Johnsburg Skyhawks seek state playoff upset after record-setting season

The Johnsburg Skyhawks enter the Class 3A state playoffs with a 27-0 victory over No. 22 Marian Central under their belt, a result that ended a two-year streak of first-round exits.

The Skyhawks, who hold an 8-2 record, play No. 3 IC Catholic at 2 p.m. Saturday in Johnsburg. They have won eight games, their highest total since going 10-1 in 2017. The team missed the postseason in 2023.

Senior two-way lineman Micah Welch and senior wide receiver Ryan Franze set program records earlier in the season. Welch, a 6-foot-2, 225-pound player, surpassed Jack Kegel’s career sack record of 17.5. He finished the season with 19.5 sacks, including 12.5 this year. Franze, a 5-foot-11, 185-pound receiver, broke C.J. Fiedorowicz’s career reception record of 174. His total now stands at 190.

Both players credited the coaching staff and teammates for their individual success. Franze noted that Fiedorowicz, a former NFL tight end, held the reception record for a long time. "To take his record is, honestly, awesome," Franze said. He added that the coaches believed in him for all three years of varsity play.

Welch cited senior CJ Ameachi as an early influence on his development. "Seeing him go out there and get after the quarterback inspired me to work harder," Welch said. He described his sophomore year as a period of learning from Ameachi’s effort.

The team’s defense performed well against Sandwich in Week 9, a game the Skyhawks won 49-8. Welch praised the run defense in that contest. Franze highlighted a 31-6 win over Woodstock North in Week 3 as a personal favorite. Woodstock North had defeated Johnsburg in the two previous seasons.

Franze identified junior cornerback Brennan Ducak as the most improved player on the roster. Ducak, who stands 6 feet tall and weighs 170 pounds, has challenged Franze in practice. Welch named junior defensive lineman Gavin VanDyck as a key contributor. VanDyck plays multiple positions on the line and has assumed a larger role this year.

Facing IC Catholic, a team with a 9-1 record, requires a specific approach from the Skyhawks. Welch emphasized the need for the team to make opponents earn every yard. "We can’t give them anything for free," Welch said. He stated that the group must work together to give themselves a chance.

Franze said the offensive unit adopted a mindset of confidence before the playoffs. "Why not us to get these big wins?" he asked. The Skyhawks aim to extend their season by defeating the third-ranked team in the state.