Highlights abound in opening week of high school season

Elgin football coach Anthony Mason had plenty of superlatives to talk about on both sides of last week's impressive 47-0 win over East Aurora.

"The main thing was our defense shutting down East Aurora," he said. "They flew to the ball and made big-time plays. Our defensive coordinator Aaron Cobbs got them ready to go for a week where we did not know what to expect with it being a new year and East Aurora having a new look offensively."

Speaking of offensively, Elgin quarterback Jeffrey Lomax passed for nearly 300 yards and threw 4 touchdown passes. "He put in the work during the off-season and now he gets to show it off," Mason said. "He's a highly recruited athlete who is committed to Northern Illinois right now as a preferred walk-on, and may have a shot at some of those late Division I full scholarship offers if he keeps performing like this. The limit is high for Jeff if he can keep improving."

St. Edward update:

Coach Mike Rolando pointed out while Joe Sacco ran for 163 yards and 2 scores, junior Clem McCullaugh also turned in a headline performance with 5 carries for 15 yards, was a lead blocker for Sacco, completed a halfback pass for a PAT, led the team in tackles with 16, and had the game-ending interception with 10 seconds to go on the 5-yard line to preserve the win against 1A No. 10 Aurora Christian.

Marmion update:

Marmion's game Friday against St. Ignatius was canceled, leaving the Cadets with a hole in the schedule.

A very temporary hole.

Naperville Central's game against Neuqua Valley on Saturday due to Neuqua Valley dealing with COVID-19-related protocols. Now, Marmion will head to Naperville Central Sunday for an 11 a.m. start.

Batavia update:

Bulldogs coach Dennis Piron gives high praise to the recent work of Reese Wheatley (wide receiver), Spencer Prats (offensive line), Anthony Bradley (strong safety), Alex Faron (tight end) and Jack Valente (H-back and offensive line). "The effort level our coaches and parents put into keeping our kids going emotionally, physically and mentally throughout the pandemic was clearly evident (last) Friday," he said. "We had so many playmakers all over the field."

St. Charles North update:

Junior outside linebacker George Litgen had 10 tackles, 3 sacks, 3 tackles for loss and 1 forced fumble in North's 35-13 win over Geneva. "He was all over the field," said North coach Rob Pomazak, who also lauded junior Carson Kuligowski's efforts running the ball, as well as Josh Bridges' 40-yard game-opening run.

Bartlett update:

A key for the Hawks in their 10-7 win over Glenbard South was a goal-line stand that resulted in junior corner Anthony Mapes getting a pick-6 interception for a touchdown. "Our defense played physical," Hawks coach Matt Erlenbaugh said. "Our guys were hitting, getting 11 guys to the ball and having multiple goal-line stands." Nose tackle Nathan Tomaso also came up big on defense. "He will never get the recognition that a skill guy would, but he dominates the line of scrimmage," the coach said.

South Elgin update:

An obvious Week 1 highlight was senior running back Davion Cherwin racking up 279 yards on 10 carries and scoring 5 touchdowns. "Five hundred days away from football still equals tough South Elgin kids," Storm coach Dragan Teonic said. "We were physical and handled the ball well, played great defense against the run and had 3 interceptions with the starters in."

Burlington Central update:

Central strong safety and slot receiver Nate Majewski had 9 solo tackles and 8 assists in Central's close loss to state-ranked Cary-Grove. "He made big receptions, ran the ball and made huge special teams plays on punts," coach Brian Melvin said. Defensive lineman Masin Williams, Miles Janecek, Eric Metz and Jake Borman neutralized the Trojans' option, while linebackers Jonny Lawson, Gavin Sarvis, Sean Adkerson and Alfredo Ortiz did the same, Melvin noted.

West Aurora update:

Defensive lineman Caleb Dietlin had 5 tackles in the Blackhawks' game against Joliet Central. "He was disruptive all day," coach Nate Eimer said.

Kaneland update:

Middle linebacker Erik Teran keyed the Knights' Week 1 defense with 22 tackles and a sack. "Our front eight of our defense played exceptionally well," coach Pat Ryan said.

Geneva update:

Michael Ignoffo had 4 catches for 48 yards and a touchdown and kept drives alive, coach Rob Wicinski said. John Petit had 9 tackles, 1 sack and 1 forced fumble on defense in Week 1.

Crystal Lake South update:

Coach Rob Fontana said Andy Burburija is a name most people in the area will know in short order. "He's only a freshman, but he plays like a returning starter," he said. "He was a kid we knew would help anchor our offensive line, but he quickly became a full-time two-way player in his first varsity game."

Streamwood update:

Coach Keith McMaster said Terrance Ray III was a Week 1 standout with his leadership on both sides of the ball. "Both the offense and defense are centered around him as both a linebacker and fullback," he said. "His calm demeanor while playing physical was contagious."