Semifinals: IL Stars of the Weekend
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The following 5 prospects from the Land of Lincoln put up monster performances in the fourth round of the IHSA Playoffs. Darrion Dupree IL #13 RB #1 HEIGHT 5'10" WEIGHT 195 POS RB CLASS 2024 View Profile Darrion Dupree Instagram…
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Continue ReadingThe following 5 prospects from the Land of Lincoln put up monster performances in the fourth round of the IHSA Playoffs.
Dupree was a human highlight reel all game long in a victory over Batavia. As Mount Carmel once again finds themselves heading to a state championship game, Dupree put on a show on Saturday like he has done many times before. He tallied 174 yards and 4 touchdowns, some of which seemed impossible. Multiple times, Dupree made a man miss, lost his balance, regained it, ran through a tackler or two, and took it to the house. Steadily working his way as one of the top backs in the country, Dupree and the Caravan are ready to put on a show in Bloomington for the 7A state championship.
Highlights
The 6’3, 220 back from Cary Grove has the Trojans rolling to state once again. Abrams, who has averaged 117.3 rushing yards per game this season and scored 19 times, has been difficult to stop all season. Since he is only a sophomore, it’s hard to believe that Abrams moves as well as he does, especially considering his massive frame. He did it again against Lake Zurich on Saturday, as Abrams rushed for 166 yards and 4 touchdowns. Long story short, he was incredibly difficult to tackle. Plan for Abrams to bring his physical running style to the state championship on Saturday as Cary Grove takes on East St. Louis in the 6A title game.
Highlights
Another running back who impressed on Saturday was HJ Grigsby out of Joliet Catholic. The 6’0, 175 lbs senior totaled over 150 yards in a win over rival Providence. 142 of those yards came on the ground. Grigsby runs with a powerful and physical style that allows him to get downhill in a hurry. He is fluid in the open field, showcasing the ability to make multiple defenders miss with a variety of moves. As Grigsby and the Hill’s ground game continues to roll on, they take on a conference foe in Nazareth Academy in the 5A state championship.
Highlights
Kade Fatland
Kade Fatland
One of Illinois’ top programs was at it again on Saturday, as Lincoln-Way East defeated Barrington in the 8A semifinals. The Griffin defense forced 5 interceptions, 2 of which were hauled in by senior defensive back Kade Fatland. Fatland is a highly athletic safety who patrols the middle of the field. He is sudden in his backpedal, possessing the ability to change direction smoothly and transition in and out of breaks. Fatland and the Griffins take on Loyola Academy in a battle of two powerhouse programs.
Brayden Knoll
Brayden Knoll
The junior running back from Byron led a stout rushing attack that ended up being the difference in a 26-20 win over Montini. Knoll tallied 144 yards and 3 touchdowns on the day. Knoll is a smooth strider who isn’t afraid to low his shoulder and run through incoming defenders. He is shifty in the open field and possesses solid vision that allows him to find hidden yardage. As Byron remains perfect, Knoll and the Tigers will rely on their rushing attack as they take on Mount Carmel in the 3A title game.