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

This probably won’t be the last time you’ll see these names in this space.

As we get deeper into the IHSA football playoffs — and as we continue to ditch the no-repeat rule for top performances in the postseason — the area’s best players will keep rising to the occasion.

The first round featured familiar faces doing great things, but we also had a lesser-known players stepping up. All winners, they’ll try to punch their tickets to the state quarterfinals this weekend.

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

5. Luke Baumann, RB-DB, Aurora Christian

The Eagles’ young guys are growing up fast.

Baumann, a sophomore, was critical on both sides of the ball in a 42-14 win over Winnebago in Class 2A. Aurora Christian (9-1), seeded third in the upper bracket, advanced to play No. 6 Maroa-Forsyth (9-1) at home this weekend.

Baumann flashed his versatility by carrying the ball six times for 56 yards and a touchdown. He also had six catches for 145 yards and another score.

Baumann, who leads the Eagles with six interceptions on defense, had six tackles against Winnebago.

4. A.J. Rogers, QB, Wheaton Warrenville South

Another of the great quarterbacks in the DuKane Conference, Rogers had no trouble against a Joliet Catholic defense allowing only 17 points a game.

The junior was near perfect in a 38-7 victory over the Hilltoppers in Class 6A. The No. 6 Tigers (7-3) play No. 3 Riverside-Brookfield (9-1) for a berth in the quarterfinals.

Rogers completed 21 of 28 passes for 274 yards and four touchdowns against no interceptions. He completed all nine of his second-half pass attempts.

3. Jameson Purcell, QB, Maine South

One of the familiar names you may see again, Purcell guided his team to a 49-14 victory over O’Fallon in Class 8A. The No. 6 Hawks (9-1) play No. 11 St. Ignatius (8-2) in the second round.

The senior, an Indiana commit, has been sidelined during the second half of many games this season because they were blowouts, and last week’s game was no different. In three quarters, he still managed to complete 17 of 26 passes for 293 yards and four touchdowns including eight catches for 150 yards by go-to senior receiver Devin Paxson.

2. Matthew Donnelly, RB, Prospect

The No. 5 Knights (9-1) rolled into the second round of Class 7A with a 56-22 victory over DePaul Prep, advancing to play No. 12 Guilford (8-2) with hopes of advancing to the quarterfinals for the first time since 2021.

Prospect got it done on the ground thanks to Donnelly, who carried the ball 24 times for 253 yards and three touchdowns. The senior also had three catches for 55 yards and a touchdown.

1. Jake Nawrot, QB, Hersey

Nawrot, honored in Week 7, gets a repeat mention after the No. 2 Huskies (10-0) trounced Yorkville (49-7). The reward is a second-round matchup against No. 15 Glenbard West (7-3).

The senior quarterback, committed to Kentucky, remains without an interception on the season after completing 22 of 33 passes for 369 yards and four touchdowns.