PRZJordan’s 5A IHSA State Championship Nazareth Academy Standouts
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In this 5A IHSA State Championship matchup, we have Nazareth Academy taking on Peoria High that have both been on hot streaks this post season. Both have been high scoring offenses heading into this matchup and have had impressive seasons.…
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Continue ReadingIn this 5A IHSA State Championship matchup, we have Nazareth Academy taking on Peoria High that have both been on hot streaks this post season. Both have been high scoring offenses heading into this matchup and have had impressive seasons. This game went back and forth not knowing when the next big play was going to happen with momentum swings going back and forth – talk about one heck of a game. This game came down to the wire which was sealed by Nazareth Academy off an interception with just over a minute in the game. Nazareth Academy was able to hold onto their one point lead winning this matchup 45-44 adding another state title. With that being said there are talented young men on both sides of the ball and we’re here to cover them for both teams. Without further ado, let’s dive into the Nazareth Academy Standouts.
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Mr. Kaminski is one of a handful of underclassmen that have a very bright future for the roadrunners. This young man finished the day with 1 reception for 19 yards, 10 tackles, and 3.0 TFLs being a force on the defensive front. Throughout the entire game he was shooting gaps to disrupt plays in the backfield and blew up a few plays for a big loss. He can also slip blocks well using his active hands to be a menace in his pass rush and in run support. There’s no doubt as to why he’s a P5 recruit holding offers from University of Wisconsin and University of Illinois.
Highlights
Mr. Taylor is a University of Wisconsin Commit that was nothing short of exceptional during this contest. He finished with 2 receptions for 45 yards, 17 carries for 108 yards with 1 TD, and 6 tackles. This young an has deadly foot quicks as once he gets into open space he can break a long run for six along the sideline. His foot quicks also came onto display which he used to secure a chasedown tackle saving a TD at the end of the 2nd. Let’s not forget about his ability to go up for 50/50 balls or coming down in run support to make open field tackles in the flat. Safe to say that Wisconsin is getting one heck of a player that we’ll hear his name sooner rather than later on Saturdays.
Highlights
Back before Mr. Malachuk took his first Varsity snaps I had the pleasure of seeing him in action where he trains at Next Level Athletix and safe to say that he, along with James Penley, have lived up to the potential that they had as they entered high school. This young man finished 15/27 for 245 yards with 2 passing TDs, 2 rushing TDs, and 1 INT, did I mention that he’s only a sophomore? He can make all level throws (level 1, level 2, and level 3) and is able to add a touch on the ball as well. Need him to throw in platform? He can do that. Need him to throw on the run and flip his hips to add extra velocity on the ball? He can do that too. One play that really stood out was when he had to make a throw on the run rolling to his left where he made a off balance cross body throw perfectly into his receiver’s hands for a big gain downfield – talk about an impressive throw. Also, if you try to take his passing options away he can pull the ball down to scramble moving the sticks and can even get into the endzone when dong so. There’s not much else I can say about this young man, he has such a high ceiling that it’s crazy to think he has no offers at the moment. With having 2 years left to continue to develop and hone his craft, be sure to keep a very close eye on this dominant QB.
Highlights
Mr. Penley is another standout sophomore for the roadrunners that finished with 4 receptions for 102 yards, 10 tackles, and 1 PBU. On offense, this young man can win over the top with his quickness off the line to stack defenders on deep shots downfield where he can then track the ball over his shoulder to get his team into the redzone. One play that was impressive was where he fully laid out to secure a deep shot downfield off a fly route to secure a 31 yard reception putting his team in the redzone. Let’s not forget about his crisp route running where he can get in/out of his breaks quickly breaking the defender off creating separation on each route. On defense, he was making open field tackles on the perimeter in run support and jumped a route in the flat where he almost came away with an interception but had to settle for the PBU. Another high caliber prospect that has 2 years left of HS ball under his belt.
Highlights
Mr. Hayes finished the day with 4 receptions for 62 yards with 1 TD, 3 tackles, 1 INT, and 1 PBU. He flashes his quickness off the line of scrimmage to gain a step on the defender winning over the top and can create separation versus the press with a quick release. Here, he can gain inside release gaining inside leverage and using a speed cut on a 3 step slant to create separation on the play to keep the chains moving. This young man is also elusive in open space making defenders miss to increase his yards after the catch and came up big late in the game for the game sealing INT. Also is their kicker.
Honorable Mention
Edward Mcclain Edward Mcclain 5'6" | 160 lbs | ATH Nazareth Academy | 2026 State IL Jr 26′ RB
William Beargie William Beargie 6'5" | 270 lbs | OL Nazareth Academy | 2023 State IL 23′ OL/DL
Brady Gorman 23′ DL
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