Nov. 13--Five days before Hinsdale South's Class 6A quarterfinal playoff game against undefeated Lincoln-Way North, Josh King is causing havoc late in Tuesday's practice.
The Michigan State recruit is in playoff mode, disrupting offensive plays with his next-level athleticism. King is also the reigning Class 3A 220-pound state wrestling champion.
His current 6-foot-6, 250-pound stature towers over the offensive line. Hinsdale South's diminutive scout team quarterback quickly discovers why King is the No. 1 senior football recruit in Illinois.
Play after play, King is in the backfield seconds after each snap. A small laughter breaks out when King forces the quarterback to dash out of the pocket.
"Our scout team (offense) is a big reason why we're winning every week," King said. "They help us give a good look, and I just want to do my part."
After numerous offensive plays with no flow -- all because of King -- Hinsdale South assistant coaches signal for King to step aside and watch for a while. His first play back on defense, King busts through the line during a close-yardage situation to touch the quarterback before the play develops.
Although he didn't interact with King much Tuesday, Hinsdale South senior quarterback Sean McCormack credits King for helping his transition to becoming a starter this season.
"(Josh) teaches you to get the ball out early," McCormack said. "Basically, you know there's going to be pressure coming and to keep your eyes downfield and don't be scared that he's coming. You have to make your reads and get your ball out quick and make sure he doesn't have time to hit you."
Hinsdale South coach Mike Barry acknowledges King's place on his team -- his last name befits his status on the Hornets. No other Hinsdale South player has a single scholarship offer, Barry said.
Yet the Hornets (8-3) are certainly more than Josh King. Behind a diverse group of playmakers, the Hornets' offense is averaging 37.2 points per game. Hinsdale South has scored at least 34 points in each of its last four games, including a 47-7 triumph against Oak Forest in the second round. The Hornets advanced to the quarterfinals for the second straight season.
"We have a lot of guys, it's not just one guy," Barry said. "Sure, one guy is getting all the college attention, but I know we got a lot of other guys that are under the radar in terms of the college scholarship scene."
The 6-foot-6 McCormack has thrown for 2,519 yards and 29 touchdowns this season. Senior running back Marcus Curry leads the team with 174 carries for 1,024 yards and 15 touchdowns. Ravon Johnson headlines a talented cast of receivers, with 34 receptions for 711 yards and 13 touchdowns. Connor McCormack (35 receptions, 605 yards), Robert Hall (48 catches, 693 yards, 8 touchdowns) and Jevais Harris (15 catches, 291 yards) round out one of best receiving corps in the Chicagoland area.
"We're building off what we did last year," Curry said. "The offense this year is really improved, and we have a really good quarterback and a great group of receivers. Our offensive line is really dominating run blocking and pass blocking."
The defense and the offense have been in sync since a 45-38 overtime loss to Hinsdale Central on Oct. 16. The Hornets forced seven turnovers against Oak Forest.
"The whole team has been clicking on offense," McCormack said. "The defense has been getting turnovers, and that makes it easier to score. The offensive line is pushing up front on run blocks and giving me time to throw. Marcus has been running great and wide receivers are making plays."
Bob Narang is a freelance reporter for the Chicago Tribune.
