Thornton coach Dontrell Jackson has played and watched a lot of football.

He started 46 games at quarterback for Ohio after producing an all-area career at Thornton.

Jackson knows talent when he sees it.

Which is why he’s perplexed at the lack of college recruiting interest in Thornton quarterback Derrick Williams.

“It’s unbelievable,” Jackson said. “No one will give him a sniff. Not even the Division II schools. He’s a special quarterback. He can make every throw. He’s a great kid, a great leader and a great student. He has a 3.5 GPA (out of a 4.0) and scored over 1100 on the SAT. I guess I don’t know what talent it takes to get to the next level.”

Williams is coming off a five-touchdown performance Saturday against Bloom. He threw for three TDs and rushed for two more.

Williams has size. He’s 6-feet-3, 190 pounds. He’s thrown for 15 touchdowns without an interception for the Wildcats (3-2).

He has the speed and elusiveness to move the chains with his feet.

He also has experience. This is his third year as the starter.

Williams, too, is frustrated. He’s worked hard honing his craft while thriving in the classroom.

All he wants is a chance.

“I’m just trying to show everybody the work I’ve put in and that I can play at the next level,” Williams said. “A lot of people look at me as an athlete, but I think I’ve proved that I can stay in the pocket and throw the ball. I can make every throw.”

Williams stressed success on the field isn’t specifically about athleticism. He studies film and dissects opposing defenses. He has a strong football IQ.

“There’s been a lot of preparation,” Williams said. “This is my third year starting. I’ve matured a lot. I want to go to college and play.”

Even if it means shifting to another position. But Williams believes he can excel at quarterback.

He’s also an outstanding basketball player. A college willing to think outside the box could land an impact player in two sports.

“I have no doubt he can be a two-sport guy,” Jackson said. “He’s that special and talented. He’s without a doubt one of the best quarterbacks in his class. It makes no sense to me that colleges aren’t all over him. They’re missing out on a special quarterback and kid.”

What about us?While Hillcrest (4-1, 2-0) and upstart Bremen (4-1, 2-1) have stolen much of the spotlight in the South Suburban Blue, perennial power Lemont (4-1, 3-0) has gone about its business and has the look of a conference champion contender.

Lemont’s defense has allowed just 40 points in five games, posting back-to-back shutouts against T.F. South and Oak Forest in weeks 3 and 4.

Coach Bret Kooi confirmed the defense is clicking on all cylinders.

“We’re getting outstanding production from the line, linebackers and secondary,” Kooi said. “They’ve been playing at a high level.”

Senior Tom Faron has anchored the line, while seniors Kyle Zator and Mike Ciesla and junior Albert Pontrelli have been exceptional at linebacker.

Senior Cameron Nagel and junior Jason Berger have guided the secondary.

Kooi is waiting on the offense to match the production of the defense. Senior receiver Anthony Sambucci, a Western Michigan recruit, has been the one constant force.

“There’s more room for improvement for the offense,” Kooi said.

“We’re just not meshing well. Sometimes we’re playing well, sometimes we’re not.”

Did you know? Rich Central graduate Sean Tyler, a 5-9, 185-pound freshman at Western Michigan, has rushed for 216 yards and four TDs while averaging 8.4 yards per carry.