Six Standout Performances from Week 8 in Illinois

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Big-time players stepped up under the Friday night lights as the regular season winds down. These six playmakers delivered huge performances for their teams this past weekend.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='801891' first='Owen' last='Yorke'] – RB – Wheaton Warrenville South</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Yorke turned in one of the most dominant rushing performances of the season. The senior bulldozed through defenders and found the end zone five times, setting the tone early and keeping the offense rolling all night long. His power and vision in the run game made WWS tough to stop in a key late-season matchup.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='401622' first='Logan' last='Abrams'] – RB – Cary-Grove</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cary-Grove's offense runs through Abrams — and Friday night showed exactly why. He racked up five rushing touchdowns in a 56–13 win over Crystal Lake South. Abrams' ability to hit the hole with speed and finish runs with physicality makes him one of the most dangerous backs in the Fox Valley.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Landon Knigge – RB – Dixon</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Knigge didn't just dominate — he made history. The senior running back erupted for 250 yards and five touchdowns on only eight carries, all in the first quarter. It was one of the most efficient and explosive rushing nights in Illinois this season, helping Dixon punch its ticket to the playoffs in style.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1870253' first='Sean' last='Murphy'] – RB – Mascoutah</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Murphy continues to build on what's been a breakout sophomore season. He exploded for 202 rushing yards and three touchdowns in Mascoutah's 24–7 win over Civic Memorial. His quickness and balance in the open field give this offense a big-play threat every time he touches the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Darrion <strong>Thurman – RB – South Elgin</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>South Elgin leaned on its ground game Friday night — and Thurman answered the call. The junior ran for 207 yards and ripped off a 65-yard touchdown that put the game out of reach against Bartlett. His speed through the second level turned chunk plays into momentum swings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Jack Goode – WR – Calhoun</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Goode provided a spark in Calhoun's 41–0 win, helping his team lock up the WIVC South title. He hauled in four receptions for 129 yards, including a 75-yard touchdown that blew the game open. Goode's vertical ability and strong hands made him a constant matchup problem all night.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->