Player of Year race heats up
Thoughts and observations from the second round of the state playoffs.
First down
Several games this past weekend had major repercussions on the Player of the Year race.
Prairie Ridge quarterback Samson Evans, the preseason favorite, scored on a 66- yard run with 7.8 seconds left to lift the Wolves past rival Cary- Grove 17- 13. That’s the kind of clutch play that is tough to forget at awards time.
Homewood- Flossmoor running back Justin Hall and Naperville North quarterback Drake Davis are two other major Player of the Year candidates. Both of their teams were eliminated fromthe playoffs.
Naperville Central receiver/ cornerback Jayden Reed and St. Laurence running back Tori Clinton Jr. had big games for teams that are still alive, which will boost their candidacies.
Second down
The Public League also has a prime Player of the Year candidate in Phillips running back/ linebacker Craig Elmore.
‘‘ He’s been dynamite in every game against every opponent,’’ Wildcats coach Troy McAllister said. ‘‘ He put up stats against some of the best teams in the state. When we had our big blowout wins, he didn’t get the numbers because he didn’t play. He would play a quarter, and we pulled him out. That has to be taken into account.
‘‘ When we played the best opponents, he had his biggest games. Plus, he’s playing defense. It’s hard to find someone doing a better job than him. He’s the toughest player I’ve ever coached. He’s just been awesome all year.’’
Elmore put up huge numbers against Simeon, Raby and Solorio. His six touchdowns Saturday against Solorio tied the Class 5A playoff record.
‘‘ It’s an honor to even be mentioned as a contender,’’ Elmore said. ‘‘ I don’t want to jinx anything. You have to stay humble. If I don’t get it, it’s fine with me.’’
Third down
The Southwest Prairie doesn’t get a ton of attention during the football season. Part of that is because the teams only face one another in the regular season. They don’t play any nonconference games, which makes it hard to get a handle on exactly how they stack up against the rest of the area.
Turns out, they are pretty darn good. Minooka beat previously undefeated Barrington 41- 34 on Friday. The Indians will travel to Edwardsville for a Class 8A quarterfinal.
Also in Class 8A, Oswego beat perennial power Glenbard West 24- 20 on Saturday and will have a road game against No. 1 Lincoln-Way East this weekend.
Fourth down
There were two exceptional individual performances in the second round.
Palatine’s Johnny O’Shea had 19 receptions for 276 yards and five touchdowns — all records for a Class 8A playoff game — but the Pirates lost to Edwardsville 38- 35.
Clinton ran for 369 yards and three touchdowns in St. Laurence’s 32- 16 victory over Hinsdale South.