Jeremiah Smith Powers Oswego East Football to New Heights

Jeremiah Smith has emerged as a pivotal player for the Oswego East football team this season, showcasing significant improvement and determination. After a season where he struggled to find his footing, Smith has transformed into a dominant force on the offensive line, helping lead the team to a strong 6-1 record.

The 6-foot-3, 315-pound left tackle has a personal motivation driving him. Following the death of his father last year, who was also his closest coach, Smith is committed to honoring his memory through his performance on the field. “I felt I had something in me, pushing myself,” he said. “I was more focused on my craft. I had to prove something. I had to better myself.”

In preparation for this season, Smith committed to rigorous training, shedding weight while building muscle. He dropped from 345 pounds as a junior, a change that has enhanced his agility and mobility on the field. His hard work has not gone unnoticed by head coach Tyson LeBlanc, who noted that Smith’s development has been instrumental in solidifying the offensive line after the team lost two starters to graduation.

Strong Offensive Line Fuels Success

The offensive line, now featuring Smith alongside teammates Connor Griffin, Greyson Hohimer, Anthony Thornley, and Rocco LaCalamita, has transformed from an uncertain group into a cohesive unit. Their collaboration has revitalized Oswego East’s running game, which has not seen this level of success in nearly a decade. In a recent game against previously undefeated Yorkville, senior running back Jasiah Watson rushed for 253 yards and three touchdowns, bringing his season total to over 1,026 yards.

LeBlanc reflected on the evolution of the offensive line, stating, “We had a lot of question marks coming in. Him being able to develop as he did, he solidified a spot that we quite frankly had question marks about coming in.” The coach also drew a comparison to former Oswego East star Ivory Kelly-Martin, indicating that the team’s current running success is reminiscent of past achievements.

Smith attributes much of his improvement to the support and guidance of Oswego East assistant coach Patrick Molinari, who played a key role in his training regimen. Smith emphasized that developing his confidence and recognizing his strength has been crucial to his performance. “The big thing is definitely my confidence has gone up, knowing what to do,” he said.

Future Outlook and Playoff Aspirations

With Smith leading the offensive line, Oswego East has secured its first playoff bid since 2022 and is vying for the Southwest Prairie West Division title. “We definitely came with the mindset knowing we would be a solid team, proving everybody wrong,” Smith stated. “Everybody thought we weren’t going to be as good. It’s nice to get this close to being conference champs.”

Meanwhile, Yorkville head coach Dan McGuire is evaluating his team after their first loss of the season. He acknowledged that Oswego East’s effective game plan disrupted their offensive strategy, limiting their ball possession. As the team prepares for their upcoming match against Plainfield North, McGuire expects a similar challenge, emphasizing the need for improved performance in both running and defending the ball.

As the playoffs approach, the Southwest Prairie Conference West division looks promising, with Oswego East and Yorkville already clinching playoff spots. Other teams, including Oswego, Minooka, and Bolingbrook, are also in contention, while Plainfield North could potentially join the ranks if they secure victories in the next two weeks.

The stage is set for an exciting conclusion to the season, as the teams in the Southwest Prairie West continue to battle for playoff positioning and strive for glory on the gridiron.