Rolling Meadows senior linebacker Jace O’Hara is unquestionably one of the best players on his team, but he might be one of the top players in the area as well.
His coach certainly thinks so.
“He has all the attributes that make him so valuable. He’s a playmaker,” Rolling Meadows coach Matt Mishler said. “I think he’s a contender for defensive player of the year (in the Mid-Suburban East). He’ll be right in the mix.”
But that’s just defense. O’Hara showed his skills on the offensive side of the ball in Rolling Meadows’ season-opening 43-7 victory Friday against Glenbrook South at home. Playing tailback, O’Hara only ran the ball four times in one half, but he gained 196 yards. His first two carries produced touchdown runs of 86 and 91 yards. He was barely touched as he easily outran the defense in the open field.
“It was a great start to the season,” O’Hara said. “All the credit has to go to the offensive line blocking, which made reading the holes easy.”
Mustangs senior running back Tim Szylak scored three touchdowns on runs of 6, 6 and 1 yard. He finished with 65 yards on 12 carries.
Rolling Meadows senior quarterback Arek Kleniuk also found the end zone on a 4-yard keeper. He was 6-for-9 passing for 66 yards.
On defense, O’Hara had an interception and seven tackles in just two quarters of action. He’s come a long way since last year, when he said he was nervous starting the season as a linebacker for the Mustangs.
“I’m much more confident having Jace behind me making plays,” said Mustangs junior defensive tackle Nate Pedraza, who led the team with nine tackles, including a sack among three tackles for loss. “He brings it all, every play. A standout athlete.”
On the very first play of the game, O’Hara split two defenders and brought the Glenbrook South running back down for a 1-yard loss. O’Hara said that he made sure that the defensive intensity was high throughout the contest.
Glenbrook South scored its lone touchdown with a running clock in the fourth quarter. The Mustangs’ defense forced four turnovers and recorded three sacks.
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“I’m a lot more confident now,” O’Hara said. “I’ve improved. I can’t wait to show people.”
He’s off to a good start after one game.