Record player
Greenville quarterback Tyler Hutchinson broke the state record for career passing yards last week and could be the first to hit 10,000 this weekend. Hutchinson is at 9,836 after throwing for 347 last week to break the former record of 9,752 held by Aurora Christian’s Jordan Roberts (2005-08). Hutchinson has thrown 43 touchdown passes and five interceptions this season. Greenville (7-0) is listed in Class 3A but could be bumped up to 4A.
Here’s the catch
The state’s single-season record for touchdown receptions could also be in jeopardy, though Providence’s Miles Boykin still has a lot of work to do to reach the 29 Montini’s Jordan Westerkamp hauled in to earn Tribune Player of the Year honors in 2011. With 16, the Notre Dame-bound Boykin is on pace if Providence’s season extends to the state championship or Prep Bowl. Westerkamp, who’s having a fine 2014 season for Nebraska, also is the only receiver with two 20-TD seasons and owns the career record with 68.
Off the brink
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Lake Zurich saved itself from the brink of playoff elimination by beating Lake Forest 35-24 in its best offensive performance relative to the competition last week. It remains to be seen whether the Bears offense has improved enough to extend the team’s streak of reaching the Class 7A semifinals to six consecutive seasons, but Friday night may provide an indication. Lake Zurich plays Warren (5-2), a talented team with Class 8A playoff ambitions of its own.
Points well taken
Highland Park is in position for a top-five seed in Class 7A as one of its five undefeated teams, but its 7-0 record must be taken with a chunk of salt. The Giants’ 20 opponents’ is a tied for the lowest total in the state. They play Niles North (4-3) this weekend, the only team on their schedule with a winning record currently.