WEEK 5: IL Stars of the Weekend (Part 1)
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The following 5 prospects from the Land of Lincoln put up monster performances in Week 5 of the IHSA Season. Jake Furtney IL #66 DL #11 HEIGHT 6'5" WEIGHT 230 POS DL CLASS 2024 View Profile Jake Furtney Twitter State:…
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Continue ReadingThe following 5 prospects from the Land of Lincoln put up monster performances in Week 5 of the IHSA Season.
St. Charles North and Wheaton-Warrenville South had a battle for the ages on Friday. The North Stars secured a big conference victory in overtime, and Furtney played a massive role in that. The Army commit had a 4 touchdown night and made several plays at defensive line and linebacker that changed the game. On offense, Furtney excels at tight end. The 6’5, 230 lbs senior showed off his ability to make contested catches and gain yards after contact all night. Furtney was especially a threat in the red zone, where he scored all 4 of his touchdowns. Whether its on offense or defense, Furtney brings it every Friday night.
Mandala has been putting on a show all season, turning heads as Immaculate Conception continues to roll. The Texas A&M commit had a big night against Marist, throwing for 259 yards and 3 touchdowns against Marist. Mandala added 47 yards on the ground, as the senior quarterback showcased his athleticism and big arm all night. He found multiple targets throughout the game, and did enough with his legs to secure the victory. IC Catholic is highly talented, and Mandala is the one who makes it all click for the Knights. Stay turned for many more big wins throughout the season.
Highlights
Ryan Wabel
Ryan Wabel
The 2026 defensive lineman is making a name for himself this season. Wabel earned 5 total tackles, 2 sacks, and 2 tackles for loss in Huntley’s conference win over Hampshire. Wabel, who primarily plays nose tackle, showcased his quick first step, polished hands, and ability to tackle all night. He uses a variety of moves to beat opposing centers one-on-one. Whether its speed, power, or technique, Wabel seems to win. He is hard to knock backwards off the ball, as Wabel uses his momentum and quickness to win at the line of scrimmage. From there, Wabel diagnoses run or pass. If run, he works flat down the LOS to chase down ball carriers. In the pass game, his technique takes over when he knocks hands away and gets after the quarterback. While he is young, Wabel is sure to continue making plays throughout this season and throughout the next two years.
The 6’3, 260 guard was impressive in a variety of ways for Kaneland in their big win over Ottawa. Larsen dominated in the run game, showcasing his ability to move defensive linemen backwards at the snap, as well as working to the second level to seal linebackers. In the pass game, Larson has quick feet and a solid punch that stops rushers in their path. He also had a sack at defensive line. And the cherry on top, Larson scooped and scored on a fumble by Kaneland’s offense for his first career touchdown. The senior offensive lineman is ready to keep shining throughout the rest of the way.
Highlights
The 2025 Brother Rice corner had a big night against St. Viator, as the Crusaders rolled to a 56-7 victory. Brown had 2 interceptions on the night, including a 35 yard return for a touchdown. He showed off both his man and zone coverage skills, ball skills, and ability to tackle in the open field throughout the game. He is a twitchy player, who backpedals smoothly and can drive on the ball with ease. The 5’11 defensive back has been making plays all season, as Brown is sure to light it up again next Friday.