Too Much Muscle and Speed Gives 6U Jr. Celtics 24-6 Victory

By Ed Muniz-Photos by Gavin Peterson

** Additional Photos are Available for purchase at https://justallsports.zenfolio.com/p784041746 ** and https://justallsports.zenfolio.com/p729093013 **

MOKENA— Homecoming, a tradition that celebrates the return of members of a school or organization. The Fall event usually ties in a football game, a dance and even sometimes a dinner, where the community can enjoy the days’ festivities, dating back to 1911 at the University of Missouri campus.

The Illinois Jr. Celtics youth football organization isn’t one to mess with tradition but sure likes to indulge in everything a Homecoming can bring.

August 30 saw a slate of games and celebration on the schedule for the Jr. Celtics. Nine games scheduled began at 8AM and would conclude in the evening after the 8PM game, all featured at Mokena’s Main Park.

A trove of tents and decorations were already in place from the day before as the festive event welcomed all players, coaches, cheerleaders and fans throughout the day.

First to take the field was the 6U Jr. Celtics hosting the Plainfield Saints. Unfortunately for the Saints, the Homecooking and atomosphere was too intimidating for them as the Jr. Celtics had their way in the convincing 24-6 victory.

“It all comes down to we got a lot of good kids on the team,” said Coach Steve Adent. “They listen well and do what we tell them; we keep it simple for them and they do what we ask them. We have some good ball players. Our two running-backs (Kaleb Neylon and Legend Williams) really do a good job and they compete with each other, so it only makes them better. Defensively, we did really well holding the edge for the most part. They did get a few outside of us today but we are learning and practicing to get better at that.”

“Oliver (Liang) is a beast and Charlie (Busche III), they’re both dogs out there, they keep putting kids on ther backs, that’s all I can ask from our O-linemen. I think everything was a lot cleaner for us this week than week one, our continuity was much better, especially on offense. Liam Regan, our center is a big reason. He has a clean snap that come right to our quarterbacks’ hands, it really helps and saves us time in the backfield. Everything starts on that O-line, I’m having a great time.”

The star of the game was Kaleb Neylon. His game effort produced three touchdown runs of 45-, 65- and 7-yards catapulting the Jr. Celtics into a lead the Saints couldn’t overcome. He also added other runs that picked up good chunks.

“I like running the ball outside and score touchdowns, its the best thing,” said Kaleb. “I think we played really good. We got a fumble almost the first play of the game. our defense was good. I get better by practicing and running faster and play better.”

Another Jr. Celtics that contributed both defensively and offensively was speedster’ Legend Williams. This pint-sized cannonball was a difficult stop for the Saints each time he carried the pigskin.

Williams added to the Jr. Celtics scoring when he dashed 67-yards for the touchdown; it was the longest run of the day for both teams.

“I had a touchdown today but I almost scored another but he caught me,” said Williams. “I like scoring touchdowns.”

When asked what could he do better, Williams said “I can run faster.”

Both Neylon and Williams are good at what they do on both sides of the ball. Offensively, Neylon is fast and gets to the edge quickly, he outruns everyone to the outside and powers past all defenders while Williams is a weaving specialist. He too pocessess speed but his forte is Zig-Zagging through the defense using his elusiveness to advance the football.

Defensively, both have a knack of getting to the ball quickly. they react quick after spying the football location and get there quite fast to make or assist on the stops.

As a team, the Jr. Celtic defense played as one, limiting the Saints to a single score. Several players racked up tackles in the game considering these short games with a running clock speed by.

A turnover also played a factor in the game. On the Saints first possession, after tackles by Mack Simon, Rory Adent, Anthony Stazzone III and Vincenzo Brunette, they coughed up the football that was recovered by Stazzone III.

Neylon streaked 45- yards untouched on the next play for the opening score and a 6-0 Jr. Celtics lead.

The game evened up three plays into the second quarter on the Saints following possession. A 62-yard run caught the Jr. Celtics napping to evened the game at 6-6.

Neylon struck again just three plays later for the Jr. Celtics. His 65-yard sprint conclude in the endzone for his second score of the game, regaining the lead for the Jr. Celtics at 12-6 nearing half time.

The third quarter saw the Jr. Celtics extend their lead on Neylon’ third touchdown of the day. His 7-yard run elevated the score to 18-6, a deficit the Saints wouldnt be able to erase.

Solid defense kept the Saints offense limited. Stops by Clifford Kouba, Simon, and Liam Mann gave very little, add Williams two QB sacks, the saints were about done.

The Saints also struggled keeping hold of the football or making good snaps. Several times they fumbled the snap or mishandled the football trying to get plays off. Entering the Fourth quarter, the game was well in hand. Jr. Celtics defense made sure of that while the offense kept adding to their tally.

the Final score of the game came when Willaims broke free, demonstrating his elusiveness and raced to the endzone 67-yards away. The touchdown propelled the lead to 24-6 and put the checkmark of this game in the win column.

The Jr. Celtics defense continued their pressure the remainder of the game and kept it secure. More tackles piled up. Benjamin Ramirez, Brunette, Mann and Simon made sure of that as they eached grabbed tackles to end the 24-6 victory for the Jr. Celtics.

Mann was vital on the defensive side of the ball. His play stood out. Control aggression is how you might describe his play. He seemed like a man on a mission and did all he could to limit every offensive play by the Saints.

“I rally like playing defense because I get to tackle, I like making tackles a lot,” said Mann. “Its fun to hit people and I got the “Locked In” player award too. I got awards before. I like having fun tackling, its the most fun. Maybe we could tackle better but we were really good today.”

There were also several other players that helped in the victory. Patrick Brennan, Cody Crites, Lucas Denton, Jack Hamstra, Mason Loboz, and Jamari McDonald Jr. all pitched in in the Homecoming win.

The Jr. Celtic Mitey Mite and Sideline Cheerleaders were also joining in in the homecoming festivities. Lining up along the Blowup helmet as part of the players entrance onto the field while also providing cheers throughout the game they included Peyton Leo-Johnson, Dani Samanich, Vivienne Brunette, Madisyn Singleton, Brooklyn Firlit, Cora Smiley, Caroline Murphy, Kelsey Niemeyer, Mila Cox, Brooke Copack, Juliana Jachymiak and Lucille Nelson.

Sideline included Aniyah Brown, Aria Christou, Bethany Willis, Billie Wiemeyer, Emily King, Haper Sanders, Josie Paul, Kaylee Tucker, Keegan Mathis, Kiara Marino, Lanie Ripoli, Leilani Preciado, Lena Silvestri, Lola Petrocelli, Maisie Geiger, Margaret Skuzunski, Mia Bennet, Mikayla, Milliana Mundy, Morgand Brooks, Olivia Esposito, Reese Gagan, Remy Hansen, Rose Larsen and Savannah Poncsak.

** If Cheer names in Sideline are incorrect or missing, please provide correction. We do our best with rosters provided to us, sideline had single names thank you!**