Phillips’ Dwayne Collins helps rout Julian, commits to Illinois State

Phillips’ quarterback Dwayne Collins got a call Friday morning from Illinois State University’s head coach informing him they were offering him a football scholarship.

Collins told coach Brock Spack that he would give them an answer after his game against Julian Friday night.

Collins was in a very good mood, as Phillips (3-1, 1-0) steamrolled Julian in a 69-0 rout in their opening Land of Lincoln Conference game Friday night in front of a home crowd. Collins was 4-of-5 for 134 yards with three touchdowns on passes of 37, 43 and 19 yards. He also gained 131 yards rushing on five carries and scored two touchdowns on runs of 36 and 46 yards.

The Wildcats were dominant in every facet of the game as they scored on their first seven possessions to take a 48-0 lead in the first quarter.

Collins was not the only star on offense as wide receiver Quayvon Skanes had three catches for 101 yards and a touchdown. Running back Corey Warren had four rushes for 87 yards with touchdown runs of 25 and 30 yards. He also cashed in on a 19-yard touchdown reception.

Kamari Mosley also had multiple touchdowns on runs of two and 15 yards. Yac Chambers caught a 43-yard pass for a touchdown and freshman running back Craig Elmore closed out the scoring on a 42-yard run late in the fourth quarter.

The only thing the Wildcats did not do right was getting called for four penalties that nullified four touchdowns.

Phillips coach Troy McAllister said he was surprised by the score, but he wanted his kids to continue playing hard.

“We let one slip away early because we let up and lost our focus,” said McAllister. “We have to guard from that happening again and whoever is on the field knows that they have to give one hundred percent.”

The Jaguars (2-2, 0-1) only recorded three first downs the entire game — all in the second half. Coach David Underwood shook his head as he left the field.

“What you saw today was a great group of football players playing some guys that like to play football,” said Underwood. “That is an awesome team.”

Collins said he feels that Illinois State is a good fit.

“I talked it over with my coach and my mother and I know that I am making a good decision,” said Collins.

“Illinois State has been consistent in showing me that I was a major priority for them. I am looking forward to that challenge, but right now my main focus is getting us to the state championship.”

The Wildcats’ defense was led by nose-guard Chris Elmore and linebacker Amani Jones. Elmore had eight tackles and two fumble recoveries and Jones had a team-high ten tackles and a sack.