Simeon and Phillips, the last two Public League teams still standing in the state playoffs, have left their imprint all over the Sun-Times All-Public League team with 12 selections between them.
For the second consecutive year, the Wildcats’ Illinois State-bound quarterback Dewayne Collins was selected to the team.
‘‘He is a tremendous player and person,” Phillips coach Troy McAllister said. “He has accepted the challenge of leadership and he’s a pleasure to coach. The numbers don’t tell the story of just how good he is, as well as some of his teammates.’’
Collins completed 57 percent of his passes for 1,143 yards and 19 touchdowns. He also rushed for 1,358 yards and 15 touchdowns, while leading the Wildcats to a Class 4A quarterfinal appearance against Rockford Lutheran on Saturday.
Four of Collins’ teammates join him on the list, including junior wide receiver Quayvon Skanes, who had 33 catches for 847 yards and 10 touchdowns. The Wildcats also are well represented on defense with junior linebacker Amani Jones, sophomore defensive tackle Chris Elmore (10 sacks) and strong safety Jamal Brown (Illinois State).
Demoria Harris, who is regarded as one of the best athletes in the Public League after winning 2A state championships in the 100 and 200 meters last year, missed out at quarterback but earned a selection as the all-purpose back.
The running back position is represented by three 1,000-yard rushers: Simeon’s Dion Earls Jr., King’s Lance Robinson and Curie’s Christopher Baldwin.
Robinson had the distinction of playing for his grandfather, legendary coach Lonnie Williams
‘‘Lance is extremely gifted and has D-I ability,’’ Williams said. ‘‘He responds to coaching and is a hard worker. I coached him no different than I’ve coached any other player that has come through this program.’’
Baldwin also is just scratching the surface of his ability according to Condors coach Jay McDonagh.
‘‘He is devastating on both sides of the ball, has a motor that stays on and wants to get better,’’ said McDonagh.
Earls is one of the team leaders of the “Blue Machine,” as Simeon is often referred. Wolverines coach Dante Culbreath said Earls is just a humble, hard worker and there is nobody more deserving. ‘‘He is one of the toughest kids I have ever seen, a total team guy,’’ Culbreath said.
‘‘With him it’s always about the team. He packs a big punch.’’
Simeon, which will play Naperville Central in a Class 8A quarterfinal Saturday, has six more All-City picks, including junior offensive linemen Keevan Agee (6-3, 275 pounds) and Terrell Macklin-Dupree (6-5, 320). Two-time All-Public league selection Maurice Burton led the Wolverines with 6-5 defensive back Anthony Sheko and 6-0, 265-pound defensive lineman Malik Allen. Simeon kicker Craig Barnes also earned a spot on the team.
Young receiver Christian Everett is a special talent. The 6-2, 205-pound senior runs the 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds and is an outstanding student as well. Everett was the starting point guard on the Dolphins’ state championship team.
