Jake Thies scored three touchdowns and broke Fenwick High School's career touchdown record as the Friars beat Highland Park 38-20 on Oct. 30.
The IHSA Class 6A first-round playoff game at Triton College was never close. Fenwick built a 35-0 lead before Highland Park scored, according to the Wednesday Journal. The defending 6A state champions improved to 7-3 and advanced to the second round.
Thies, a senior, entered the game tied with Robert Spillane for the most career total touchdowns in program history. He broke the tie with a 9-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Myles Hill with 5:36 left in the second quarter. Thies now has 41 career touchdowns.
His night started with a 30-yard rushing score late in the first quarter. It ended on the defensive side of the ball. On Highland Park's first possession of the second half, Thies intercepted quarterback Gustav Crane and returned it 60 yards for a pick-six.
"Quarterback overthrew the receiver a little bit. I just caught it and took it to the house," Thies said, according to the Wednesday Journal.
Ninety-eight seconds into the third quarter, it was 35-0.
Hill completed 13 of 15 passes for 187 yards. Noah Marshall hauled in five receptions for 110 yards, including a 40-yard touchdown from Hill just before halftime that pushed the lead to 21-0. Fenwick coach Matt Battaglia said Marshall is still developing.
"He's still growing into his body and he's barely beginning to scratch the surface of his potential," Battaglia said, according to the Wednesday Journal.
Rocco Nero added a 24-yard rushing touchdown to open the third quarter. He finished with 11 carries for 99 yards. Kicker JP Bordeaux-Walsh converted five extra points and a 32-yard field goal.
Defensively, lineman Hank Holland led Fenwick with eight tackles, one for a loss. Kam Rutlin recorded a sack. Thies and Corey Griffin shared another.
Holland said the team used its first-round bye to heal up.
Despite the lopsided score, both Thies and Battaglia said the Friars have work to do. Battaglia called the performance a mix of good and bad, according to the Wednesday Journal.
"To be honest, tonight was super-sloppy in my opinion," Thies said, according to the Wednesday Journal. "We've got to look at the film, correct our mistakes, and have a good week of practice."
Fenwick, ranked No. 11 in the state by Sports Illustrated, travels to Rockton to face No. 3 seed Hononegah on Saturday, Nov. 7 at 1 p.m. Hononegah (9-1) beat Willowbrook 32-3 in the first round, according to Fox 32 Chicago. During the regular season, Hononegah averaged 41.1 points per game and allowed 10.7, according to Roscoe News.
