CN100 Game of the Week preview: IHSA Playoffs Second Round - Barrington vs. Marist

IHSA Playoffs Second Round – Barrington vs. Marist

CHICAGO – Two of the most dynamic quarterbacks in Illinois headline Saturday’s Class 8A second round tilt between Barrington and Marist.
Marist senior Brendan Skalitzky and Barrington senior Johnny Davidson both get it done through the air and with their legs, making Saturday’s 7 p.m. CN100 game in Chicago all the more intriguing. The game can be seen at Noon and 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 8, and at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 10. You can also watch it in HD throughout Chicagoland with Xfinity on Demand.
Skalitzky is one of the most prolific passers in the Chicago area, going 192-for-300 for 2,691 yards, 29 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He’s also rushed for 568 yards and three scores in 100 carries, meaning that he handled 400 plays for the RedHawks (6-4, 4-3 East Suburban Catholic) this season.
“Our quarterback has done a tremendous job all year being a leader out there, also being a threat to run the ball,” Marist coach Pat Dunne said.
His top target is senior receiver Liam Keffer, who has hauled in 71 passes for 1,126 yards and 10 scores. Senior receiver Seamus Glascott snagged 49 catches for 608 yards and seven touchdowns. Senior running back Darshon McCullough is also a diverse player, rushing for 513 yards and seven touchdowns in 102 carries and adding 39 catches for 570 yards and seven touchdowns.
Defensively, Marist has difference makers at every level. Up front, senior John Carmody recorded 80 tackles and five tackles for loss. At linebacker, senior Louie DePasquale (77 tackles, two sacks), senior Dennis Dickman (56 tackles) and junior Micah Awodiran (87 tackles, four tackles for loss, two sacks) control the defense. Junior defensive back Bobby Gorman has five interceptions.
Marist advanced after knocking off fellow ESCC foe Niles Notre Dame for the second time this season, 17-14 on a last-second field goal. Now, the RedHawks get a home game in round two.
“It was a good win for us against a great team,” Dunne said. “It was a great team win. The defense played well. The offense responded well and special teams came through at the end. Our guys are excited to be at home.”
Barrington (9-1, 4-1 Mid-Suburban West) has scored 398 points, including a 41-12 win over Plainfield South in the playoff opener.
Like Marist, the Broncos rely on their senior quarterback. Davidson is 148-for-200 for 2,114 yards, 25 touchdowns and six interceptions. He’s also rushed for 681 yards and 10 touchdowns in 122 carries.
Three receivers hauled in the lion’s share of Davidson’s passes. Senior Jake Zyzda has 51 catches for 770 yards and 12 touchdowns and junior Josh Babicz posted 37 catches for 675 yards and eight touchdowns and junior Logan Moews has 41 catches for 621 yards and four touchdowns, while rushing for 275 yards and a score.
Senior Nate King paces the run game with 942 yards and 15 touchdowns in 163 carries.
The Broncos’ defense is led by junior Blake Holley (120 tackles) and senior Alec Hansen (108 tackles), both linebackers, senior DB Zach Rizzio (84 tackles) and junior DE Jackson Perkins (69 tackles).
“I think they’re a great team,” Dunne said. “They have an explosive offense. They have a great defense. I really think this is a great team, and it’s proven by their record. They have a real good quarterback there. We’ve never played Barrington, so that’s the other great thing about the playoffs; you’re playing competition you haven’t played before.”
- Paul Johnson, CN100 Correspondent
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