Crete-Monee center Brad Wiater said he could think of one way to describe teammate Greg Barksdale Jr.
"He is kind of the Devin Hester of our team," Wiater said. "You can always count on him to make big plays when we need it. He is really good at punt returns, kick returns and is a big part of the defense."
Like the Chicago Bears star, Barksdale has been a game-changer on both sides of the ball. Barksdale, who recently committed to Wyoming, even played quarterback in last Friday's 66-8 win over Julian in the Class 6A playoffs. He moved to linebacker this season after being a defensive back.While some players would not want to make a position move, the senior didn't mind/
"I learned from playing the line when I was younger (in Pop Warner) not to be selfish and to do whatever it takes to help the team," Barksdale said. "My job is to get the defense fired up and make plays and to make sure my teammates stay on task."
The Warriors (9-1) play at Normal (8-2) at 1 p.m. Saturday in the second round of the Class 6A playoffs. A win would advance Crete-Monee to the quarterfinals for the first time in school history and also would set the record for most wins in a season.
"It's been great winning, especially since that loss (to Rock Island)," Barksdale said. "We've been together since were little and it is just a great group of guys."
Warriors coach Jerry Verde said he remembers the first time he saw Barksdale at a practice as a sophomore. Verde, who is in his third year at Crete-Monee, said he saw the leadership even back then.
"I knew Junior would be an excellent player, with big-play potential, from the first moment I saw him play in practice," Verde said. "What I am most proud of, is how he has matured into a student of the game. The understanding he has of the game today, goes far beyond what most high school football players come away with in their careers."
Barksdale has starred on both sides of the ball as he has rushed for 254 yards and 10 touchdowns. He returned a punt 53 yards for a score and returned a fumble 33 yards for a touchdown. he has 47 solo tackles and 18 assists. He has four tackles for loss and two sacks.
He will join teammate Dylan McElveen, who also committed to Wyoming. Barksdale said he's excited about playing for the Cowboys.
"I just want to get away and see things," the University Park resident said. "They're a BCS school and a chance to play in college. I am really looking forward to it."
PREP FOOTBALL
Local playoff games
Seeds precede school name
(Records in parentheses)
Today
Class 7A
No. 4 St. Rita (8-2) at No. 8 Marian Catholic (7-3), 7 p.m.
Class 8A
No. 2 Stevenson (10-0) vs. No. 10 Mt. Carmel (7-3) at Gately Stadium, 7 p.m.
Saturday
Class 6A
No. 3 Crete-Monee (9-1) at No. 11 Normal (8-2), 1 p.m.
More inside
The Times' Mike Nieto notes Illiana's Chloe Porter can run any course. PAGE C2
Beecher's boys cross country team looks for a Class 1A state title. PAGE C3
Read scouting reports on this weekend's local football playoff matchups. PAGE C4
