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Week 3 MVPs: Glenbard North's Tricase, St. Charles East's Grohe net honors

Glenbard North senior tailback Vittoria Tricase and St. Charles East senior linebacker Sam Grohe have earned Daily Herald MVP honors for their performances in Week 3 of the high school football season.

OFFENSE

Vittorio Tricase, Glenbard North: The 5-foot-7, 170-pound senior tailback tied a DuPage Valley Conference record in the Panthers' 47-31 win over Wheaton Warrenville South. Running 23 times for 187 yards, Tricase's 6 touchdown runs of 4, 8, 60, 12, 18 and 1 yards equaled the mark of Naperville Central's Ryan Clifford in a 1999 game.

Ryan Cerza, Aurora Central Catholic: The Chargers gained 258 rushing yards in a 27-13 victory over previously unbeaten Glenbard South, thanks to a big game from this 6-foot, 175-pound running back. The junior carried 26 times for 213 yards and 2 touchdowns. On the first play of the second half, Cerza beat the defense to the edge and raced 58 yards for a touchdown that gave Aurora Central Catholic (3-0) a 20-7 lead.

Jalen Dennis, Wheeling: In a must-win situation, Wheeling's senior quarterback delivered. Dennis passed for 158 yards, ran for 194 and scored all 3 of his team's touchdowns in a 21-14 victory over Vernon Hills to prevent the Wildcats from starting the season 0-3.

Drew Walker, Grant: A former safety, the senior showed against Grayslake Central that he can be an impact player on the offensive side of the football too. He rushed 16 times for 206 yards and 4 touchdowns (from 11, 20, 13 and 75 yards), as the Bulldogs captured their first win 35-13.

DEFENSE

Sam Grohe, St. Charles East: This 6-foot-1, 190-pound linebacker not only made 8 tackles, he was responsible for 2 of the 5 turnovers caused by the St. Charles East defense in a 30-0 win over Geneva. On the first play of the second quarter, the senior's big hit jarred the ball loose from a running back for a fumble. The Saints recovered and eventually scored to take a 17-0 lead. Minutes later, Grohe intercepted a Geneva pass to set up another touchdown.

Tyler Fredrickson, Schaumburg: While things didn't start well for the Saxons in Week 3, Fredrickson helped make sure they ended well. The 6-foot-2 senior defensive lineman led the effort to pressure Niles West's quarterback, resulting in a pair of Saxons interceptions and a 35-28 victory.

Jon Kelso, Willowbrook: With big plays on both sides of the ball from their 5-foot-10, 178-pound senior defensive back, the Warriors dominated in a 38-7 WSC Gold win over Addison Trail. Kelso intercepted 2 passes, broke up 5 passes, made 4 tackles and forced a fumble. He also caught a 25-yard touchdown pass.

Jake Lange, Warren: After two tough losses to open the season, the Blue Devils were looking for someone to make a play against Libertyville. Enter Lange. The senior free safety scooped up a first-quarter fumble and raced 70 yards for a touchdown, giving the visitors an early lead. He finished with 14 solo tackles, including one for loss, but the Blue Devils fell just short, 28-26.

Jalen Dennis
Ryan Cerza
Drew Walker
Sam Grohe
Tyler Fredrickson
Jon Kelso
Jake Lange
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