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The Illinois high school football playoffs are heating up, and the second round produced a slew of memorable performances. From record-setting achievements to dramatic finishes, several players stepped up when it mattered most.
Among the highlights was a thrilling finish that saw Wheaton North edge Geneva, while other players piled up touchdowns in decisive victories or delivered big numbers in hard-fought battles.
Congratulations are in order for last week's co-winners, Bryson Little and Braxton Williams of Quincy, who finished tied in the voting. Now, attention turns to this week's candidates, with 12 players nominated for their performances in the Nov. 6-7 games.
Fans are encouraged to vote as often as they like for the player they believe delivered the most impressive performance. Voting closes at 11:59 p.m. PT on Sunday, Nov. 8, and the winner will be announced in next week's poll.
Below is a look at each candidate and their standout stats from the second round of the playoffs.
Cam Brinkman, QB, Sacred Heart-Griffin
Brinkman was a dual-threat force in Sacred Heart-Griffin's 54-21 win over Metamora. He completed 11 of 13 passes for 147 yards and three touchdowns while adding 153 rushing yards and two more scores on the ground.
Beau Chance, QB, Auburn
Chance kept Auburn in a high-scoring affair with Frankfort, connecting with Zikerion McKinney for three touchdown passes. Despite a 53-41 loss, Chance's connection with McKinney provided plenty of offensive firepower.
Brady Cloherty, QB, Mount Carmel
Cloherty turned in a record-setting performance as Mount Carmel cruised to a 56-0 victory over Barrington. He accounted for seven touchdowns before halftime—throwing for six and running for another—and set a new Mount Carmel single-season record for touchdown passes.
Matthew Donnelly, RB, Prospect
Donnelly was nearly unstoppable in Prospect's 50-10 win over Rockford Guilford. He rushed for 152 yards and four touchdowns on 24 carries and added four receptions for 71 yards and two more scores, totaling six touchdowns in the game.
Mikey Groesch, RB, Sacred Heart-Griffin
Groesch found the end zone four times in Sacred Heart-Griffin's 54-21 victory over Metamora. He rushed for 66 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries and caught four passes for 62 yards and two additional scores.
Chase Hojnacki, RB, Huntley
Hojnacki powered Huntley's ground game in a 42-0 shutout of Lane Tech. He finished with 245 rushing yards and four touchdowns, helping the Red Raiders continue their strong postseason run.
Grant Neibch, QB, Wheaton North
Neibch delivered one of the weekend's most dramatic victories, throwing for 305 yards and three touchdowns in Wheaton North's 36-35 upset of Geneva. His biggest completion came in the closing seconds—a 17-yard touchdown pass to Johnny Clayton that proved to be the game-winner.
Keagan Peters, QB, Williamsville
Peters led a remarkable fourth-quarter comeback in Williamsville's 42-28 victory over Macomb. The junior quarterback accounted for five total touchdowns, including three through the air during the rally, as the Bullets erased a 14-point deficit in the final quarter.
Ben Peterson, QB, Geneva
Despite a heartbreaking 36-35 loss to Wheaton North, Peterson turned in a productive performance for Geneva. He completed 15 of 23 passes for 195 yards and a touchdown while adding three rushing touchdowns.
Jack Purgatorio, DB, Downers Grove North
Purgatorio anchored a strong defensive effort in Downers Grove North's 17-7 victory over St. Rita. He recorded 11 tackles and an interception as the Trojans advanced to the next round.
A.J. Rogers, QB, Wheaton Warrenville South
Rogers put together a big passing performance in Wheaton Warrenville South's 45-14 win over Riverside-Brookfield. He completed 18 of 25 passes for 355 yards and three touchdowns, helping the Tigers advance in the Class 6A playoffs.
Evrim Tabag, RB, Rochester
Tabag accounted for five touchdowns in Rochester's 54-27 victory over Cahokia. He rushed for 193 yards and four touchdowns on 26 carries and added a 52-yard touchdown reception to cap an outstanding afternoon.
Vote now for the Illinois High School Football Player of the Week and support your favorite player's outstanding performance!