Waukegan vs. N. Chicago: Offensive & Defensive Standouts

If you're from Lake County, then you're well aware that North Chicago vs. Waukegan is without a doubt one of the county's longest-standing rivalries. You can book it that everyone in the community is coming out for this game, and as a result, players always make sure to bring their A+ game whenever these two teams matchup. Waukegan defeated North Chicago 25-12 over the past weekend. Although the game was cut short due to a heat advisory, there were still some amazing performances on both sides of the ball worthy of being recognized. So without further ado, let's get to know some of the players who stood out on offense and defense. <hr /> <h5><em><strong>Derrion Coleman | ATH | Waukegan '24</strong></em></h5> Coleman completed the hat trick in the first half of this game and easily took home the Player of the Game. He scored on a 51-yard pick 6, an 11-yard reception, and a 78-yard kickoff return. Coleman wasn't on my radar before this game, but he's definitely a prospect with a bright future after watching him perform. He's got good size and speed and seems to always be in the right place at the right time. Only a sophomore, Coleman definitely has the potential to emerge as a top prospect in lake County when it's all said and done. https://twitter.com/dclay1889/status/1431666075251486722?s=21 <h5><em><strong>Shalen James | QB | North Chicago '22</strong></em></h5> James is a sprinter on North Chicago's track team, and his track speed was on full display during Saturday's contest. The Bulldogs had a hard time containing James once he broke the pocket. He broke up the sideline for a 36-yard touchdown run, and it was a sight to see how he destroyed the angles of the defenders in pursuit. This is his first year as the full-time quarterback for the Warhawks, so expect him to get better by the week as the Warhawks plan to lean on their running attack. <h5><em><strong>Amariah Brown | RB | Waukegan '23</strong></em></h5> I love what I saw from this kid. He's a shifty back who's super athletic with a knack for making something out of nothing. He scored the game's final touchdown on an impressive run where he used his athleticism to make a defender miss in the backfield en route to his way up the sideline for six. https://twitter.com/dclay1889/status/1431676257763201027?s=21 <h5><em><strong>Andre Illigide | ATH | North Chicago '22</strong></em></h5> Illidge's elusiveness was on full display as he showcased his creative running ability. He took a punt to the house for 60-yards and had another touchdown called back due to a holding call that happened on the opposite side of the field. Illidge is most dangerous when he's in space and can be a nightmare in the catch-and-run game. He also played a solid game at cornerback and displayed his loose hips and ability to turn and run with the receiver. But if I had to project him at the next level, it would be as a slot receiver. <h5><em><strong>Trashawn Gordon | ATH | Waukegan '22</strong></em></h5> Gordon didn't find the endzone during this game, but he was more than productive and a big reason Waukegan won. He has tremendous size at 6'0" 190lbs, and every time he ran the ball he let the opposing defense feel it. His bruising running style, along with the heat, wore the Warhawks defense down. As a safety on defense, I noticed his ability to cover space and make timely plays on the ball. <h5><em><strong>Quammar Duty | OL/DL | North Chicago '22</strong></em></h5> This game was plagued by players cramping and subbing in and out. But one thing I noticed is that Duty played the entire game on both sides of the trenches and made his presence felt. He got constant pressure on the quarterback and even logged a couple of big hits that got the crowd going. He possesses active and violent hands and pretty athletic for his size at 5'10' 260lbs. North Chicago's head coach Wilton Hill said his team goes as the play in the trenches goes, and since Duty is the OL/DL leader, I expect him to continue producing at a high level throughout this season.