Montini's Rhode Bears Player of Week

John Rhode of Montini was named the "BP Bears High School Player of the Week" for Week 7.

Rhode, a senior quarterback, threw for 8 touchdowns in Montini's 59-14 victory over St. Edward. He completed 17 of 21 passes for 349 yards, and six of his touchdown passes came in the first half as Montini improved to 5-2.

After suffering a thumb injury in the preseason, Rhode made his first start in week six of the season when he came in and threw 3 touchdown passes in a 33-14 win over St. Francis. He is the seventh quarterback in IHSA history to pass for 8 touchdowns in one game.

In honor of Rhode, $1,000 will be donated to the youth football program of his choice. He will also be invited to the Bears-Chiefs game on Dec. 4 and will be recognized during the game.

The Chicago Bears and BP introduced the "BP Bears High School Player of the Week" program this year, which will run nine weeks Aug. 29-Oct. 24. Deserving high school players are nominated by a panel of local prep authorities and the winning "BP Bears Player of the Week" is selected each week.

The nomination criteria for the program include on-field performance, community involvement and good sportsmanship.