In a normal world, there would much to celebrate through
Week 5 of football season. Instead, there’s what might have been
In normal times, this would have been Week 5 of the high school football season.
The midway point.
A time of excitement and hope.
Our only frustrations would have been earlier sunsets and trying to find a parking spot close to the stadium.
Oh, and maybe dealing with a few sniffles caused by the seesawing temperatures — nothing a dose of NyQuil couldn’t vanquish.
Remember. This is make believe, not the reality of the coronavirus pandemic.
So allow me to take your mind on a journey of what could have been.
Much of the focus entering the season was directed at the remarkable class of running backs.
They have not disappointed.
Hillcrest’s Mar’Keise Irving, a University of Minnesota recruit and Barry Sanders clone, has rushed for 1,542 yards, putting him in contention to break the state’s all-time single-season rushing record of 3,325 yards by Lexington’s T.J. Stinde.
With rocket fuel running through his veins, St. Rita’s Kaleb Brown has scored 24 touchdowns, giving him a chance at breaking Morris legend John Dergo’s single-season record of 51.
Brother Rice’s Willie Shaw, a Toledo recruit, is averaging 10.1 yards per carry, helping the Crusaders move the chains for first downs each time he receives a handoff.
Homewood-Flossmoor’s Sean Allen is on pace to eclipse 2,000 yards rushing in two straight seasons, becoming the first player to do that in program history.
After rushing for 311 yards in a Week 4 win over Notre Dame, Providence’s Aaron Vaughn receives his first Division I scholarship offer from Illinois. Yes, Lovie is in the air — finally.
Joliet Catholic’s Jordan Anderson is drawing comparisons to Hilltopper alum Ty Isaac — and not just physically. The 6-foot-3, 220-pound Anderson has already topped 1,200 yards rushing.
Jamal Johnson is even better than advertised for defending Class 8A state champion Lincoln-Way East. The 5-11, 185-pound senior has rushed for more than 1,100 yards and 16 TDs.
Marian Catholic’s Tajheem Lawson has been a one-man wrecking crew, topping 300 yards once and 200 yards twice.
Whew.
While running backs have stolen much of the attention, a few quarterbacks have grabbed the headlines.
Mount Carmel’s Justin Lynch has combined to rush and pass for more than 2,000 yards.
Brother Rice’s Jack Lausch has flaunted a powerful arm, lofting two TD passes that exceeded 60 yards. He’s now ranked No. 2 for quarterbacks in the 2022 class.
Who’s No. 1?
That would be Marist’s Dontrell Jackson Jr., who has topped 100 yards rushing and 250 yards passing in each game.
Jackson and receiver Carnell Tate, one of the top receivers in the 2023 class, have accounted for 11 TDs.
Providence quarterback Kevin Conway and tight end Jameson Geers have been a force, combining for 10 TDs.
There are other individual stars, but you get the point.
And let’s not forget about the conference races.
Brother Rice, Marist, Mount Carmel and Loyola have the look of a state champion. Yes, different year, same story.
After outscoring opponents 241-20, Hillcrest has offered to spot its remaining opponents 20 points to keep things closer and entice fans to stick around after the first half.
There’s a five-way tie atop the South Suburban Red, and if Richards doesn’t watch out, the Bulldogs might only win the conference title by two games.
Once again, H-F, Lincoln-Way East and Bolingbrook are battling for supremacy of the SouthWest Suburban Blue. We know how this story ends.
Lincoln-Way West, under first-year coach Luke Lokanc, is feeling the heat from Andrew and Lincoln-Way Central in the SouthWest Suburban Red. But those Lokancs love pressure.
Crete-Monee is preparing to celebrate its 67th consecutive conference championship. I kid. It’s like 20 straight.
Unfortunately, that was only from the land of make believe. In reality, it has been a fall season like no other in Southland history.
But you already knew that.
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