2026 Ball Hawks: Illinois Defensive Standouts Creating Turnovers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cash Lynch – Pana</strong><br>Lynch leads the way with 7 interceptions this season, showcasing outstanding instincts and ball skills. His ability to break on the football and make plays in space has been a difference-maker for Pana's defense. Opposing quarterbacks have learned quickly to be careful throwing in his direction.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='212321' first='Tanner' last='Glock'] – St. Francis (Wheaton)</strong><br>Glock has emerged as a reliable playmaker in the secondary with 6 interceptions. He's quick to read routes and times his breaks perfectly, helping flip momentum with his ability to generate takeaways.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Dylan Huff – Glenwood (Chatham)</strong><br>Huff has 5 interceptions in just 6 games, putting together one of the most efficient stretches of ball production in the state. His range and athleticism allow him to cover a ton of ground, making him a tough matchup for any offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Yawfe Flournoy-Sutton – Richards (Chicago)</strong><br>Flournoy-Sutton has consistently found himself around the football this season, coming away with 5 interceptions. His combination of length and aggressiveness gives him a real edge in coverage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mason Roberts – Herscher</strong><br>Roberts has made the most of his opportunities this fall with 5 interceptions. His physicality at the catch point stands out, and he's shown he can disrupt routes and finish plays.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Deegan Prater – Dupo</strong><br>Prater has made plays on both sides of the ball but has shined defensively with 5 interceptions. His football IQ and range have helped Dupo's defense get key stops this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Devin Ratajczyk – Vernon Hills</strong><br>Ratajczyk rounds out this list with 4 interceptions on the year. His coverage skills and anticipation help lock down his side of the field, giving Vernon Hills a steady playmaker in the secondary.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->