As a first-year starter for Lincoln-Way West, senior linebacker Maximus Silic has started to figure out the right formula for him to have success.
It all boils down to a pretty simple rule for Silic — chill out.
“I try my best to try to keep myself under control during game time,” Silic said. “When I was younger, I’d always get all riled up, and I’ve realized as my football career went on to just settle down, relax a little bit. I kind of just do my job now.”
Silic did his job really well Friday night. He produced an interception and two sacks to lead a dominant defensive performance for the host Warriors, who rolled to a 42-14 win over Mundelein in a Class 7A opening-round game in New Lenox.
Carl Langley III ran for 105 yards and three touchdowns on 12 carries for Lincoln-Way West (6-4), which will play at Plainfield North (7-2) in next week’s first round.
“It was a great feeling,” Langley said. “I’ve got to thank my O-line. They did a great job opening up holes. I’m glad to get it done and make it another week.”
Senior quarterback Jacob Howard ran for 67 yards and a TD on just four carries for the Warriors, while Alex DiLorenzo and Israel Ward each chipped in with a TD run.
Tyler Johnson threw a 67-yard TD pass to Cameron Earing
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and ran for a 1-yard TD for Mundelein (3-7).Silic, though, helped the Warriors hold the Mustangs to just 27 yards in the first half as they opened up a 35-0 halftime lead before emptying the bench.
Lincoln-Way West coach Luke Lokanc has seen Silic come a long way this season.
“He’s a first-year starter, and for anyone in that spot, it’s a bit shaky at first,” Lokanc said. “But he’s just kept getting better and better as the year has gone on.
“He’s really playing his best ball right now and he’s going to keep getting better.”
As far as Silic is concerned, Lokanc’s point about being shaky at first could be taken literally. He acknowledged being a bit overwhelmed with worry at the start of the season.
“When the nerves are up, it definitely makes it a bit harder,” Silic said. “This year, as the year went on, I’ve been able to stay a lot more calm and it’s really helped me a lot.”
Silic’s interception in the first quarter gave Lincoln-Way West the ball at Mundelein’s 30-yard line and set up Langley’s first TD run that made it 21-0.
“Max has been progressing really well,” Langley said. “That pick was big for us. The defense did a great job setting us up with great field position.”
Silic has been playing football since he was 8 years old, but he started with the flag version.
“Then I begged my parents to let me get into tackle football,” Silic said. “The first year of tackle was a little shaky, but I got used to the contact and it’s been a fun ride ever since.”
Silic also plays baseball for the Warriors — and enjoys being a multisport athlete.
“It’s obviously hard with all the different workouts, but when it comes down to it, playing multiple sports really gets you prepared for everything,” Silic said. “Plus, when you have a bad game in baseball, you can have a good game in football or the other way around. It all just balances out.”
Silic is grateful to get his chance to start on varsity. He’s relaxed and having a blast.
“It’s exciting,” he said. “Every single person should play football. There’s just great energy everywhere. I’ve really come to appreciate everything high school sports have to offer. All the time I get to have with my friends.
“It’s been a great time, a great four years.”