Junior receiver Jaxson Little has a keen sense of Lockport’s history. He knows where he has played in the past, but he also knows where’s supposed to be for the present and the future.
He began playing football with his brothers. He did so at another position.
“I started playing in the backyard with my brothers around the age of 5 and watching them drove me to the best,” Little said. “I started out at running back, but then I got skinny and started to grow.
“I switched to receiver because I saw my brother be very successful and I knew I also could.”
That success continued in Friday’s regular-season finale as Little caught four passes for 155 yards and a touchdown in a 35-0 victory for the Porters over host Waubonsie Valley in Aurora.
Lockport (5-4), which has gone 4-2 in its last six games, looks to duplicate last year’s team that rode an eight-game winning streak to a berth in the Class 8A state semifinals.
The Porters host Stevenson (4-5) at 7:15 p.m. Friday in an opening-round playoff game.
Little, meanwhile, caught a 76-yard TD pass from senior quarterback Griffin Russell that broke Friday’s game open against Waubonsie (3-6).
“I have a lot of trust in him,” Russell said. “I knew if I got the ball out there, he’d make a play. He’s so athletic, and he’s able to go get the high-point pass and outrun defenders.
“His preparation is always great. He’s always watching film. He’s always trying to get better, working with teammates and asking what he needs to do to get better.”
Little is the youngest of four brothers to play football for the Porters. His older brother, Ryan, was a standout receiver on the Class 8A state championship team in 2021.
Brandon and Jayden Little were linemen.
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“I was fortunate to have all four,” Lockport coach George Czart said. “They each had their own characteristics. They all had a great smile and loved being in the spot they were in.
“Jaxson has excellent hands, runs excellent routes and pays attention to detail. He’s got a physical presence about him. You expect him to be able to catch, but he blocks with just as much fervor.”
Using his speed and athleticism, the 6-foot-1, 175-yard Little has scored nine TDs this season to go along with 41 catches for 737 yards, averaging a gaudy 17.9 yards per reception.
During his varsity debut last season, Little earned a starting position about halfway through the season and became a fixture during Lockport’s eight-game winning streak.
“Most players my age don’t have varsity experience as a sophomore, but the environment was great,” he said. “I found out what I was getting myself into. Keep my head high, never give up.”
Jaxson Little recognized his potential at age 12, leading the Mokena-based Illinois Jr. Celtics to the Pop Warner nationals in Florida. But his most important connection remains deeply personal.
Ryan Little caught two passes in Lockport’s 24-6 victory over Maine South for the state championship. That moment left an indelible imprint on his youngest brother.
“I was shaking and nearly crying because it was so cold but I took a lot from his game,” Jaxson said. “I tried to translate it onto the field. I’ve had something to live up to.
“My brother is everywhere in the record books for wide receiver and I feel like I have something to prove. I want to be on top of those record boards.”
For all of his ebullience and sunny disposition, the youngest Little shares with his brothers a fiery and naturally competitive streak.
“I was a sweeter kid growing up and I still am a very good person,” he said. “I’m all business on the field. My mentality is I want to ruin your dreams and make mine come true.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.