Jordan’s Notebook: 8A X Factors Heading into Round 3
This week we’re heading into Round 3 of the IHSA Playoffs, with that being said we’re going to be taking a look at X Factors to keep an eye on for each team. This is going to run through 8A-1A…
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Continue ReadingThis week we’re heading into Round 3 of the IHSA Playoffs, with that being said we’re going to be taking a look at X Factors to keep an eye on for each team. This is going to run through 8A-1A football and showcase one player per team that, if having a good game, gives their team a good chance of winning. With that being said, let’s dive into it.
Lincoln-Way East @ Loyola Academy
James Kwiecinski 5’11 175 23′ RB Twitter
Mr. Kwiecinski has made a mark this season in the backfield for LWE. He’s an N/S runner that can burst through the line of scrimmage and blow by the 2nd level of defenders with his 4.45 40 speed. In the passing attack, he’s able to catch out of the backfield and get upfield quickly as he weaves in & out of defenders. What’s important to note keep in mind here is that LWE has a dominant air attack with talented Jack Tremblay Jack Tremblay 6'1" | 190 lbs | WR Lincoln Way East | 2022 State IL and Trey Johnson Trey Johnson 6'2" | 185 lbs | WR Lincoln Way East | 2022 State IL . So, it’s going to be important to get the ground game going for their matchup with Loyola Academy to keep Loyola’s defense on their toes by mixing up the run with the pass. This young man has the capabilities to break long runs on opposing defenses and with the focal point gearing more towards limiting Jack Tremblay Jack Tremblay 6'1" | 190 lbs | WR Lincoln Way East | 2022 State IL , this gives him a good opportunity to make a mark on the game. Regular Season Highlights
James Kreutz 6’1 220 22′ LB Twitter
Mr. Kreutz does a good job of flowing to the ball and making the tackle on the play. When he fills holes in run support he can get off blocks to make the tackle at the line of scrimmage and attack downhill to get in the backfield resulting in TFLs. In my eyes, he holds down LA’s defense and brings intensity to those around him. I’m not the only one that thinks this as he was awarded CCL Blue Defensive Player of the Year for this season. He has a big challenge ahead of him this week having to deal with LWE dominant air attack along with their ground game having a good outing in Round 2 of the Playoffs. He and Jamie McCabe will hold down the middle of this defense in the linebacker core, they’re up for the challenge poised from the LWE Offensive attack. His end-of-season highlights are currently private due to making a playoff run, so go check out his highlights from last season to get an insight into his skillset. Junior Season Highlights
Lockport Township @ Glenbard North
Ryan Little Ryan Little 6'4" | 190 lbs | WR Lockport | 2022 State IL 6’4 200 22′ WR Twitter
Mr. Little has really come to light this season as a True WR1 for his team, from viewing his Sophomore season film way back in February I said then that if he’s able to develop his skill set further he’s going to be a real problem. And guess what? He certainly did. His ability to go up for 50/50 balls and come away with the contested catch by high pointing the ball is one to see. He has a big catch radius and is able to hang onto the ball through contact. With the consistency he’s showcased this season it resulted in getting his first D1 Offer from Valparaiso University. He and Hayden Timosciek Hayden Timosciek 6'7" | 235 lbs | QB Lockport | 2022 State IL have developed one heck of a connection in the air attack, one to keep an eye on in this matchup. Giving you an insight into what a breakout game looks like for him, in Week 9 he had a stat line of 7 receptions for 168 yards for 3 TDs. These Highlights are currently private due to LT being in the Playoffs, once that’s over with you can view those highlights here: Week 9 Highlights
Dylan Ramirez Dylan Ramirez 6'0" | 215 lbs | LB Glenbard North | 2022 State IL 6’0 220 22′ LB Twitter
Mr. Ramirez has the ability to blow up plays, he does so by diagnosing the play quickly and planting his foot to attack downhill. This results in getting TFLs and QB sacks. What’s also impressive is how he sniffs out HB Screen plays quickly where he’ll fly to the ball by covering ground quickly. In run support, he fills the gaps hard to meet the ball carrier at the line of scrimmage and can shoot the gaps to make the play in the backfield. This is going to be an area to keep an eye on throughout this matchup as LT’s Ty Schultz Ty Schultz 5'11" | 200 lbs | RB Lockport | 2022 State IL has started to get things going in the ground game recently. If Mr. Ramirez has himself a game that he’s capable of having, it could be a tight contest that goes down to the wire. Regular Season Highlights
Marist @ Glenbrook South
Jimmy Rolder 6’2 230 22′ LB Twitter
Mr. Rolder is a hot name throughout the midwest as his stock has boomed tremendously resulting in offers from Ohio State University and most recently Louisiana State University. Once he diagnoses the play he attacks downhill quickly as he fills holes in run support where he shoots the gaps to make the tackle in the backfield for a TFL & QB sack. His closing speed is put to light when covering sideline to sideline not allowing the ball carrier to turn the corner. He holds down the center of this defense and was awarded CCL Blue Division Co-Defensive MVP for this season. Regular Season Highlights
Will Collins Will Collins 5'9" | 170 lbs | RB Glenbrook South | 2022 IL 5’9 170 22′ RB Twitter
Mr. Collins has a quick initial burst through the line of scrimmage and has the speed to turn the corner. Once he turns the corner, he blows by the 2nd level of defenders and is off to the races. Upon contact, he keeps his feet driving to break weak arm tackles and fight for extra yards. He has the ability to break long runs for TDs if the opposing defense doesn’t wrap up. In this matchup, he’s going to be needed in both the ground and air attack to keep the chains moving as well as bringing momentum-changing plays to the table. Week 1-4 Highlights
Maine South @ Neuqua Valley
Mike Sajenko Mike Sajenko 6'0" | 190 lbs | RB Maine South | 2022 State IL 6’0 190 22′ RB Twitter
Mr. Sajenko is an offensive machine that’s utilized in both air and ground attacks. He can burst through the line of scrimmage and blow by the 2nd level of defenders to break a big run for a TD. In the air attack, he can catch out of the backfield and line up in the slot to either take the top off of the defense or run short to intermediate routes. This is done because he gets upfield quickly once he secures the catch, the more he’s able to be in open space the more plays he can make. This is seen in his 6 TD Game during Round 1 of the playoffs. Regular Season Highlights
Carter Sessa Carter Sessa 6'0" | 175 lbs | WR Neuqua Valley | 2022 State IL 6’0 175 22′ WR Twitter
Mr. Sessa is quick off the line of scrimmage which he utilizes to take the top off of the defense by gaining a step on the defender. Once he gains this step, he can also break the defender off at the top of the route creating separation. A lot of eyes go towards talented Grant Larkin Grant Larkin 6'0" | 175 lbs | WR Neuqua Valley | 2023 State IL , this young man also has a Playmaking Ability that catches your eye. He goes up for 50/50 balls and comes down with the contested catch by high pointing the ball as well as keeping concentration when tracking the ball to make tough grabs. Regular Season Highlights
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