‘Edgy’ Tim: Remaining area playoff teams packing some offensive punch
Welcome to Week 13, otherwise known as the IHSA quarterfinal round. One of the storylines this playoff season has been the high point production. Here are some suburban teams that have been packing plenty of offensive punch and are still alive in the playoffs.
Class 8A
Huntley (11-0): The Red Raiders have remained perfect so far this season and will host New Trier on Friday night. Huntley has been averaging 47 points a game, and the combination of junior quarterback Malik Carter and junior running back Chase Hojnacki has been highly impressive. Carter — who has thrown for 2,176 yards and 28 touchdowns with 0 interceptions — presents several challenges for opposing defenses. Hojnacki, who has rushed for 1,580 yards and 30 touchdowns, provides balance to the Red Raiders attack. Both have big-play ability.
Class 7A
Prospect: The Knights are also having an impressive postseason, and the only loss this season came to rival Hersey in Week 9. The quarterfinal road gets harder and longer this week, traveling to East St. Louis. However, Prospect will again lean on QB and EIU pledge Jackson Cacini (168 of 225 passes for 2,432 yards and 23 touchdowns). Prospect senior running back Matthew Donnelly (175 carries for 1,599 yards and 23 touchdowns) has had two big games in the postseason.
Hersey: The second-seeded Huskies took on their biggest challenge this season Saturday and came away with a 31-21 win over Glenbard West. Hersey senior four-star QB Jake Nawrot, a Kentucky commit, has thrown for 3,130 yards and 33 touchdowns with 0 interceptions. Nawrot has several key targets, including senior wideout Josh Riggs and junior running back Jackson Travis, who both possess big-play ability. The Huskies’ big-play ability could come in handy this weekend at No. 23 seed Lincoln-Way West.
Class 6A
Wheaton North: Falcons fans are still buzzing after a thrilling 36-35 win Friday over DuKane Conference rival Geneva. Wheaton North's offense posted 71 points in two playoff games and is hot at the right time of the season. The Falcons' offense has been led by sophomore QB Grant Neibch and senior running back Mac Murray. Senior tight end/linebacker Adam Schilling is the team's leader and biggest impact player this fall. No. 7 Wheaton North is at No. 6 Fenwick this week.
Wheaton Warrenville South: The Tigers have been getting a terrific season from junior QB AJ Rogers. Rogers in 10 games has thrown for an impressive 2,570 yards and 22 touchdowns. Rogers also has a stable of quality backs and receivers and does a great job of spreading the wealth. WW South will host Normal West this Saturday. WW South is in the quarterfinal round for the first time since 2019.
Class 5A
St. Francis: The defending Class 5A champion has had little issue scoring all season and seems to have found a higher gear in the postseason. Junior QB Jadon Wilson has been solid all season, and the Spartans have one of the deepest receiver groups remaining in the postseason field regardless of class. Getting standout senior WR/DB Greg Bess-Henning and senior running back Tivias Caldwell back from injury has also been a key. The Spartans play at Cary-Grove in the quarterfinals.
Class 3A
IC Catholic Prep: The Knights have scored 42 points a game so far in the playoffs. It was encouraging to see backup QB Jake Yost lead the Knights to a 42-7 win over Johnsburg filling in for the injured Nate Lang. IC Catholic Prep will need every point it can muster this weekend taking on 3A power Byron in Byron.