Who had the area’s top prep football performances in Week 11?

Every week during the prep football season, we see remarkable efforts by the area’s offensive skill players.

Last week’s second round of the playoffs was no different. Only this time, the defense stood just as tall.

This edition of the High Five looks at the area’s top performances from Week 11, with a strong emphasis on the other side of the ball.

5. Jaxson Werner, LB, Barrington

The 6-foot-3, 190-pound senior was sideline-to-sideline during a 38-20 Class 8A win over Glenbrook South — the Broncos’ fifth win over the Titans in the last three years.

Werner notched 13 tackles including two for loss and two sacks. He also broke up a pass as Barrington burst to a 28-6 halftime lead.

No. 2 Barrington (10-1) travels to play No. 23 Lockport (8-3) at 6 p.m. Saturday in the quarterfinals.

4. Luke Gardner, DB, Batavia

Gardner led a fierce defensive effort in a 42-21 Class 7A victory over Glenbard East that propelled Batavia into the quarterfinals for a fourth straight season.

Gardner, a 6-foot, 175-pound sophomore, piled up 14 tackles including 12 solos as the Bulldogs held Glenbard East to 50 rushing yards.

The 13th-seeded Bulldogs (9-2) next face No. 21 Glenbard North (8-3) at 1 p.m. Saturday in Batavia.

3. Brandon Jenkins, RB-DB, Hersey

The Huskies are headed to the quarterfinals for the first time since winning the state title in 1987 after beating top-seeded Richards 42-21 in 7A.

Jenkins, as usual, was a major cog in the victory. The 6-foot, 190-pound senior, who’s verbally committed to Ohio University, carried the ball 21 times for 282 yards — an average of more than 13 yards a carry — and 2 touchdowns.

Jenkins also forced a fumble on defense that was recovered by the Huskies.

No. 16 Hersey (9-2) plays No. 25 St. Rita (7-4) at 3 p.m. Saturday in Arlington Heights.

2. Tamarion Garner, LB, IC Catholic Prep

Garner, a 6-foot, 200 pound senior, was a force around the ball in a 37-27 win over McNamara in 3A.

On McNamara’s first offensive series, Garner scooped up a fumble and returned it 60 yards for a touchdown. He went on to sack the quarterback four times while amassing 8 tackles including 6 for loss.

The 11th-seeded Knights (8-3) head to No. 2 Byron (11-0) for a 2 p.m. Saturday game in their fourth straight quarterfinal appearance.

1. Oliver Thulin, DB-WR, Downers North

A stellar two-way performance by Thulin powered the Trojans to a 19-7 win over Glenbard West in 7A.

The 5-10, 180-pound senior snared an interception in the final minutes of a tight game and returned it 29 yards for the victory-sealing touchdown. Thulin added 7 tackles on defense.

Thulin also had 6 catches for 95 yards on offense.

The 15th-seeded Trojans (9-2) play No. 7 Lincoln-Way West (10-1) at 1 p.m. Saturday in Downers Grove.