Week 2 Matchups to Watch: Morgan Park vs Mount Carmel

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we roll into Week 2 of the IHSA season, we'll be highlighting some of the key matchups across the Land of Lincoln. The Morgan Park Mustangs face off against the Mount Carmel Caravan on Friday. Both programs boast multiple Division I prospects as well as team hopes for a state title. Here are 6 players that are sure to make the biggest impact in this matchup of two talented Illinois programs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">MORGAN PARK MUSTANGS</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Mustangs raced to a 10-2 record last year, falling to Nazareth Academy in the 3rd round of the playoffs. Morgan Park returned some Division I talent in their Class of 2024, as well as some highly ranked Class of 2025 players who are already seeing Power 5 offers roll in. These 3 players are sure to shine on Friday night.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["130591"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Griffin is a dynamic two-way player for the Mustangs. The Illinois commit is a playmaker on both sides of the ball, showing off his elite speed with the ball in his hands and his impressive athleticism at corner. On offense, Griffin is a home run threat every time he touches the ball. Whether it's on a jet handoff or from the backfield, Griffin gets to the edge quickly and outruns defenders to the corner. On defensive, he is rock solid in coverage and is not afraid to get downhill to make a hit. Griffin is one of the top players in the state and will continue to show it in the second game of his senior year.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["213605"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"Clark is a dynamic defensive athlete who plays nearly every spot for the Mustangs. The 6'1, 195 hybrid linebacker/defensive back has elite playmaking ability that is starting to put major college programs on notice. Over the past year, Clark picked offers from Georgia, Missouri, and Kansas to name a few. What stands out most is Clark's athleticism, as he can redirect with ease and has a knack for taking the ball away. Clark flies sideline to sideline on every play, as this high motor prospect is sure to make plays all over the field on Friday.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["201957"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"The Class of 2025 quarterback burst onto the scene in his sophomore season, tallying over 1,700 yards and 22 touchdowns. Thaxton measures in at 6'0, 180 lbs and is a dual-threat quarterback. He showcases incredible accuracy on the run, as he can make a variety of throws all over the field. He has a powerful arm that can push the ball down the field and possesses tremendous accuracy on vertical balls and in the red zone. In the run game, Thaxton is incredibly explosive, as he can turn the corner and outrun the majority of defensive players on the field. Whether in the air or on the ground, Thaxton is a straight up playmaker.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":3,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64efecbf17c41"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">MOUNT CARMEL CARAVAN</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the best programs in Illinois, Mount Carmel is looking to repeat as State Champions. They took care of business on Saturday against a talented Kenwood team, starting their season off on a high note. With plenty of Division I talent of their own, the Caravan are ready to keep rolling against Morgan Park on Friday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["148856"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Dupree is perhaps the top running back in the state of Illinois, if not in the country, for the Class of 2024. The Wisconsin commit is ready to dominate again on Friday, as he possesses elite vision, balance, and speed. Dupree runs with power, bulldozing nearly anyone in his path. When called for, he can also juke out any defender in his vicinity. Once he makes a move, Dupree is off to the races, as it's hard to find a player who can catch him. The do-it-all back his ready for one more ring before he heads off to Madison.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["891206"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"Gilliam is a dynamic playmaker who recently committed to Kent State. The 6'5, 200 wide receiver uses his frame and leverage to win one-on-one matchups. He has tremendous ball skills and can make contested catches look easy. However, Gilliam isn't just a one-trick pony, as the stand-out split out is a smooth route runner and possesses great speed that allows him to separate. Come Friday, Gilliam is sure to make some jaws drop with his skills on the outside.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["830845"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"Payne is a Class of 2025 defensive back who put his name on the map as a sophomore on varsity last year. The 5'9, 170 lbs safety opened up his junior campaign with an impressive performance in the Caravan's win over East St. Louis last weekend. He is an incredibly physical player, who diagnoses run quickly and gets downhill to deliver a physical tackle. In coverage, he closes down the middle of the field like no other. Heading into the Morgan Park game, Payne is ready to rise to the challenge once again.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":3,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64efecbf17d1b"} /-->