As an All-American wrestler, Lockport’s Andrew Blackburn-Forst could be content with having a big future in that sport.
But Blackburn-Forst, a senior nose guard, hopes to attract the same kind of recruiting attention he is getting in wrestling from football coaches.
“I’m a very passionate wrestler, but wrestling is a very solo kind of thing,” Blackburn-Forst said. “I like some aspects of that, but being a part of a team like this and getting on the football field with guys from your community that you’ve known growing up, it’s just so amazing. It’s something I’m more passionate about.
“I know I could probably go to a big school for wrestling, but I’m just looking for that kind of shot in football if someone will give it to me.”
The huge senior season Blackburn-Forst is having will certainly help. He has been a force on the defensive line for the Porters (9-1), who host Glenbard West (8-2) at 6:30 p.m. Saturday in a Class 8A second-round playoff game.
This season, Blackburn-Forst has recorded 47 tackles, including 10 sacks and 19 tackles for loss.
“He’s been dominant for us,” Lockport coach George Czart said. “His stats speak totally for themselves. He sets the tempo up front.
“We pretty much know he’s going to be double-teamed every play and, if not, he’s going to be in the backfield doing something. If he’s the guy they have to double, we’ll use that with our scheme to free someone else up.”
Blackburn-Forst won the Class 3A championship at the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association state tournament held in June after the Illinois High School Association state tournament was canceled due to COVID-19.
In July, he finished as the runner-up in Greco-Roman at the USA Wrestling Junior and 16U National Championships in July.
Now, he’s hoping to make as much of a name for himself in football.
“Recruiting has been difficult,” he said. “Not many people want their nose guard to not be 6-foot-6. I’m 6-3. But (Los Angeles Rams star) Aaron Donald is 6-1. I know I’m no Aaron Donald right now, but I could be one of those types of players when I get to college.
“I’m getting D-II and D-III looks for football and some D-I for wrestling. I’m going to keep working at it. I’m not against doing either one in college, but I’m going to see where I’m comfortable.”
Right now, he’s enjoying playing on the same defensive line as twins brothers Cody and Cole Silzer, both Eastern Illinois recruits, as well as senior Paul Rasp.
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“I think with us four, we have the best D-line in the state,” Blackburn-Forst said. “This team is making my life so much sweeter right now. The success we’re having, I’m tasting it every single day and it feels amazing.”
Road warriors: Richards (8-2) will make a 285-mile bus trip to East St. Louis (8-2) to take on the top-ranked team by The Associated Press in the 6A rankings at 3 p.m. Saturday in a second-round game.
Richards coach Anthony Sheehan has coached at East St. Louis twice before. The Bulldogs won 7-6 in a semifinal game there in 2013 and lost 60-0 in a 2019 quarterfinal.
“It’s a huge challenge,” Sheehan said. “We’ve been down there twice. It’s a long trip but it’s a great place to play football. That place is awesome. They love their football down there. It’s something fun to experience.”
Carrying the load: Senior Trey Johnson had a busy day Saturday in Lincoln-Way East’s 23-6 win over Oswego East in an 8A first-round game.
Johnson ran a whopping 38 times for 196 yards and a touchdown.
Johnson, who started the year at receiver, moved to running back and has become a workhorse late in the season.
“I like having the ball in my hands,” Johnson said. “I just want to make plays and lead my team down the field.”
Steve Millar is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.