Reanne Weil

McHenry's Emerson Gasmann scored near the start of the second half, and the Warriors went on to beat Jacobs 1-0 in the Class 3A Grant Regional championship for their first regional title since 2014.

Injuries have been a problem for Tyler Vasey in each of the last two seasons, but Prairie Ridge's senior quarterback has also shown his playmaking abilities when on the field. Vasey, fully healthy, can't wait for the 2022 season.

Antonio Brown was impressive running the ball during Jacobs' run to the Class 7A quarterfinals. Brown, a senior, is expected to see an expanded role on offense for the Golden Eagles this fall.

Barrington scored five times in the first half Friday and rolled to a 7-0 win over Dundee-Crown in the Class 3A Round Lake Sectional championship.

Dundee-Crown's Berkley Mensik scored twice in the second overtime Tuesday to complete a hat trick and lift the Chargers past Lake Zurich, 3-1, in a Class 3A Round Lake Sectional semifinal.

Crystal Lake Central’s Kaitlin Gaunaurd scored twice Friday as the Tigers captured the Class 2A Crystal Lake South Regional championship with a 5-0 win over the host Gators.

Richmond-Burton’s Layne Frericks left Wednesday's Class 1A sectional semifinal against Willows Academy after a nasty collision, but the sophomore returned late to score the Rockets' final goal in a 5-1 win.

Makayla Nietzel, a competitive swimmer from Crystal Lake who is legally blind, next month will head to the Paralympic Games in Tokyo, where she will participate in the 100 butterfly and 400 freestyle races.

Crystal Lake Central quarterback Colton Madura and wide receiver Jake Carnrite hope to provide the Tigers with plenty of big plays this fall. Madura and Carnrite are two of 16 returning starters for Central.

Mike Kaufman and Dalton Wood each had standout senior seasons playing fullback and linebacker for Richmond-Burton. Now, it's Brock Wood's turn to step into that role for the Rockets.

Huntley senior Chris Medina has put on almost 40 pounds over the last 18 months. Medina is transitioning from defensive back to linebacker and could also see time at running back this fall.

Jacobs endured some growing pains, in addition to missing two games due to COVID-19 protocols, in the spring season, but senior running backs Ben Ludlum and Nasir Canty should provide the Golden Eagles with a formidable duo in the backfield this fall.

Crystal Lake Central co-op junior Piper LeFevre is the Northwest Herald Girls Lacrosse Player of the Year after scoring 49 goals this spring and leading the Tigers to 16 wins.

Huntley senior Ian Watson set a program record with 116 points this season. Watson is the Northwest Herald Boys Lacrosse Player of the Year.

Huntley senior Briana Bower finished a remarkable three-year run for the Red Raiders, finishing with 922 career strikeouts and 65 wins. She led Huntley back to the Class 4A state tournament this year as the Raiders finished third to bring home their second state trophy in as many seasons. For her efforts, Bower is the 2021 Northwest Herald Softball Player of the Year.