Standout Performances From Carmel's 24-21 Victory Over Antioch

It was a playoff-like atmosphere in Corsair Stadium.   The crowd was electric, and its 12th-man advantage helped Carmel edge out Antioch 24-21 in arguably one of the more exciting week one games I've seen in recent years.   Antioch put the game's first points on the board when sophomore running back Martin Cohen broke up the sideline on a 56-yard scamper. Carmel would immediately answer Antioch after freshman sensation [player_tooltip player_id='283926' first='Kai' last='Owens'] caught a 30-yard pass from junior quarterback Johnny Weber to bring the score to 7-7 in the second quarter.   Carmel would take the lead in the third quarter when Johnny Weber tossed his second touchdown pass of the night to tight end Hunter Del Re to put Carmel up 14-7. Antioch would return the favor on the ensuing drive when junior running back [player_tooltip player_id='130397' first='Nick' last='Day'] punched it in from 2 yards out to tie the score at 14-14. Junior kicker Ashton Lutz would put three more points on the board for Carmel to give them a 17-14 lead heading into the fourth quarter.   Carmel regained the momentum, but Antioch would snatch it back when Martin Cohen broke loose for his second 50-yard touchdown to give Antioch a 21-17 lead in the fourth quarter. Carmel found its way back to the red zone with about two minutes left in the game; a crucial pass interference flag from Antioch would give Carmel extra attempts to score. Carmel would eventually capitalize on the opportunity after quarterback Johnny Weber ran it in for his third touchdown of the night.   Antioch would get the ball back with 46 seconds left in the game and put it in the hands of their hottest player Martin Cohen. Cohen took the handoff but would fumble the ball and Antioch's hopes of pulling a late-game victory. Final Score, Carmel 24, Antioch 21...   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots"/>   Takeaways   Antioch is a tough team who didn't go down without a fight. I fully expect to bounce back ad have a successful season.   Antioch is extremely tough in the trenches, especially on the defensive line.   Carmel is a balanced team who can mix it up on the ground and be equally effective through the air.   Carmel has a wealth of young talent and this program has an extremely promising future.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots"/>   Standout Performers   Carmel   Johnny Weber | QB | 2024   <figure class="wp-block-image size-medium"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/08/IMG_9628-225x300.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-428713"/></figure>   The 6'4" junior dual-threat finished the game with 2 passing touchdowns and 1 rushing touchdown.   [player_tooltip player_id='166514' first='Donovan' last='Dey'] | RB | 2025   <figure class="wp-block-image size-medium"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/08/IMG_9632-225x300.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-428526"/></figure>   Dey is an every-down back and true workhorse for this Carmel team. Finished the game with 134 rushing yards on 24 carries. A physical runner who also flashes the capability to be a reliable receiving threat out of the backfield.   [player_tooltip player_id='299568' first='Jarren' last='Black'] | WR | 2025   <figure class="wp-block-image size-medium"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/08/IMG_9630-225x300.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-428714"/></figure>   Black is a smooth operator from the wideout position. A polished route runner who I consider a playmaking possession receiver. Finished the game with 5 receptions for 89 yards. [player_tooltip player_id='283926' first='Kai' last='Owens'] | WR | 2026   <figure class="wp-block-image size-medium"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/08/IMG_9631-225x300.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-428715"/></figure>   Owens had 4 receptions for 52 yards and 1 spectacular touchdown catch. Simply put, Owens is a star in the making and could very well be one of the more talented players in Illinois' 2026 class. Hunter Del Re | TE | 2023   <figure class="wp-block-image size-medium"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/08/IMG_9633-225x300.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-428716"/></figure>   Del Re brings excellent size and athleticism to the TE position, posing a mismatch when being guarded by smaller DBs and slower LBs downfield. Finished the game with 2 receptions for 30 yards and 1 touchdown.   Rosevelt Harrison | DL | 2024   <figure class="wp-block-image size-medium"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/08/IMG_9629-225x300.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-428717"/></figure>   Harrison moves pretty well for a player his size. He used his brute strength and athleticism to be disruptive in the trenches all night.     Antioch   Martin Cohen | RB | 2025   Cohen was electric as he carried the ball 9'times for 181 yards along with 2 rushing touchdowns. A patient, natural runner of the football who appears to be on pace for a breakout season.   [player_tooltip player_id='130397' first='Nick' last='Day'] | RB | 2024   Day is a bruising runner who appeared to get stronger as the game progressed. Finished the game with 89 rushing yards on 19 Carrie's.   [player_tooltip player_id='157996' first='Joey' last='Neumann'] | TE/DL | 2023   Neumann was a force on the defensive side of the ball. He consistently pressured the quarterback and used his height and instincts to bat a few balls down at the line—definitely one of the more talented prospects in Lake County.   Peyton Holmes | LB | 2023   Holmes has an impressive nose for the ball. He was everywhere the ball was and ddidn'thesitate to lay the wood on his opponents.

It was a playoff-like atmosphere in Corsair Stadium.