September 9, 2018—
It’s three weeks into the 2018 football season, and it’s time to share some photos and thoughts from the early games. With 3 of the top ranked teams getting knocked off this weekend and some strong programs out there quietly beating everyone they’ve faced, next weekend should offer great games.
For those who are new to my blog, I’m a photographer sharing photos—the words are mostly here for context.
Lincoln-way East v Crete-Monee, Friday, August 24th.
The Griffins traveled to Crete with three returning starters in the offensive line, a number of returning starters on defense, a highly-regarded running back/receiver, and buses filled with young men looking to prove they belong on the #1 team in the state of Illinois.
Most of the play in the first twenty-four minutes typified a season opening game: a truckload of emotion and more than a few players wandering off script.
By the time the game ended, members of the media were focused on two questions. Why isn’t AJ Henning playing, and who is number 21? Henning didn’t play to give his hip more time to recover. As for number 21, Devon Williams, he didn’t care if anyone didn’t know his name at the start of the night; he just took the ball and ran like a man hungry for opportunity. Three touchdowns later, everybody now knows Williams’ name.
Mount Carmel v Hope Academy, Saturday, August 25th.
Jordan Lynch’s beginning at Mount Carmel brought a crowd of media to Huskie Stadium in DeKalb. This and the other games played at the Kickoff Classic had originally been scheduled to be played at Soldier Field. When the Chicago Park District backed out of that commitment, Northern Illinois University happily hosted the event.
A noon game played on a hot day, the final score, 42-7, sums up the play on the field. Lynch had his first victory as a coach, and Mount Carmel had begun to move forward with a new football coach.
Naperville Central v Lincoln-Way East, Saturday, September 1st.
A big crowd showed up for East’s first home game on Friday, August, 31st, but thunder and lightning sent everyone home before the teams took the field.
The next day THOR slowed the start of the game, but soon enough the sky was clear, and the turf felt more like a giant green steamer than a football field.
The first half was long—both teams were throwing the ball—and both teams had more turnovers than anyone would expect from quality teams. While the Redhawks led most of the way, East scored a couple of 2nd quarter touchdowns and led at half.
The second half started strong. East received the kickoff, had a big return, and scored a few plays later. Central’s Payton Thorne responded by driving the Redhawks down the field and scoring a touchdown. It looked like a game worthy of two ranked teams, and . . . and then East pulled away. With strong offense and strong defense, the Griffins simply pulled away.
Members of the media were still talking about the absence of AJ Henning, and after the game Coach Zvonar explained that Henning was sitting out to be cautious. Devon Williams scoring three more touchdowns certainly encouraged patience for the return of #3.
Naperville North v Naperville Central, Friday, September 7th.
What a difference a week makes. Payton Thorne threw (4) touchdown passes and ran for another. The Redhawks’ offense moved with precision and purpose.
Mount Carmel v Loyola Academy, Saturday, September 8th.
The Caravan gets a huge road win 17-12. Mount Carmel fans loved the outcome, but probably could have done with a little less drama. The final score wasn’t determined until the last play of the game. The Caravan defense was the difference all game long. Three interceptions and hard hitting kept them in a tight game. They played tough . . . and probably benefited from a few Rambler penalties at inopportune moments.
In my job as a photographer, my performance was less than stellar. First, I predicted Loyola would win big. Second, I left for a game at Gately after the Caravan recovered the Ramblers’ onside kick with less than three minutes to play. Not showing respect to Loyola’s tenacity to fight until the end, my mistake. Not seeing the toughness of the Caravan in week one, my mistake. Won’t make those errors again. On a lighter note, I did get to photograph Bill Murray.
Simeon v Phillips, Saturday, September 8th.
Simeon wins the ‘CPS Superbowl’ 21-8. Alante Brown is a playmaker. He threw some sharp passes, scrambled when the Wolverines needed a first down, and ran tough as part of an offense that will give defenses fits all year. Derek Flowers and Deangelo Hudson are the other two players in the backfield. Power, speed, determination, neither is easy to bring down. And the Wolverine’s defense plays fast and hits. 7A teams, don’t sleep on the Wolverines–they are legit.
AC photo 22 