Most Valuable Player
Players of the Week
Week 2 Offensive MVP
Nate Johnson
Nate was first-rate. The senior wide receiver hauled in the game-winning conversion from Kevin Earl in overtime to lift the Patriots to a 50-49 victory over Glenbrook South. Johnson also finished with 6 receptions for 210 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Runner-up
Cody Bobbit
Bobbit nearly pitched a perfect game for Palatine in its 21-10 Mid-Suburban League crossover victory at Elk Grove. The junior connected on his first 15 passes and finished 17-for-19 for 168 yards. Bobbit also capped the Pirates’ first two scoring drives with 9- and 1-yard runs and broke up 2 fourth-quarter passes.
Runner-up
Brandon Beitzel
As Geneva coach Rob Wicinski said, this 6-foot-3, 210-pound senior quarterback controlled the game in the Vikings’ impressive 31-20 victory over Morgan Park. The returning starter completed 13 of 16 passes for 190 yards and, importantly, no interceptions. Under Beitzel’s direction, Geneva enjoyed a 17-0 lead.
Runner-up
Wayne Holloway
Holloway rushed 21 times for 150 yards and 2 touchdowns in a 28-27 victory at Dundee-Crown. The 6-foot-1, 201-pound senior running back raced 57 yards for a third-quarter touchdown that tied the game at 21. He later scored on a 1-yard plunge with 15 seconds left to give the Sabres their first victory of the season.
Runner-up
Jack Merrithey
Trailing 18-0 to Lake Park, the 5-foot-8, 145-pound senior quarterback engineered a stunning comeback and a 22-18 victory. Merrithey, who completed 16 of 23 passes for 244 yards and 2 touchdowns, capped the rally by leading an 8-play, 75-yard drive and scoring the go-ahead touchdown on a 1-yard run.
Week 2 Defensive MVP
Anthony Ritchie
The 6-foot-4, 190-pound senior again showed his skills on both sides of the ball in a 43-31 win over St. Joseph. At free safety Ritchie led the Warriors with 8 tackles and 2 interceptions, returning the first 20 yards for Wheaton Academy’s first score. At receiver he added 5 catches for 94 yards and a touchdown.
Runner-up
Ricky Acosta
Get careless with the football around Acosta and it’ll cost you. Libertyville found that out. The junior cornerback forced a pair of key turnovers in the Corsairs’ 28-14 win. He had a fumble recovery, after stripping the ball from a ball carrier, and an interception.
Runner-up
Nolan Drake
Drake helped Conant bounce back from a rough defensive season debut with a 21-0 Mid-Suburban League crossover victory at Rolling Meadows. The senior linebacker had 5 solo tackles, 4 assists and an interception as the Cougars allowed only 149 total yards.
Runner-up
Sam McCole
A 6-foot-3, 280-pound nose guard, McCole led the Gators to a 40-0 nonconference road win at Bartlett, a team that had scored 47 points the week before. The senior finished with 7 tackles, 4 for a loss, as the Gator defense held the Hawks to negative-5 yards rushing and 28 total yards.
Runner-up
Andrew Voelsch
Roaring off the ball at defensive tackle, Marmion’s 5-foot-10, 240-pound senior made life hazardous for Mundelein in the Cadets’ 24-8 nonconference victory. Among Voelsch’s 3 solo tackles were 2 tackles for loss and a quarterback sack. He assisted on 6 other tackles, and also caused a fumble.
