Jeremiyah Love, a St. Louis native and standout player for Notre Dame, has officially entered the Heisman Trophy watch following his impressive display over the weekend. In a dominant 70-7 victory against Syracuse, Love showcased his extraordinary talent by rushing for 171 yards and scoring three touchdowns on just eight carries. His third touchdown, an electrifying 68-yard run, was marked by a celebratory Heisman pose, adding to the excitement surrounding his season prospects.
Love’s remarkable performance further solidified his place in Notre Dame history. With 20 touchdowns this season, he has tied the record set by former Irish great Jerome Bettis for the most touchdowns in a single regular season. Additionally, Love’s career total of 41 touchdowns surpasses Bettis, placing him third on Notre Dame’s all-time career list. For the 2023 season, he has amassed 1,306 rushing yards on 185 carries, alongside 26 receptions for 274 yards and three touchdowns. Notre Dame, currently holding a 9-2 record, will host Stanford in the regular season finale on Saturday night in South Bend, Indiana.
In high school football, the East St. Louis Flyers have made a triumphant return to the IHSA Class 6A state championship game for the fifth consecutive year. The Flyers dominated Burbank St. Laurence with a stunning 50-7 victory in the state semifinals, where the dynamic running back duo of Myson Johnson-Cook and Ahmad Coleman combined for seven touchdowns. Johnson-Cook scored four times while Coleman added three, showcasing the resilience and power of the team. They will face Oak Park Fenwick on Saturday at Hancock Stadium, where a victory will mark their third state title in five years.
Additionally, notable performances from local playoffs included senior quarterback Cooper Owens of Kirkwood completing 25 of 35 passes for 459 yards and four touchdowns in a high-scoring 70-56 win over Farmington. Fellow Kirkwood player, senior running back Collin Griffin, contributed significantly, rushing for 231 yards and four touchdowns. Other standout athletes included senior receiver Jacob Eberhart and senior running back Manny Ellis, emphasizing a season filled with remarkable talent and competitive spirit.
Looking ahead, several matchups are set for the Missouri State Semifinals this Saturday, including Nixa at Pattonville in Class 6 and Platte County at Kirkwood in Class 5, ensuring an exciting conclusion to the high school football season in the region. The anticipation of these games brings a sense of hope and enthusiasm among the teams and their fans, promising a memorable weekend of football action.