Key Players Shine During Week 6 of High School Football Season

The Week 6 high school football action showcased standout performances even in defeat, highlighting the resilience and talent of several players in the region. Notable among them were Ottawa’s senior running back Archer Cechowicz and Streator’s senior defensive lineman Aiden Ferris, both making significant impacts in their respective games.

Cechowicz Continues to Impress for Ottawa Pirates

Despite a challenging stretch that has seen the Ottawa Pirates lose their last four games after a promising start of 2-0, senior running back Archer Cechowicz has emerged as a cornerstone of the team’s offense. In the recent matchup against La Salle-Peru, Cechowicz rushed for 116 yards, maintaining an impressive average of 6.2 yards per carry across his 87 rushing attempts this season.

Ottawa’s head coach Chad Gross praised Cechowicz’s performance, noting that opposing coaches frequently compliment him at the end of games. “He isn’t the biggest kid in the world, but he’s a football player, and I’d take him any day on any team I have ever coached,” Gross stated. With a total of 549 rushing yards and 39 receiving yards this season, Cechowicz is on track to potentially exceed 1,000 total yards from scrimmage if he continues to perform at this level.

Ferris’ Defensive Play Keeps Streator in the Game

In Streator, senior defensive lineman Aiden Ferris played a crucial role in his team’s efforts against Herscher. In a tightly contested game, Ferris made a pivotal stop on a fourth-and-2 situation at the Streator 16-yard line, preventing Herscher from sealing the game. This defensive play gave the Bulldogs a chance to tie the game, although they ultimately lost 28-14.

Streator head coach Jay Slone praised Ferris’s determination and leadership on the field. “It’s got to be speed, it’s got to be tenacity, and Ferris is a perfect example of that,” Slone noted, highlighting the hard work Ferris has put into his performance this season.

Seneca’s Shriey and Marquette’s Couch Stand Out

In another exciting game, Seneca’s senior running back Cam Shriey demonstrated his value to the Fighting Irish. Known for his ability to gain critical yards, Shriey has amassed 843 rushing yards on 83 carries this season, averaging an impressive 10.2 yards per carry and scoring 14 touchdowns. Coach Terry Maxwell emphasized Shriey’s versatility, noting that he not only runs effectively but also contributes in blocking and faking, making him a dual threat.

On the other side, Marquette’s quarterback Anthony Couch showcased his skills despite a loss to Seneca. Couch completed 15 of 24 passes for 193 yards and four touchdowns, starting strong with a perfect 40-yard touchdown strike to Connor Baker early in the game. Coach Ken Carlson expressed confidence in Couch’s abilities, stating, “I feel comfortable calling any play at any time, because I know that Anthony doesn’t get rattled.”

As the high school football season progresses, these players continue to demonstrate their commitment and skill, contributing significantly to their teams even amidst challenges.