Who had the area’s top prep football performances of Week 2?
While recognizing the area’s top prep football performances each week, the High Five also tries looking beyond the obvious.
Sure, there’s no ignoring efforts like Aaron Stewart’s 438-yard rushing game for Warren last week. But we also like to dig deeper to find excellence.
This edition of the High Five includes a few players you may have missed among the top performances of Week 2.
5. Ean Arizmendi, OL, West Chicago
The Wildcats hammered the ground game during a 64-33 win over Joliet Central, rolling up 468 rushing yards. Arizmendi, a two-time all-Upstate Eight Conference pick, played a big part in the trench dominance.
The 6-foot, 265-pound senior guard led the linemen like he’s done throughout his time as a four-year varsity starter. Quarterback Carter Naranjo was the team’s leading rusher with 231 yards and four touchdowns.
4. Tony Minnec, LB, Batavia
The Bulldogs traditionally show strength with their corps of linebackers, and this season is no different.
Minnec, a 6-foot, 195-pound senior, tallied 13 tackles in a 35-3 victory over South Elgin. Eight of the tackles were solos and one was for loss. He also added a quarterback hurry.
He doubled his tackle output from the season opener, when he snared an interception and returned it 42 yards.
3. Kole Fager, WR-RB, Palatine
Fager proved to be a threat wherever he lined up during the Pirates’ 37-34 overtime win over Prospect, right up until the game’s final play when he won it with a 4-yard touchdown run.
The 6-1, 185-pound senior scored three of his four rushing touchdowns in the final 5:37 of regulation and overtime, gaining 91 yards on 12 carries for the game as Palatine rallied from a 31-17 fourth-quarter deficit.
Fager also led the Pirates’ receivers with six catches for 86 yards.
2. Eric Alvarado, OL, Wauconda
Whether he was anchoring the offensive line at right guard or plugging gaps at inside linebacker, the 6-foot, 220-pound senior’s play was pivotal in a 35-14 victory over Maine West.
Alvarado keyed an offense that churned for 427 rushing yards. Three players (Jackson Rudolph, Cole Korycanek and Brody Rudolph) ran for at least 100 yards.
The Bulldogs also improved to 2-0 behind their defense as Alvarado notched 12 tackles.
1. George Tzamouranis, QB, Lake Park
The 6-1, 210-pound senior enjoyed a career night during a 42-20 win at Bartlett
Tzamouranis accounted for every touchdown scored by the Lancers, tallying three times through the air and twice on the ground. The final touchdown, a 46-yard run in the third quarter, finally gave Lake Park breathing room on the scoreboard.
Tzamouranis completed 12 of 19 passes for 210 yards and carried the ball eight times for 59 yards.