5A IHSA State Game Preview

<span style="font-weight: 400;">To kick off the second day of the IHSA State playoff games, the #1 seed Kankakee(14-0) is set to match up against the #2 seed Fenwick (11-2) in the 5A Illinois state championship. They start off the slate of games on Saturday at 10 am at Husky Stadium. Both teams head into their first state championship game in their school’s history. Throughout the season and in the postseason, the Kankakee Kays has consistently put up points through the air (29 passing TDs) and on the ground (35 rushing TDs). It has been impressive to watch this senior-led group continue to win each week. Their opponents from Oak Park, the Fenwick Friars, are loaded with offensive talent as well. They feature 4 division 1 player commits on their offense alone. Most notably led by QB and team captain [player_tooltip player_id="20859" first="Kaden" last="Cobb"]. Fenwick comes in with 2 crushing losses to Loyola Academy (24-27) and Providence Catholic (20-21). Having known how it is to lose a close game, the Friars figure to come with the same intensity as the Kays. This will be one of the better matchups for a championship featuring an undefeated team with explosive playmakers and a solid team that can score with anyone in the state and minimizes mistakes they make themselves. Below are some game-breakers to look for in this State matchup.</span> &nbsp; <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong><em>5A Players to watch </em></strong></span></span> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="20859" first="Kaden" last="Cobb"] QB</strong> <span style="font-weight: 400;">The ball state commit and Illinois all-state QB has been on a mission all season. Kaden finished his regular season with 2,365 yards and 27 TDs. This comes with multiple TDs and ~200+ yards in each playoff game this year. With a great poise in the pocket, a quick release, and 2 Division 1 receivers to throw to, [player_tooltip player_id="20859" first="Kaden" last="Cobb"] is someone who has the ability to go off against the Kays at 10 am in Husky Stadium. </span> &nbsp; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="20901" first="Jimmy" last="Liston"] OC</strong> <span style="font-weight: 400;">[player_tooltip player_id="20901" first="Jimmy" last="Liston"] is arguably the best center in the state. The Purdue University commit has exhibited elite run blocking ability all year. He’s a strong kid who stays low and runs his feet while keeping a compact base. Due to this ability, Jimmy will sometimes line up on the defensive side of the ball as a 1 or 3 technique. Anytime the Friars run a counter or power play, you’ll see how devastating Jimmy’s down block can be.</span> &nbsp; <strong>Tomele Staples QB</strong> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Tomele Staples had been the captain and one of the centerpieces of this run that Kankakee has put together this year to reach state. With a combined 22 TD’s and with over 1500 all-purpose yards, the all-conference selection has been making plays with his hands and feet. His ability will be watched and on display on the fact that he gives his team energy and hopes no matter the case. In the playoff game against Morgan park, after there were a couple of plays made and penalties against Kankakee, Tomele was the one who told everyone it’ll be ok and made plays in the pocket that led to either a rush or completion to one of his receivers. The creative QB will be a game-breaker in this game for sure. </span> &nbsp; <strong>Piere Allen WR</strong> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Pierre Allen has been a fun receiver to watch. Going into the state championship game with 58 receptions, 1,100 yards, and 17TDs, he’ll be the player that everyone will be looking for when the Kay’s past the 50-yard line. The senior receiver has broken essentially all of his high school receiving records with his ability to create separation, catch the ball over the middle of the field, and elusive ability to create yards after the catch. In his playoff game leading up to this, he finished with 7 receptions, 107 yards, and 1 TD. He looks to do more of the same for his last high school game.</span> <hr /> <b><i>For more IHSA team previews, you can follow @prepredzone or @prepredzoneIL! To have your team featured for a season preview, recruiting advice, or having players featured in future articles, please DM and follow @_D3BO</i></b>