Oswego's Banire returns for playoff win as Public League teams advance
A 190-pound junior scored two touchdowns on his first five touches, while five inner-city programs defeated established rivals in the first round.
By Carlos Rousseau ·
Oswego running back Ammar Banire returned from injury with two touchdowns in the first half of a 27-6 victory over Naperville Central. The junior had missed the final five regular-season games, leaving his availability for the postseason uncertain. His performance against the Central Cubs secured the Panthers a spot in the second round, where they will host Naperville North this weekend.
Banire, who stands 6-foot-2 and weighs 190 pounds, scored a 31-yard touchdown on his first carry. He finished the game with seven carries for 118 yards and two scores. The player received scholarship offers from Oklahoma State and several Big Ten schools. He visited Notre Dame in early October. Last season, he led Oswego to the Class 8A championship game, defeating Maine South and Lockport in the previous two rounds.
The return of Banire coincides with a strong showing from Public League teams. Lane, Kenwood, Simeon, King, and Morgan Park all advanced to the second round. Each of these schools defeated a high-performing opponent in the first round. Lane beat South Elgin, Kenwood defeated Glenbard East, Simeon took Oak Lawn, King won over Deerfield, and Morgan Park handled Oak Forest.
While Huntley is favored against Lane in Class 8A and Simeon faces Nazareth in Class 6A, other matchups offer more balance. King will play Cary-Grove in Class 5A. Kenwood faces Normal in Class 7A. Morgan Park, the underdog, plays Providence in Class 5A. Providence is currently ranked 17th in the Super 25.
Goode High School played a four-hour game against Quincy in Class 6A. The Knights lost 88-84 in a contest that began at 3 p.m. The game required a move to Englewood Stadium because Goode's field lacks lighting. The combined score of 172 points set a state record for the most points in an Illinois high school game. The previous record of 166 points was set in 2021. Quincy quarterback Bryson Little threw nine touchdown passes and rushed for two more.
Craig Anderson, the executive director of the IHSA, commented on the unusual conditions. He stated that the circumstances were not ideal, but everyone involved supported the students. He noted that the result would be memorable for all participants. The game set multiple state records during its duration.
Kankakee and Sandburg dropped from the rankings after first-round losses. Kankakee had been in the Super 25 since the preseason. Nazareth and Lyons earned the two open spots in the latest list. Both teams secured two high-quality wins during the season. Nazareth defeated York and Providence. Lyons beat Barrington and Wheaton-Warrenville South.
Lincoln-Way East remains at number one after a 31-7 win over Oak Park. Loyola is second following a 41-0 victory against Minooka. Brother Rice holds the third spot after beating St. Charles North. Mount Carmel is fourth, and Hersey is fifth. Oswego remains at number nine. Naperville North and Oswego will play this weekend.
The next round of games is scheduled for this weekend. Oswego hosts Naperville North. Loyola hosts York. Brother Rice hosts Batavia. Mount Carmel hosts Barrington. Hersey hosts Glenbard West. IC Catholic hosts Johnsburg. Bolingbrook hosts Lyons. Maine South hosts St. Ignatius. Geneva hosts Wheaton North.
Nazareth plays at Simeon. York plays at Loyola. Prospect hosts Rockford Guilford. Lyons plays at Bolingbrook. Morgan Park hosts Providence. Huntley hosts Lane. Morris hosts Montini. New Trier hosts Homewood-Flossmoor. Downers Grove North hosts St. Rita. St. Rita plays at Downers Grove North.
