MVPs, Week 1: WW South's Olsen, West Aurora's Jacobson earn accolades
OFFENSE
Jack Olsen, Wheaton Warrenville South: Olsen set an IHSA record by kicking 8 field goals in a 26-0 win over Metea Valley. The 5-foot-10, 168-pound junior made kicks of 48, 39, 28, 44, 24, 45, 44 and 21 yards to shatter the previous record of 5 field goals. Olsen came one field goal shy - a 52-yard miss off the crossbar - of tying the national record.
Tom Trieb, Buffalo Grove: This senior wasted no time putting his imprint on the season, getting 4 touchdowns in the first half at Downers Grove North as the Bison rolled to a 49-19 victory. Trieb finished with 152 yards rushing on 21 carries and had one scoring run of 69 yards.
Derek Jarrell, Vernon Hills: The senior quarterback praised his offensive line after the Cougars' season-opening, 38-21 win over host Grayslake Central for not allowing any sacks. Jarrell deserved praise too. The second-year starter completed 31 of 43 passes for 258 yards, connecting with 7 receivers. He threw 2 touchdown passes (no interceptions) and 3 conversion tosses, ran for a score and added a PAT run.
Ricky Ibarra, Dundee-Crown: This elusive running back helped the Chargers overcome a slow start in a 30-25 win at Grayslake North. After his team fell behind 13-0 in the first quarter, the 5-foot-11, 195-pound senior led the comeback with 24 carries for 181 yards and 3 touchdowns. His 58-yard, third-quarter burst up the middle staked D-C to the lead for good.
DEFENSE
Zach Jacobson, West Aurora: This West Aurora defensive back enjoyed a record-setting night in a 55-6 victory against Larkin in Elgin last Friday. The 5-foot-10, 180-pound senior snared 2 interceptions, one of which he returned 38 yards for a touchdown that staked the Blackhawks to a 13-0 lead. His 2 picks increased Jacobson's career total to 9, a new school record.
Carson O'Donnell, Waubonsie Valley: As usual the 5-foot-8, 175-pound senior linebacker played larger than his size in a solid 24-17 nonconference victory over Oak Park. The returning starter made 11 solo tackles with 1 for lost yardage, and he assisted on 4 other tackles. He also recovered a fumble that led to a Warriors touchdown.
Nate Pedraza, Rolling Meadows: The front seven is expected to be a strong point for the Mustangs, with Pedraza leading the way. He was a force in the season opener, finishing with 6 solo tackles and 5 assists with 2 tackles for loss and a sack as Rolling Meadows came up with a blistering defensive effort in a 43-7 victory over Glenbrook South.
Michael D'Angelo, Stevenson: Patriots coach Josh Hjorth got a laugh watching the senior linebacker do an impression of him during a fun practice before the season. D'Angelo does other things well too. After picking off three passes last year, he turned in a Pick Six (53 yards) and added 8 tackles, as the Patriots beat visiting Palatine 35-7 on Opening Night. D'Angelo returned 2 interceptions for TDs on the sophomore team two years ago.