7A IHSA State Game Preview

Debo Olaleye

November 29, 2021 @ 02:15 AM

#10 ST. RITA (11-2) V #4 WHEATON NORTH (12-1) St. Rita comes back to Huskie Stadium in Dekalb to contend for a state championship after taking a difficult loss (28-42) in 2019 to Rochester highschool. This run for the title from the St. Rita Mustangs stem from a season that began with adversity. One of their top players and Ohio State commit [player_tooltip player_id="155283" first="Kaleb" last="Brown"] was sidelined with an injury early. This along with starting off the season 1-2, losing to Loyal Academy 7-37. Following that loss, the Mustangs have gotten better every week and have found their stride. Their defense has played at a high level with players such as the Kingsbury brothers: Matt Kingsbury-DL and Joe Kinsgbury-LB and offensive weapons led by senior QB Thomas Ulatowski. The Wheaton North Falcons are a team that hasn’t won state since 1986. The Falcons are a team that has been highly motivated in proving a point that they belong as a top team in the state of Illinois. They’re a disciplined team that knows how to win in close games and plays strong defense. Along with their defense, the Falcons also have playmakers on offense, including the duo of quarterback [player_tooltip player_id="20863" first="Mark" last="Forcucci"] and wide receiver Kortenhoeven, who finished the regular season with 59 receptions, 884 yards, and 6 touchdowns. This 7A match-up will be a heavyweight match-up as the sun starts to set in Dekalb. Impact Players of the game: [player_tooltip player_id="20900" first="Valen" last="Erickson"] OT The 6’6” 305 Offensive Tackle will be an impact player for this game due to his ability to always do his job. He does destroy defenders on the first and second level, but more importantly, he always seems to block or get in the way of someone. His quick feet and IQ help the rest of the offensive line and helps the running back with easier reads when running between the tackles. His ability to get to the second level on zone run plays will be a key to the success for the mustangs over the Falcons. MATT KINGSBURY DL Is a specimen along with his brother Joe. They both are playing for the first year on the mustang’s defense and have become impact players. Matt is a rangy linebacker who had the versatility to also play along the entire defensive line. His impact will come at linebacker this game where he’ll look to clog the running lanes and passing lanes of Wheaton North. His work that will be done between the tackles will be what to keep eyes on in this title game. [player_tooltip player_id="20863" first="Mark" last="Forcucci"] QB Mark is a senior who ended up as a 1st team all-conference player in a loaded conference. The QB has had a great season for the Falcons this fall with quick reads and accurately thrown balls. He completed the season with a 67% completion percentage that went along with 1847 passing yards and 22 thrown touchdowns. Mark’s management of the game and completions in tight windows will be what impacts this offense the most. [player_tooltip player_id="135840" first="Ross" last="Dansdill"] LB Ross is a junior who has had a strong season this year. He’s a 6’3” 220 linebacker who will most likely be keying in on [player_tooltip player_id="155283" first="Kaleb" last="Brown"]. His tackling and blitzing ability have the makings to be special. In this game, defenses will be the name of the game. As it gets colder during the day of the games, this game is set up for the Junior to have 40 minutes of physical football to play in the box. <hr /> 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