Week 2 Wrap Up: Standout Performances You May Have Missed

<span style="font-size: 1rem;">Standout performances like those mentioned in this article often go unnoticed with the amount of talent circulating through Illinois’ high school football scene.</span> You probably didn’t know that a receiver from Grayslake Central had 267 receiving yards or that a quarterback from DePaul College Prep threw for six touchdowns in one half during week 2 of IHSA football. But that’s why Prep RedZone exists; it’s our job to bring these performances to light and give these prospects the recognition they deserve. So without further ado, let’s get to know twelve prospects who had standout week 2 performances. <hr /> <h5></h5> <h5><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="165483" first="Isaac" last="Martinez"] | ATH | Streamwood ’22</strong></em></h5> Martinez first got on my radar during this summer’s  Rise &amp; Fire camp as he walked away as one of the best DBs in attendance. In week 2, he was reminiscent of that dominant DB I saw a few months ago as he showcased his ability to be a big-hitting sure tackler who can cover the field from sideline to sideline. In addition to his stellar DB play, Martinez was also the best RB on the field as he racked up 215 rushing yards on 25 carries with three rushing touchdowns. <h5><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="136910" first="Tyshion" last="Gordon"] | QB | Zion-Benton ’22</strong></em></h5> Gordon threw for 4 touchdowns in the first half as the Zee-Bees cruised to a 42-0 defeat against North Chicago in week 2. Gordon’s ability to improvise and extend plays was displayed with his uncanny ability to maneuver through the pocket. <h5><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="198416" first="Jon" last="Buckley"] | WR | Carmel ’22</strong></em></h5> Buckley is an all-around versatile receiver who in week 2, got it done in all three phases of Carmel’s passing attack. He consistently created separation on an out route that Lake Forest had no answer for. His final stat line—7 receptions, 184 yards, and three touchdowns. Performances like this validate why he was mentioned on Lake County’s Preseason All-Area team. <h5><em><strong>Hudson Sherwood | K | Deerfield ’22</strong></em></h5> It’s not often that a kicker gets recognized in a report like this. But after nailing a 40-yarder and going 6/6 on PATs with three touchbacks, I think it’s time we start recognizing Hudson Sherwood for his ability to accurately and consistently place the ball through the uprights. You never know how valuable a good kicker is until you have one on your team. <h5><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="189244" first="Jake" last="Metze"] | ATH | Johnsburg ’23</strong></em></h5> Metze’s fingerprints were all over this game as he turned out a dominant performance while playing both running back and slot receiver. He flashed great explosiveness out of the backfield and has the capability to be a nightmare in the catch and run game. His reported stat line from week 2 against Wilmington was 13 receptions for 109 receiving yards and 6 rushes for 116 yards and one touchdown. This talented 2023 is definitely a prospect to keep an eye on moving forward. <h5><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="65709" first="Chris" last="Perez"] | QB | DePaul College Prep ’22</strong></em></h5> Nearly every pass Perez threw was a touchdown as he went 9-11 through the air for 217 yards and six touchdowns. The Grant transfer looks extremely polished and sharp through the first two games and has also flashed some good scrambling ability. It’ll be interesting to see if he can keep up his dominant play throughout the curse of the season. <h5><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="150255" first="Kaymen" last="Coleman"] | WR | Von Steuben ’22</strong></em></h5> I think Coleman is transforming into a complete receiver before our eyes. His improvement has been steady and he’s flashed the skills to be a reliable deep threat and a major factor in the short to intermediate passing attack. His reported week 2 stat line was 6 catches for 116 yards and three touchdowns. <h5><em><strong>Joshua Higgs | DB | Taft ’22</strong></em></h5> Higgs’ instincts were on display as he was able to position himself to record two interceptions from his DB position in week 2. Higgs also showed that he’s capable and willing to be a factor in run support. <h5><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="170600" first="Hector" last="Ramirez"] | ATH | Chicago Academy ’22</strong></em></h5> The senior running back out of Chicago Academy has slowly begun to generate some buzz as he’s off to a hot start on the season. He rushed 8 times for 106 yards with three touchdowns as he led his team to a 48-0 victory over Collins Academy. If he can sustain this type of production, there’s no reason he shouldn’t find himself on this year’s All-City team. <h5><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="151181" first="Suleiman" last="Abuaqel"] | DE | Fenwick ’22</strong></em></h5> Abuqel’s combination of speed and strength has proved to be a serious problem for opposing OT’s this season. I was at Fenwick’s first game where Abuqel wreaked havoc against Morgan Park’s O-line and was consistently able to get pressure on their quarterback. His week 2 performance against Niles Notre Dame was highly productive as he was able to record ten tackles, seven hurries, three tackles for loss, and one sack. <h5><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="158043" first="Kelly" last="Watson"] | RB | York ’23</strong></em></h5> Watson is an all-purpose back who can be equally effective as a running back or a receiver. He boasts excellent quickness and vision and is a threat to hit paydirt whenever he touches the ball. Watson had a productive week 2 with 18 rushes for 107 yards with three touchdowns. <h5><em><strong>Kaiden Miller | WR | Grayslake Central ’22</strong></em></h5> Miller piled up the YAC on his way to a record-breaking performance with 7 catches for 267 yards and two touchdowns. He now holds Grayslake Central’s record for most receiving yards in a game. He could potentially be a later riser and emerge as one of Lake County’s top prospects.