Sophomore Touchdown Machines: Explosive 2027 Playmakers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When it comes to finding the end zone, these sophomores have separated themselves from the pack. Each player below has been a consistent scoring threat, showing maturity beyond their years and putting up numbers that rival upperclassmen across the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Joel White – Carlinville</strong><br>White has been nearly unstoppable this season, racking up <strong>29 total touchdowns</strong>, with 28 of those coming on the ground. Averaging over three scores per game, the dynamic running back has powered Carlinville's offense and proven he's one of the premier young talents in Illinois.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Marco Casillas – Mahomet-Seymour</strong><br>Casillas continues to shine as the Bulldogs' offensive centerpiece. The versatile back has scored <strong>17 total touchdowns</strong>, with 16 rushing and one receiving, flashing a strong blend of power and speed in Mahomet-Seymour's balanced attack.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1856080' first='Jamar' last='Lewis'] – King (Chicago)</strong><br>Lewis has been a touchdown machine for King, finding the end zone <strong>16 times</strong> this season—all on the ground. His physical running style and ability to finish runs through contact make him one of the most consistent red-zone backs in the city.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1687796' first='Lamar' last='Osterhues'] – Barrington</strong><br>Osterhues, known for his elite speed and quick-cut ability, has totaled <strong>15 touchdowns</strong> as just a sophomore. His playmaking ability in open space has added another dimension to Barrington's offense, making him a big-play threat every time he touches the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Darryl Morgan – Woodlawn (Chicago)</strong><br>A true all-purpose weapon, Morgan has tallied <strong>13 touchdowns</strong>, contributing as both a runner and receiver. He's also dangerous in the return game, adding a punt return touchdown to his total, showing why defenses must account for him at all times.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mekhi Shorter – Roxana</strong><br>Shorter has been consistent and productive, matching Morgan with <strong>13 total scores</strong>. His ability to read blocks and burst through lanes has kept Roxana's ground game rolling all season long.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1565277' first='Quincy' last='Fulton'] – Newton</strong><br>Fulton's versatility stands out—<strong>13 total touchdowns</strong>, with nine rushing and four receiving. His ability to line up anywhere on the field gives Newton a reliable offensive spark capable of flipping momentum in an instant.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Chase Hojnacki – Huntley</strong><br>Despite playing just six games, Hojnacki has already scored <strong>12 touchdowns</strong>, averaging two per outing. His quickness and balance make him a nightmare for defenses when he gets downhill.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Colby Martin – Astoria/VIT</strong><br>Martin has powered the Astoria/VIT offense with <strong>12 touchdowns</strong>. A tough, durable runner who thrives on contact, he's been the driving force behind their success this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->