O’Brien: Previewing the state finals

Loyola receiver David Terrell, Jr. has caught passes from Tom Brady and worked out with Brandon Marshall. Those are some of the benefits of having a former Chicago Bear as a dad.

Despite his father’s status, Terrell has managed to fly under the radar this season. His numbers are excellent, he has a chance at a 1,000 yard season and Loyola’s all-time receiving record. And he’s peaking at the right time. The 5-11, 175-pound senior had seven receptions for 91 yards on Saturday against Glenbard West.

“I’m not the dad screaming at the 30-yard line,” David Terrell Sr. said. “I watch the games in the car from the parking lot, I’m just too nervous. We do break down a lot of film together though. I noticed when I got to the NFL it was a lot about film work.”

Terrell currently has offers from Valparaiso, James Madison and others. He’s hoping for an offer from Boston College, which has interest.

“[Terrell] has unbelivable route-running, quickness and hands,” Loyola coach John Holecek said. “If he was just a little taller and faster everyone would want him, but he has all the intangibles.”

Maine South (10-3) is the only thing standing in the way of a second consecutive state title and perfect season for the Ramblers (13-0) this weekend in Champaign. The teams met in Week 2, Loyola won 44-43 in Wilmette.

The Ramblers defense, especially the secondary, has improved since then. But the Hawks, led by running back Fotis Kokosioulis and quarterback Nick Leongas, have proven they can put up serious points on any team in the state. This one is at 7 p.m. on Saturday and should be one of the weekend’s top games.

CLASS 7A: Plainfield North (11-2) vs. East St. Louis (13-0), Sat. 4 p.m.: Plainfield North emerged victorious from the Fenwick saga only to find itself facing one of the state’s true powerhouses, both on the field and in the stands.

“I’m expecting 15 to 20,00 fans there to cheer us on this weekend,” East St. Louis coach Darren Sunkett. “The whole town is excited.”

The Flyers, led by running back Jarrell Anderson, have only been challenged twice all season and they beat Benet 20-0 in the semifinals.

Lost in the controversy over the Fenwick game was the guts and determination it took for the Tigers to comeback and win that semifinal. Running back Tyler Hoosman is averaging more than seven yards a carry and quarterback Brady Miller has thrown 20 touchdown passes this season.

6A: Prairie Ridge (13-0) vs. Sacred Heart-Griffin (13-0), 1 p.m.: Keep an eye on Prairie Ridge quarterback Samson Evans, he is a Player of the Year candidate. The junior can pass and throw. He rushed for 38 touchdowns this season.

The Cyclones’ defense has been impressive throughout the playoffs and they can put up points. Prairie Ridge is considered the underdog.

5A: Vernon Hills (10-3) vs. Peoria Central (12-1), Sat. 10 a.m.: No one expected Vernon Hills to be here and no expects them to beat the Lions, who are averaging 57 points a game in the playoffs. Peoria Central beat Decatur Eisenhower 96-40 in the second round. The Cougars’ defense has been stout all season, but this will be their biggest test.

4A: Johnsburg (13-0) vs. Rochester (12-1), Fri, 7 p.m.: Johnsburg shocked Phillips in the semifinals, but the Wildcats did contain the Skyhawks biggest weapon, quarterback Alex Peete. Rochester may not have the athletes to duplicate Phillips’ feat however. Peete averaged 8.5 yards per carry and scored 37 rushing touchdowns this season.

Rochester, a perennial contender, plays a fun, fast-tempo offense that is a treat to watch.

3A: IC Catholic (13-0) vs. Carlinville (12-1), Fri. 4 p.m.: The Knights are the heaviest favorites this weekend. Some longtime observers think they may be the best Class 3A team in history. IC Catholic cruised through the regular season, led by running back/defensive back Jordan Rowell, a Player of the Year candidate.