Glenbard West's Moore, Fremd's Haas pick up Week 1 honors
Offense
Jalen Moore, Glenbard West: Moore's first varsity start was definitely memorable. The Hilltoppers' 5-foot-10, 185-pound junior running back blazed his way to 229 rushing yards and touchdown runs of 42 and 46 yards on 30 carries in a 45-28 win over Maine South. Moore also caught a 28-yard touchdown pass.
Jordan Hansen, Hersey: The Huskies' senior QB was 19 of 120 rushing with 2 TDs and 9 of 16 passing for 272 yards and 3 more TDs in leading his team to a 35-21 win over Lincoln-Wat West to open the season. His rushing TDs came on runs of 2 and 28 yards while his passing scores were of 50, 75 and 37 yards.
Blake Ellingson, Libertyville: The junior quarterback made up for lost time. Playing his first game since breaking his leg in Week 2 of last year, he led the Wildcats to a 35-34 win over Carmel. His last-second touchdown pass pulled his team within one point. He then ran in the conversion. He finished with 121 rushing yards and 237 passing yards and 3 TDs.
Nick DeMarco, St. Charles North: This running back helped the North Stars rally from a 14-point deficit in a 24-14 win at Palatine by rushing 36 times for 162 yards and 3 touchdowns. The second-year starter - also an elite baseball player committed to Notre Dame - scored on a 5-yard run just before halftime. The 5-foot-10, 180-pound junior added second-half scoring runs of 1 and 4 yards to complete the comeback.
Defense
Jason Haas, Fremd: Fremd's junior linebacker had 9 tackles, a tackle for loss and an interception that set up a field goal in the Vikings' 24-6 win over Lake Zurich on opening night. He helped the Fremd defense limit Lake Zurich to just 6 points and 203 yards of total offense while forcing 3 turnovers.
Trevor Swier, Montini: After a seven-hour drive and an overnight stay the senior sprinted off the bus in Montini's 22-7 win at Hudson, Wisconsin. The 6-foot-1, 210-pound linebacker made 8 tackles and denied two Hudson scoring chances with an interception in Montini territory and a fumble recovery at the Broncos' 2-yard line.
Tristan Carone, Huntley: This 5-foot-9, 170-pound junior was all over the field in Huntley's 56-0 season-opening victory over McHenry. The active linebacker made 9 total tackles (4 solo), including one tackle for loss. Carone also recorded a quarterback knockdown and made a fumble recovery.
Malachi McNeal, Warren: The junior linebacker shined last year as one of the youngest starters on a defense that notched 5 shutouts and earned a state quarterfinal berth. He picked up where left off. His interception, 2 tackles for loss, sack and blocked field goal helped lead Warren to a 16-6 win over visiting Barrington. He also rushed for a touchdown.