Neukirch, Allen running wild

Huntley's Jordan Neukirch finds open field against Grayslake North earlier this season.
(Brian Valentine/Courier News)

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Wes Allen has enjoyed more than his share of success during his three-year varsity football career at St. Charles East.

The Saints running back was promoted to the top squad as a 10th-grader by coach Ted Monken and didn't disappoint. Allen had compiled more than 2,000 rushing yards during his first two seasons with the Saints. So to say he was proven entering the 2008 season was an understatement.

What the East standout accomplished last week, however, might have even surprised the most dedicated of Saints football fans. Allen rushed 43 times for 285 yards and six touchdowns in a 42-41 double-overtime victory against visiting Lake Park.

The guy scored all of his team's TDs in a thrilling homecoming triumph.

"We're really glad to get Wes that many carries," said Monken. "If the horse is winning you the race, keeping riding it."

Allen heard all about his dream game while at a fast-food restaurant following Friday's victory. And then on Saturday he really got an appreciation for what he had done.

Soreness greeted him upon waking up that morning.

"I was sore, but I got over it," said Allen, first in the area in rushing this season and second in scoring. "It was one of those achy mornings."

But a good pain, if there is such a thing.

"I was lucky enough to get that many carries and the offensive line did a great job for me," said Allen, who has amassed 916 rushing yards on 134 attempts with 11 TDs this season. "I knew I might need to (carry the load) this year and I'm just trying to make the most of it."

And how.

But he's got company when it comes to the ability to run the ball in this area.

Huntley's Jordan Neukirch is also enjoying a stellar season and he plays on both sides of the ball. The Illinois State recruit leads the area in scoring with 76 points, including 11 rushing TDs. Neukirch is second to Allen in rushing, accumulating 802 yards on just 75 carries -- good for an average of 10.7 yards per tote.

And that's translated into a 5-0 record for the Red Raiders, who have outscored their opponents 185-51 this season.

Neukirch also plays linebacker and is a mainstay on defense and a team leader.

"I'm perfectly happy with the way things have gone," said Neukirch, a three-year starter. "I know the younger guys look up to me and I've always accepted that role."

Neukirch's big-play ability, he says, is a tribute to his offensive linemen. But his athleticism and skills make him one of the most dynamic athletes in the area. He needed just nine carries to gain 165 yards last week in a 41-0 victory against Grayslake North in Fox Valley Conference Fox Division action.

The win made Huntley playoff eligible and the Red Raiders can secure their second-ever postseason bid by defeating Grayslake Central on Saturday.

"Guys are definitely excited about this and we want to win that sixth game," said Neukirch, also a team captain on the basketball team. "Our goals have changed a little bit (since starting the season 5-0). We came in wanting to make the playoffs. Now, we want to go undefeated."

And that quick start has the Huntley community caught up in the excitement.

"A lot of people don't give us as much crap anymore," said Neukirch. "It seems like everybody is on board with this team."

Erik Jacobsen contributed.