WEEK 9: 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 the final week of the IHSA regular season. Ryan Fitzgerald HEIGHT 6'3" POS QB CLASS 2025 Ryan Fitzgerald School: Loyola The junior quarterback burst onto the…
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Continue ReadingThe following 5 prospects from the Land of Lincoln put up monster performances in the final week of the IHSA regular season.
Ryan Fitzgerald
Ryan Fitzgerald
The junior quarterback burst onto the scene this season, leading the Ramblers to a perfect regular season after a huge win over Mount Carmel on Saturday. Fitzgerald posted a stat line of 323 total yards, adding 1 passing and 2 rushing touchdowns. He is dual-threat quarterback, who has outstanding size, fluid athleticism, and a strong arm that allows him to beat opposing defenses in a variety of ways. Fitzgerald has elite accuracy and a quick release that helps him to fit the ball into tight windows. When running, Fitzgerald showcases incredible power and a quick burst in the open field where he can outrun pursuing defenders. Loyola is the top team in the state and is looking to remain perfect en route to back-to-back state championships. With Fitzgerald under center, they are poised to do just that.
The Kaneland tailback is putting together quite the senior campaign. Mauthe is a massive running back, measuring in at 6’2, 225 lbs. He has an elite combination of size, speed, and power that makes him nearly impossible to stop. In a win over Lasalle-Peru on Friday, Mauthe accounted for 127 rushing yards on 18 carries. He also found the end zone 4 times. He hits the hole with urgency and runs through arm tackles at the first level. In the open field, Mauthe has a unique combination of elusiveness and speed that makes it difficult for a single defender to bring him down. He also has soft hands and makes some highlight reel catches. As Kaneland heads for the playoffs, Mauthe will continue to be a big part of their success.
Densmore had a strong showing in Mount Carmel’s loss to Loyola, as the senior wide receiver went for 172 yards and 2 touchdowns. Densmore measures in at 6’0, 170 lbs and showcases precision route running and elite speed. He can separate from opposing defensive backs by stacking on routes and swiftly moving in and out of breaks to create space. He is most dangerous after the catch, as Densmore can make one move to defeat an incoming tackler. From there, his speed takes over as the only thing between him and the end zone is open grass. Long story short, Densmore is a home run threat every time he catches the ball. Whether it’s a vertical pass, a jet sweep, or a screen, Densmore is destined for 6 points.
Highlights
It’s no surprise that Scott finds himself as a Star of the Week. The Ohio State commit is the #1 player in Illinois. However, Scott lands on the list this week for a different reason. In a conference win over Joliet Catholic, St. Ignatius found themselves a potential new tailback as they head towards the playoffs, as the 6’5, 315 lbs defensive tackle went viral for running over defenders after taking a handoff on his way to a touchdown. Scott, as he has done all season, wrecked shop as the furious defensive interior that he his. But now, as a two-way player, Scott has done it all. Keep an eye out for Scott in the postseason. Regardless of what side of the ball he’s on, this playmaker won’t be hard to miss.
Highlights
Jeremiah Peterson
Jeremiah Peterson
The Montini junior linebacker once again finds himself on the Stars of the Week list. Peterson was around the ball all night in a win over St. Laurence. The Broncos middle linebacker made 16 tackles, 2 of which were for loss. Additionally, Peterson earned half a sack and forced a fumble. The 5’11, 210 lb prospect is highly instinctual and plays with elite physicality that allows him to punish opposing ball carriers at the point of contact. He can diagnose run plays in a hurry and scrape to the ball with urgency to shut plays down at or behind the line of scrimmage. Peterson has a nose for the football and will sniff it out on nearly every play throughout the playoffs.