In the course of the first quarter of Maine South’s 49-42 win in opposition to Naperville North within the first spherical of the Class 8A playoffs, the discuss on the sideline was how properly Hawks quarterback Jameson Purcell was taking part in for a sophomore.
After three quarters that was out the window and the query was, is Purcell already one of many 5 greatest quarterbacks within the state? By the fourth quarter, it didn’t appear loopy to marvel if Maine South would lose once more over the following month or for the following two seasons.
Purcell was 37 for 50 for 465 yards with six TDs and one interception, which got here on the fiftieth move. And the numbers don’t come near telling the story.
Purcell checked off a number of receivers, scrambled to create space and hit receivers in stride. It was an eye-opening efficiency.
“My trainers and coaches have actually ready me for these moments,” Purcell mentioned. “Each single week I preserve getting higher and getting higher chemistry with the fellows. I can see the sector nice and discover my guys when they’re open.”
Purcell has scholarship affords from Auburn, Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisville, Miami, Nebraska, Mississippi, UCLA, Washington and a number of other different faculties. He’s one of many prime prospects within the nation.
However it’s nonetheless stunning to observe a sophomore with only a handful of highschool begins dominating a high-level Class 8A playoff sport.
The 6-2, 181-pound Purcell took over the beginning job in Week 4 in opposition to Barrington.
“I wasn’t anticipating to be on this scenario however I used to be prepared for it,” Purcell mentioned. “All my teammates have supported me and trusted me.”
Constantine Coines, who misplaced the beginning quarterback spot, has change into a harmful receiver. He had six catches for 46 yards in opposition to Naperville North.
Every thing has turned out properly for Maine South, which now seems poised to make a run on the Class 8A state title.
Sycamore AD withdraws proposal to finish Prep Bowl=
Sycamore athletic director Chauncey Carrick has determined to withdraw his controversial Illinois Excessive College Affiliation bylaw proposal to finish the Prep Bowl.
“We now have determined to drag [the proposal], although [St. Rita coach Marty Hopkins’] assertion is why we made the proposal. Nevertheless, because of the nice respect we now have for [CPS interim sports director] Mickey Pruitt and the work he does for CPS, we’re withdrawing the by-law proposal.”
St. Rita gained the Prep Bowl final season. After the bylaw proposal was introduced on Friday, Hopkins expressed his dismay that anybody would attempt to finish the historic sport and in addition talked about that it was “so useful for us to make the Prep Bowl run final season.”
Public League struggles
Chicago Public Colleges soccer groups went 1-17 within the first spherical in opposition to non-CPS opponents and have been outscored 764-110. Eight Public League groups have been shut out.
The one win was Morgan Park’s 34-0 shutout of Tinley Park.
4 different Public League groups superior: Younger, Westinghouse, Ag. Science and King. All 4 beat Public League opponents. It’s the primary state playoff victory for the Cyclones.
Historical past makers
Woodstock North beat Freeport within the first spherical of Class 5A to win its first playoff sport since 2012. Burlington Central defeated Grant in Class 6A to select up its first playoff win in 18 years.
And West Aurora, which defeated Huntley in Class 8A, is 10-0 for the primary time in 77 years.
