Built-In Chemistry: Senior QB/WR Duos Returning in Illinois

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the biggest advantages a passing game can have is continuity. Across Illinois, several programs bring back quarterback and wide receiver pairings that have already shared varsity snaps, offseason throwing sessions, and Friday night moments. That built-in chemistry could be the difference between early growing pains and fast starts this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>East Saint Louis – [player_tooltip player_id='1598810' first='Reece' last='Shanklin'] ➜ [player_tooltip player_id='1335411' first='Ronnie' last='Gomiller'] / [player_tooltip player_id='1335408' first='Laron' last='Baker Jr.']</strong><br>Few teams return as much firepower as East St. Louis. Shanklin steps back under center with multiple familiar targets on the outside. Gomiller provides quick-twitch ability in space, while Baker offers vertical speed that stresses defenses over the top. After a year of developing timing together, this group has the potential to be one of the most explosive connections in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mount Carmel – [player_tooltip player_id='432149' first='Ryder' last='Startz'] ➜ [player_tooltip player_id='432197' first='Quentin' last='Burrell']</strong><br>The Caravan bring back a promising young passer in Startz paired with a physically imposing target in Burrell. The 6-foot-2 receiver gives Startz a true boundary weapon who can win contested catches and move the chains. Another offseason in the same system should allow this duo to take a noticeable step forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Naperville North – [player_tooltip player_id='613741' first='Dante' last='Colasante'] ➜ [player_tooltip player_id='2105075' first='Cashmere' last='Coleman'] / Henry Sakalas</strong><br>Colasante returns with two long, athletic receivers who can stretch the field. Coleman and Sakalas both present matchup problems on the perimeter, and the familiarity within the offense should help Naperville North open the playbook early in the year. Expect this passing game to operate with confidence from Week 1.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hinsdale Central – Owen Sunderson ➜ [player_tooltip player_id='1296220' first='James' last='Skokna']</strong><br>This is a classic timing-based connection. Sunderson's accuracy meshes well with Skokna's route polish, giving Hinsdale Central a reliable option in key situations. Their shared experience should translate into consistency in critical moments.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Geneva – [player_tooltip player_id='1940899' first='Ben' last='Peterson'] ➜ [player_tooltip player_id='1598846' first='Bennett' last='Konkey']</strong><br>Peterson brings ideal quarterback size, and Konkey offers a strong, sure-handed target on the outside. The two have grown together within the Geneva offense, forming a vertical connection that can challenge secondaries at every level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As offenses evolve and defenses reload, these returning duos provide a head start. The chemistry built over years rather than weeks could make them some of the most productive connections in Illinois this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->