QB A.J. Fish gives Grayslake North optimistic future

Grayslake North couldn’t get to the playoffs this year, but the team has an interesting future — thanks to junior quarterback A.J. Fish.

He dominated the list of area passing leaders, throwing for over 2,000 yards and 19 touchdowns, while completing 71 percent of his passes.

In Friday night’s 47-35 loss to Woodstock North, Fish completed 14 of 15 passes for 232 yards — in the first half.

Fish, who also plays basketball and lacrosse, could use more bulk on his 6-foot-3 frame, but he’s got plenty of speed, rushing for 114 yards against the Thunder.

He threw 10 interceptions this season, but Knights coach Steve Wood expects that college interest will grow.

“We’re starting to get more and more,” Wood said. “His stats are unbelievable. If he wants to play college football, there will be an opportunity. He’s a tremendous athlete, probably one of the best flat-out athletes in Lake County, maybe Northern Illinois.”

But Fish will bid farewell to his favorite receiver.

Senior Josh Cokefair piled up 245 receiving yards against Woodstock North and finished the season with 51 catches for 1,155 yards.

“We’re going to talk a lot about that,” Wood said. “Josh is a kid, I don’t want to say wasn’t good as a junior, but he obviously wasn’t this good as a junior. He worked his butt off in the off-season and I tell you what, he’s a darn good football player. We need one of our juniors to step up and say, ‘Hey, if he can do it, so can I.’”