Marian Catholic’s Antonio Banks is a big-play machine. But every time he breaks off a long run to the end zone or turns a short pass into a huge touchdown catch, Banks isn’t satisfied.
The senior running back/defensive back does not rest. He gets right back out there to try to make another big play on defense.
Where does his seemingly endless amount of energy come from?
“Just thinking about my team more than myself,” Banks said. “I always want to give my teammates, especially the other seniors, the ability to play in games we’ve never played in, go to places we’ve never been to like the playoffs and just get them to play on bigger stages.
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“It’s bigger than myself.”
Banks did all he could Saturday afternoon to help the Spartans in their attempt to lock up their first playoff berth since 2019.
He caught 13 passes for 226 yards and two TDs, but visiting Marian Catholic could not overcome a slow start in a 30-21 Catholic League Red loss to St. Viator at Forest View Stadium in Arlington Heights.
Banks also ran for 46 yards on 13 carries.
Freshman quarterback Caleb Wilson completed 21 of 36 passes for 303 yards and three TDs for the Spartans (2-4, 1-1). Andrew Goers added a 9-yard TD catch and Nathaniyl Pindur led the defense with two sacks and two tackles for loss.
Both Banks’ 226 yards receiving and Wilson’s 303 yards passing broke single-game program records for the Spartans.
Wilson often utilized his safety net in Banks, who continues to make Wilson’s life as a freshman starting on varsity less difficult.
“It’s really easy to play with him,” Wilson said of Banks. “When nothing’s open, I’ll see No. 6’s hands in the air and just dump it off to him. It’s either a first down or a touchdown every time.”
Jax Baker had two TD catches to lead St. Viator (1-5, 1-1).
The Lions jumped out to a quick 16-0 lead in the first eight minutes and were up 23-7 in the final seconds of the first half when Wilson threw up a deep ball that Banks caught about 40 yards downfield. Banks did the rest from there, racing for a 70-yard TD catch as time ran out on the half.
Wilson then tossed a 2-point conversion pass to Banks to pull the Spartans within 23-15 at the break.
“I knew we needed some motivation and something to start a comeback,” Banks said. “I saw my quarterback rolling out. I saw open space and ran to it. He threw a great ball and I got it.
“I got good blocking and I just kept my feet moving and scored a touchdown.”
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Banks also scored on a 55-yard TD catch and had several tackles on defense. His effort was certainly appreciated by Marian Catholic coach Nick Lopez.
“Tony’s been pouring everything out on the field,” Lopez said. “It’s great to watch. His energy is feeding into his teammates. He continues to make plays everywhere — offense, defense, special teams. He’s got a big heart and he’s killing it right now.”
Marian Catholic could make the playoffs with two wins but would feel much more comfortable with three. A tough stretch is ahead, with games against Nazareth and Providence before what could be a decisive Week 9 battle against Leo.
Banks is embracing the challenge.
“I’ve been thinking to myself about how it’s just a big chance to put my teammates on a bigger platform and show people what we can do,” Banks said.
Banks has been showing what he can do since he first caught a football in seventh grade.
“I was playing baseball and there was always a football team next to me,” Banks said. “I was like, ‘I want to try that.’ My first time out there, the first time they threw the ball to me, I went 90 yards.
“I was like, ‘That’s me.’”