That's not to say either quarterback isn't well-rounded, but Muhitch is trying to play to their strengths.
So far it's worked well for the Tigers.
"Mack and Reilly both bring something to the table," Muhitch said. "It's important that we get them both on the field and keep them involved in the offense."
A winning combination: A funny thing happened during Hinsdale Central's 56-42 West Suburban Silver victory over Lyons Twp. last week. Senior quarterback John Whitelaw threw a touchdown pass to someone other than Alex Kirk.
Spreading out his 22 completions to eight different receivers, three of Whitelaw's scoring passes went to David Lutz, John Skokna and Jason Rafferty. Kirk, of course, caught the fourth touchdown pass.
It was the eighth touchdown pass of the season from Whitelaw to Kirk. In fact all 7 of Whitelaw's scoring passes heading into last week went to Kirk.
"John and Alex have a real good chemistry together," said Red Devils coach Mike DiMatteo. "It's been fun to watch."
It began last year during Hinsdale Central's run to the Class 8A title game. Kirk came into the final with 32 catches for 496 yards and 6 touchdowns, then added 9 catches for 140 yards and a pair of scores in the loss to Maine South.
The Whitelaw-to-Kirk combo immediately picked up from where it left off last year. Kirk enters this weekend with 26 catches for 563 yards and the 8 touchdowns.
"I'm proud of Alex," DiMatteo said. "He's worked hard to refine his routes and make himself a better player."