‘Edgy’ Tim: Five area names to watch in the IHSA football playoffs
The IHSA state football playoffs are officially underway with Saturday’s release of the pairings.
Here are five names from the Daily Herald coverage area I feel are in prime position to make a big impact on their team in the playoffs.
Maine South RB Niko Kokosioulos
Kokosioulos is a familiar name at Maine South. This 5-foot-8, 168-pound senior, the youngest in the family, is having a big season for the Hawks. Maine South has traditionally been known for its spread passing offense and piling up big plays. Kokosioulos is a versatile, hard-nosed runner with great hands, an explosive playmaker and a tough player to bring down one-on-one in the open field. If the Hawks make a deep run in Class 8A, look for Kokosioulos to have a big impact.
St. Charles North ILB Matthew Plumb
It seems I've been watching Plumb, a 6-4, 230-pound senior, forever. Plumb started his high school career as a quarterback, following closely behind his older brother Ethan (now the starting quarterback at Grand Valley State), before focusing on linebacker. Plumb, committed to Central Michigan, is a veteran leader on and off the field for the North Stars. The defense has been hot and cold at times this season but this is a unit with talent and the potential to help the North Starts get deeper in the 7A bracket. I fully expect Matthew Plumb to play an even bigger role in the playoffs.
Warren QB Reed Dangel
Playing for the Blue Devils with arguably the state's best running back in senior Aaron Stewart can be a bit overwhelming at times. But Dangel, a 6-2, 190-pound junior, has been very solid this season and I feel he’s a real key in the postseason. Opposing teams have been and will continue to focus on slowing Stewart and the Blue Devils’ running attack. The more effective Dangel can be with the play-action passing game, all the better for Warren’s chances at a deep run in a stacked 8A field.
Glenbard West RB Jamarcus Kelly
The 5-11, 195-pound senior is a perfect fit in the Hilltoppers’ offense, an offense with deep ties and a history of establishing a punishing running game. Kelly is a big back with a great combination of power and speed. His ability to break tackles as well as run around and past oncoming defenders can be eye-opening. The more Glenbard West can run the football and move the chains, the better the Hilltoppers can set up opposing defenses with its big-play ability in the play-action passing game.
West Aurora QB Mason Atkins
In all honesty, can you name a committed Division I quarterback who get less press and hype than this 6-3, 210-pound senior? Why is that? Atkins and the Blackhawks play in the Upstate Eight, a conference that doesn’t have a great history of postseason success. But once we kick off this weekend, no one cares about any of that noise. Atkins, who committed to Ball State in May, has all the tools and ability to lead the Blackhawks to a postseason win this weekend against a solid Belleville East team. Atkins already had postseason success with last year’s 10-win season.