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<p>Illinois had no shortage of specialists who could flip a game with one swing. These kickers showed off serious distance, accuracy, and poise — and all of them proved they can change momentum the moment their team crosses midfield.</p>
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<p><strong>Jack Zaban – Libertyville</strong><br>Zaban owned one of the biggest legs in the state. He connected on 7-of-9 field goals and hammered home a 57-yarder, giving Libertyville scoring range few teams could match. His combination of power and consistency made him a game-changer all fall.</p>
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<p><strong>Truman Carnine – Mt. Vernon</strong><br>Carnine delivered clutch kicks all season and showcased the ability to hit from deep, drilling a 48-yard field goal while finishing with eight makes. His range opened up Mt. Vernon's play-calling in late-drive situations.</p>
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<p><strong>Leo Andrade – Belvidere</strong><br>Andrade carried a heavy workload and showed he could stretch the field with a 46-yard make. With 11 attempts on the year, he was relied on often, and he stepped up when his team needed points.</p>
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<p><strong>Dane Olmstead – Freeburg</strong><br>Olmstead brought consistency and power, knocking through seven field goals — including a 42-yarder — across 11 games. Anytime Freeburg stalled near midfield, he gave them a legitimate scoring option.</p>
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<p><strong>Johnny Louise – MCHS (Lombard)</strong><br>Louise had a perfect season, going 6-for-6 on field goals and hitting a 42-yarder along the way. That blend of accuracy and long-distance ability is rare, and it made him one of the most valuable specialists in the area.</p>
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<p><strong>Atticus Whitted – Lane Tech (Chicago)</strong><br>Whitted proved reliable throughout the year and showed he could hit from distance with a 41-yard field goal. His steady production made him a trusted piece of Lane Tech's special teams unit.</p>
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Illinois had no shortage of specialists who could flip a game with one swing. These kickers showed off serious distance, accuracy, and poise — and all of them proved they can change momentum the moment their team crosses midfield.
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