Schmit: Who had area’s top prep football performances in the opening round of the playoffs?

Not every team took the field, but last week’s opening round of the IHSA football playoffs gave us a taste of what’s to come in the next month.

While we waited a week for the top seeds to enjoy their bye, a bunch of other teams scrapped their way into the next round. It took grand efforts to get them there.

Let’s take a look at the area’s top prep football performances from last weekend.

5. Logan Kramer, QB, Glenbard North

For the fourth straight appearance, the Panthers won their first playoff game.

Kramer didn’t put up spectacular numbers, but his dual threat ability powered Glenbard North to a 34-20 victory over Hoffman Estates in Class 7A. His 50-yard third-quarter touchdown toss to Angelo Gatses gave the Panthers the lead for good at 27-20.

The junior quarterback threw for 165 yards and two touchdowns, and carried the ball 18 times for 114 yards.

The No. 38 Panthers (4-6) advanced to play No. 6 Jacobs (8-1) at 7 p.m. Friday.

4. Carter Pohlman, QB, Glenbard East

The Rams were one of four Upstate Eight Conference teams to win an opening-round playoff game. It came at the cost of another UEC team in a 42-14 Glenbard East victory over Bartlett in Class 7A.

Pohlman, just a sophomore, threw three of his four touchdown passes in the first half as the Rams built a 21-7 halftime lead. The last of the three, to Malachi Miller, came with only 22 seconds left in the first half.

Pohlman completed 17 of 22 passes for 247 yards and four touchdowns as No. 17 Glenbard East (7-3) advanced to play No. 16 Kenwood (6-3) at 7 p.m. Friday.

3. Tyler Marchese, QB-DB, Conant

Again, not spectacular numbers but a huge impact. It started on defense when Marchese forced a fumble and recovered it near the start of fourth quarter and then guided an 11-play, 90-yard drive capped by a touchdown run to give the Cougars breathing room in a 21-12 victory over Dundee-Crown in Class 8A.

The senior made seven tackles on defense. Marchese completed all three of his pass attempts for 59 yards, including a 12-yarder to convert a key third down on the Cougars’ final scoring drive. He also scored on a one-yard run.

Conant (7-3), the 23rd seed in 8A, faces No. 10 Homewood-Flossmoor (7-2) at 7 p.m. Friday.

2. James Skokna, WR, Hinsdale Central

It’s no surprise another Skokna is playing spectacular football for the Red Devils.

The senior, taking advantage of a nice game from quarterback Beau Gatewood, helped power Hinsdale Central to a 41-19 win over Lake Park in Class 8A. The duo connected on touchdowns of 69, 13 and 21 yards.

Skokna, the last in a long line of brothers to play for the Red Devils, caught 11 passes for 184 yards. He had two tackles and returned a punt 19 yards. Gatewood completed 21 of 33 passes for 311 yards and five touchdowns.

The No. 17 Red Devils (7-3) play No. 16 Von Steuben (7-1) at noon Saturday.

1. Lamar Osterhues, RB, Barrington

Osterhues’ dominant play corresponds with the Broncos’ late-season surge. Behind the junior running back, Barrington won its sixth straight game in a 38-0 Class 8A victory over Waubonsie Valley.

The Broncos’ offensive line plowed for 366 total rushing yards, including 258 on only 17 carries by Osterhues. Averaging more than 15 yards across those carries, he scored on runs of 37 and 67 yards.

Barrington (6-4), the 24th seed in 8A, plays No. 8 Sandburg (7-2) at 7 p.m. Friday.