Senior offensive tackle Anthony Santori III takes special pleasure in making the players around him look and play better for Providence.
He creates ideal conditions for the Celtics’ playmakers to showcase their talents.
“I think my favorite part is definitely just getting a good block and seeing my guy go 40 yards down the field in one play,” Santori said. “Everybody gets excited.
“We’re all together, screaming, hollering and always making sure we’re winning games.”
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The three-year starter commands the right side and opens up holes for senior running back Broden Mackert or gives junior quarterback Dominic Vita the time he needs.
Providence, which finished 10-4 last season, returns 11 starters from a team that lost 39-35 to Wheaton St. Francis in the Class 5A state championship game. The Celtics are No. 4 in the Daily Southtown’s preseason rankings.
Santori is a critical piece for an offense that averaged 40.6 points in five state playoff games.
“He’s progressed a ton for us,” Providence coach Tyler Plantz said. “He’s a huge anchor for us, and we don’t have a lot returning to our offensive line. He’s very coachable.
“He works hard and he’s a great student who understands the game really well.”
Vita first played with Santori four years ago when they were teammates on the Mokena-based Jr. Celtics’ youth team that won a Pop Warner national championship.
“He was just so much bigger than everyone, but he moved so well,” Vita said. “He’s got really good feet and he’s really strong. I know I can always trust him to get the person in front of him.
“Personally, he’s just a great guy who always puts the team before himself.”
At 6-foot-5 and 300 pounds, Santori is a natural drive blocker with the footwork and balance to create a wall for Vita.
“His size is something you can’t coach,” Plantz said. “He also runs really well for a guy his size. He’s a special player and we’ll continue to lean on him.”
During his first two years as a starter, Santori was the apprentice who carefully studied the game and developed organically under the influence of his older peers.
Now, his style and approach have matured.
“During my first years, I was learning my position,” Santori said. “I was filling a role. I’m planning on being a captain this season. My favorite way of playing is with my team.
“There’s never a play where I don’t ask a question or make sure we’re doing the right thing. I always have to be quick and protect my quarterback.”
The game has been a central facet of his life since he was a kid growing up in Chicago Heights. His father and uncle were standout players at Bloom Trail.
His younger brother, Christopher, is a junior trying to break into the starting lineup at left tackle.
Playing in the Pop Warner national final in Florida as an eighth grader was Anthony’s turning point.
“I felt like I was much more engaged in the game,” Santori said. “I wanted to know that feeling.”
Santori, who has a college scholarship offer from Roosevelt, is eager to show off what he can do. The adage that you are only as good as your last game is a haunting one for him, however.
He could only watch as St. Francis produced a last-second touchdown drive in that 39-35 victory last December at Illinois State.
Santori confirmed the heartbreak of that loss has only made him a better player.
“The game goes how it goes but we all played our best game,” he said. “My strongest attribute is my ability to handle adversity. Now, my whole attitude for this team is to go big or go home.”
Quick hits
Team: Providence.
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2025 record: 10-4.
Offensive leaders: Dominic Vita, junior, quarterback; Broden Mackert, senior, running back; Ben Coleman, junior, tight end; Anthony Santori III, senior, offensive lineman.
Defensive leaders: Lamar Winfield, senior, defensive lineman; John Fife, senior, linebacker; Anthony Carter, junior, defensive back; Isaac Patton, junior, defensive back.
X-factor: DeAngelo Coates, junior, wide receiver.
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.