Playoff Playmakers: Round 2 Standouts Across Illinois

Eric Bergman November 9, 2025 @ 09:03 PM

Caeden Curran – RB – Morris (4A) Morris leaned on its workhorse and he delivered in a big way. Curran erupted for 232 rushing yards and four touchdowns in a 64-50 shootout win over Metamora. The bulk of his production came after halftime, piling up 181 yards and three scores in the second half to seal the game. His blend of patience and power behind a physical line gave defenses no chance to breathe. Curran continues to prove he's one of the state's most reliable postseason backs — durable, decisive, and built for playoff football.   Owen Kehrer – QB – Breese Central (4A) Kehrer was surgical in a 42-7 win over Freeburg, tossing five touchdown passes while controlling the pace from start to finish. He showed poise in the pocket and excellent command of the offense, spreading the ball around and hitting on deep shots early. Kehrer's efficiency and calm presence give Central a balanced attack that's dangerous this time of year. When the moment gets bigger, he seems to get sharper.   [player_tooltip player_id='1472518' first='Tre' last='Hoggard'] – WR/DB – Tolono Unity (3A) Few plays in the state were bigger than Hoggard's. With Monticello going for two and the win in the closing seconds, Hoggard jumped the route and intercepted the pass to clinch a 21-20 victory. It was the kind of game-saving moment you can't coach — instincts, confidence, and composure. Already known for his big-play ability as a receiver, Hoggard proved he's just as impactful on the defensive side when everything is on the line.   [player_tooltip player_id='1585199' first='Aiden' last='Wild'] – RB – Lena-Winslow (1A) Wild was his usual unstoppable self in a 43-14 win over GCMS. The senior powered his way to another multi-touchdown night, adding to a postseason résumé that's become almost routine for Lena-Winslow's run game. Wild has been the tone-setter all season — physical between the tackles and explosive once he hits daylight. With career totals nearing 3,000 yards, he's the heartbeat of a program built on dominance in November.   [player_tooltip player_id='788737' first='Myson' last='Johnson-Cook'] – RB – East St. Louis (6A) East St. Louis trailed early against Glenwood before its ground game exploded. Johnson-Cook sparked the turnaround, rushing for 136 yards and three touchdowns as the Flyers ripped off 40 unanswered points in a 53-14 win. He ran with a mix of burst and balance, bouncing off tackles and finishing runs with authority. Johnson-Cook's performance was the tone-setter in another statement victory for one of Illinois' most dominant programs.

Caeden Curran – RB – Morris (4A)
Morris leaned on its workhorse and he delivered in a big way. Curran erupted for 232 rushing yards and four touchdowns in a 64-50 shootout win over Metamora. The bulk of his production came after halftime, piling up 181 yards and three scores in the second half to seal the game. His blend of patience and power behind a physical line gave defenses no chance to breathe. Curran continues to prove he's one of the state's most reliable postseason backs — durable, decisive, and built for playoff football.