Four Downs: Lincoln-Way East's dominance, Joliet Central wins, Owen Lansu injured, Jack Elliott returns

Lincoln-Way East has not been challenged this season. Is that a good thing?

The Griffins dominated Maine South in the season opener. They’ve only played one other team that has made an appearance in the Super 25 this season, Naperville North. The Huskies debuted this week.

Lincoln-Way East has taken care of business, scoring at least 47 points in every victory. That 22 points allowed against Maine South is the most the Griffins have given up.

It will be interesting to see if Andrew, which is 5-2 and knocked off Sandburg in Week 7, can give Lincoln-Way East a challenge on Friday. Then, in Week 8, the Griffins should finally face a major test. They host undefeated Naperville Central.

Those matchups in the final two weeks of the regular season should help Lincoln-Way East coach Rob Zvonar tune his team up for the state championship run.

Quarterback Jonas Williams has been terrific this season. The Oregon recruit broke the school record with six touchdown passes against Homewood-Flossmoor in Week 5. Lincoln-Way East defensive lineman Caden O’Rourke may be the most impactful defensive player in the area.

The Griffins have elite talent and Class 8A is looking weak at the top overall. Loyola is certainly capable of beating Lincoln-Way East. But after seven weeks there doesn’t seem to be another serious contender.

The Steelmen win

Joliet Central is only 12 miles from Lincoln-Way East but is in another football universe. The Steelmen beat Plainfield Central 37-17 in Week 7. It’s the first win in nearly five years for Joliet Central. The last win was on Oct. 18, 2019, also against the Wildcats.

Quarterback Paul Slick, running back Christian Smith and receiver Dimarius Matthews made big plays in the win for the Steelmen, who have persevered through multiple running-clock defeats this season.

Joliet Central’s losing streaks are severe. The Steelmen snapped a 57-game skid with a win against Plainfield Central in 2016.

Another quarterback injury

Several of the area’s best quarterbacks are currently battling through injuries. Add Downers Grove North’s Owen Lansu to the list.

The Trojans lost to Lyons 21-20 in Week 7. Lansu left the game after he was sacked halfway through the second quarter. Downers Grove North led 14-0 at that point.

Jack Elliott returns

Mount Carmel quarterback Jack Elliott, like Loyola quarterback Ryan Fitzgerald, is hoping to make it through the rest of the season nursing a nagging injury.

Elliott, who sat out the Caravan’s loss to Brother Rice in Week 6, returned in Week 7.

Elliott completed 11 of 22 passes for 239 yards and two touchdowns to lead Mount Carmel past Joliet Catholic 35-21. The Vanderbilt commit ran less than usual, finishing with seven carries for 35 yards.

Elliott didn’t resume throwing till Thursday and wasn’t cleared to play until Friday morning.

“A lot of people were cautious about me,” Elliott said. “But I gotta come out here and help my team win, whatever they need.”

Caravan coach Jordan Lynch understood the balancing act involved.

“I just want to be careful with him running the ball,” Lynch said. “I want to be smart. I know the kid’s tough, but I didn’t want to be stupid either. But football happens, too, and plays break down.”

Contributing: Mike Clark