April 19, 2024
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Friday Night Drive’s Team of the Week for Week 7

The 11 best on offense and defense for Week 7 of the fall football season in northern Illinois, as voted on by you

By Shaw Local News Network
Joliet Catholic's head coach Jake Jaworski congratulates Jordan Anderson (23) after Anderson scored a touchdown during the varsity football game between Joliet Catholic and Brother Rice on Friday, October 8, 2021 at Brother Rice high school in Chicago, IL.

Joliet Catholic's head coach Jake Jaworski congratulates Jordan Anderson (23) after Anderson scored a touchdown during the varsity football game between Joliet Catholic and Brother Rice on Friday, October 8, 2021 at Brother Rice high school in Chicago, IL. (Tony Gadomski /Tony Gadomski for Shaw Media)

The Week 7 Friday Night Drive Team of the Week is here.

After 3,458 people voted, tallying 5,756 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: Anthony Birsa, Joliet Catholic

Team of the Week

OFFENSE

Quarterback

Luke Conroy, Johnsburg

19-of-29 passing for 229 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INT in 23-20 loss to Richmond-Burton, ranked No. 3 in Class 4A.

Dennis Mandala, IC Catholic Prep

270 yards, 6 TD passes in 55-14 win over Riverside-Brookfield

Billy Cernugel, Hinsdale Central

16-for-25 passing, 212 yards, TD in win over York

Running Back

Aaron Larkins, Plainfield Central

28 carries, 173 yards, TD

Jordan Anderson, Joliet Catholic

31 carries, 330 yards rushing, 6 touchdowns

Ethan Wilnau, Genoa-Kingston

Ran for 169 yards and 2 TDs on 10 carries; returned two kicks for 86 yards and a TD.

Receiver

Carter Contreras, Hinsdale Central

7 catches, 109 yards, TD in 27-23 win over York

Ian Boal, Johnsburg

9 receptions, 137 yards, 2 TDs in loss to No. 3 Richmond-Burton.

Kareem Parker, IC Catholic Prep

4 catches, 92 yards, 15-yard TD, 36-yard interception return for a TD

Offensive Line

Anthony Birsa, Joliet Catholic

Interior lineman played big role in Joliet Catholic running for 600-plus yards

Patryk Barnas, Hampshire

Played a key role in the Whip-Purs reaching 5-2 with a 15-7 OT win over Huntley.

DEFENSE

Defensive Line

Gavin Bruciak, Reed-Custer

Junior notched two tackles for loss and half of a QB sack in Comets’ win at Streator

Daniel Hollis, Plainfield Central

4 tackles

Sergio Brown, Streator

Senior moved from his linebacker spot to defensive end and recorded three tackles for loss against Reed-Custer

Linebacker

Oshobi Odior, Oswego East

16 tackles, 3 of them for loss; on offense had 7 carries, 41 yards, TD in 14-7 win over Yorkville

Brody Engel, Genoa-Kingston

Had 11 tackles, 8 solo, 1 tackle for loss

Hunter Smith, Marengo

7 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 QB hurry that led to INT in Indians’ 21-20 win over Plano, which is crucial to their playoff chances.

Phillip Carlton, Plainfield Central

6 tackles, 1 TFL, INT

Defensive Back

Zach Vodraska, Hampshire

Had a key INT that set up the Whip-Purs’ lone score in regulation of OT win against Huntley.

Brody Armstrong, Sycamore

Had an INT and 10 tackles in a shutout against Woodstock North

Xavier Flores, Marmion

45-yard INT return for a TD

Kyle Kaempf, McHenry

INT return TD, blocked PAT, 3 tackles, also had 7 receptions for 120 yards at WR in 33-13 loss to Crystal Lake South.