Oct. 08--Ready for record
If James Robinson has an average run on his first carry on Friday night, he'll become Illinois' all-time rushing king. The Rockford Lutheran senior needs 25 yards against Byron (5-1) to break the record of 8,477. He has 1,875 yards on 72 attempts this season, an average of 26 yards per carry. University of Alabama junior Derrick Henry of Yulee, Fla., holds the national record of 12,144. Robinson could break 10,000 by averaging 200 yards the rest of the way if Lutheran (6-0) reaches the state final.
Junior WRs, RBs rising
While the senior class in Illinois is heavy on offensive and defensive line prospects, a number of skill position players have established themselves in the junior class. Rising receivers include Brother Rice's Ricky Smalling -- who is coming off a brilliant performance in a victory over Mount Carmel -- Neuqua Valley's Isaiah Robertson and East St. Louis's Jeff Thomas. Running backs having monster junior seasons include Nazareth's Ivory Kelly-Martin, Carmel's Rondel Jamison, IC Catholic's Jordan Rowell and St. Laurence's Fayezon Smart.
No solutions offered
After the rejection of numerous proposals in recent years to address the related issues of conference instability, scheduling difficulties and postseason qualification, the IHSA has yet to receive any this fall. The deadline to submit a proposal for this year's December ballot is Tuesday. The diversity and disparity of the IHSA membership has made it difficult to achieve the majority vote necessary for change.
Cyclones still flying
Springfield Sacred-Heart Griffin is at it again. The two-time defending Class 6A champ has a 350-62 point differential. In Week 6, the Cyclones did not build a big enough lead for a running clock last week for the first time since 2013 while beating Chatham Glenwood 45-10.
Mike Helfgot is a freelance reporter for the Chicago Tribune.
