The Friday Night Drive Team of the Week for Week 9 of the 2023 season is here.

After 2,940 people voted, tallying 4,796 total votes, we are proud to announce the Team of the Week. Thank you to our presenting sponsor: Schweickert, Ganassin, Krzak, Rundio, LLP.

Team of the Week MVP: James Fier, Crystal Lake Central, DB

Team of the Week: Week 9, 2023

Quarterback

Juan Rico, Joliet West

16-of-28 passing, 240 yards, TD; 15 carries, 80 yards, 2 TDs in 35-12 win over Plainfield Central

George Dimopoulos, Crystal Lake Central

Normally a WR, stepped in for injured Jason Penza and was 9-for-21 passing for 121 yards and 2 TDs, 10 rushes for 58 yards as Tigers beat Hampshire in OT to make 6A playoffs.

Leo Slepski, Providence

9-for-14 passing, 192 yards, 3 TDs in 35-28 win over Benet

Running Back

Brandon Kiebles, Wheaton Academy

17 carries, 217 yards, 3 TDs, also 7 tackles at linebacker in win over Marian Central

Payton Quaintance, FCW

Cashed in scoring runs of 16, 10 and 2 yards during his 15-carry, 163-yard performance

Aiden Wiseman, Dixon

18 rushes, 220 yards, 3 TDs in win over North Boone

Receiver

Ian Willis, St. Francis

2 TD catches in win against Nazareth

Alex Ankiewicz, St. Bede

7 receptions, 160 yards, 3 TDs

Dom Coronado, Yorkville

7 catches, 68 yards in 13-10 win over Plainfield North

Offensive Line

Gabriel Jovanovich, Sycamore

The left tackle paved the way for the Sycamore ground attack against Morris, which racked up almost 250 yards and 2 TDs.

Jack May, Princeton

Took part in Princeton’s 54-0 win over rival Hall, scoring 5 TDs by rushing, 2 by passing

Defensive Line

KeShawn Wiley, Joliet West

2 sacks in 35-12 win over Plainfield Central

JC Hayes, Montini

Two-way lineman played basically every snap with four tackles, two sacks, blocked punt that set up TD

Lucas Austin, Sterling

11 tackles, 1.5 TFLs in 22-17 win over Moline

Linebacker

Micah McNair, Joliet West

Returned INT 45 yards for TD in 35-12 win over Plainfield Central

Casey Klicker, Seneca

10 total tackles, 6 solo, one-half sack, fumble recovery in 79-35 win over St. Bede

Carson Cooney, Oswego

7 tackles, 2 for loss, and INT in 16-0 win over Oswego East

Connor Mettille, Morris

5 solo tackles, 10 assists in 22-14 win over Sycamore

Defensive Back

James Fier, Crystal Lake Central

1 INT, blocked punt and returned it 25 yards for TD, crucial TFL on first play of OT in 27-24 win over Hampshire.

Dom Recchia, Yorkville

4 tackles defensively and also kicked two field goals, including game-winning 24-yarder as time expired

Brett Dieter, Wheaton Academy

2 interceptions, also caught a TD, in win over Marian Central

Jack Laughlin, Huntley

2 INT in Red Raiders’ territory in 20-10 win over Burlington Central to push Huntley to 8-1