Four Downs: Having a top-quality kicker gives Simeon an unusual weapon

Simeon’s undefeated run has been keyed by some major stars and big-time college prospects: Malik Elzy, Andre Crews, Christopher Burgess Jr. and Mikeshun Beeler.

The Wolverines have large, athletic and talented lines and game-breakers at several offensive positions. But coach Dante Culbreath’s squad also has a weapon very few Public League teams have had in the last few decades: a quality kicker.

Senior Amusat Pelumi arrived in Chicago from Nigeria in 2018. He was a soccer player at that point. He learned how to kick a football last year and made Simeon’s varsity team during tryouts this season.

‘‘My dad and I came here because we felt like we had to change some stuff,’’ Pelumi said. ‘‘And one of those changes was switching from soccer to football. I wanted to do something unique.’’

Most of Simeon’s games have been blowouts this season, so Pelumi hasn’t had a high-pressure kick. But his long extra points turned several heads in the Wolverines’ victory Saturday against Morgan Park at Gately Stadium.

Pelumi is 3-for-3 on field goals this season. He made two from 30 yards and one from 28. He only has missed one extra point. Culbreath says Pelumi is consistent from about 40 yards in practice.

‘‘We’ve been working diligently with him and our special teams because he’s going to be important in the playoffs,’’ Culbreath said. ‘‘His teammates love him. He speaks so differently and teaches them things about Nigeria, so it’s been good to have him on the team.’’

Player of the Year update

It’s probably a stretch to say it has been an exciting Player of the Year race this season, but two of the top candidates had big games in Week 8.

Prairie Ridge quarterback Tyler Vasey rushed for more than 300 yards and five touchdowns in a 48-41 victory against Crystal Lake South.

Prospect junior Brad Vierneisel was one of the few quarterbacks in the area who was able to succeed in the rain Friday. He was 13-for-14 for 165 yards and three touchdowns against Wheeling.

Underrated rivalry

The Oswego-Oswego East game is one of the hidden gems in the area. It’s a relatively young rivalry at only 18 years, but the game is usually a sellout and there is a traveling trophy. The game means something.

The game this season was especially important. Oswego East came back to win 35-21 to knock Oswego (3-5) out of playoff contention. The Panthers hadn’t missed the playoffs since 2010.

Oswego East running back Tre Jones ran for more than 250 yards and scored four touchdowns to lead the Wolves (5-3) to the victory.

The big one

Mount Carmel at Loyola has been circled on the calendar all season. Both teams are undefeated heading into the showdown Saturday in Wilmette. The Caravan have been ranked No. 1 all season, and the Ramblers have spent most of the season at No. 2. The U will televise the game live.

Here’s one factor to keep in mind: Michael Baker has developed into a secret weapon for Loyola. He kicked a 56-yard field goal Saturday against St. Patrick. That’s tied for the fifth-longest in state history.