Grayslake North coach Corey Atwell has had a front-row seat to watch his son Nathan thrive.
During a challenging season for the Knights, who have lost five of six games, senior Nathan Atwell has been the top receiving option for junior quarterback Jacob Donohue.
“It’s a great experience being around him, and it’s fun seeing him do well,” Corey Atwell said. “I like to think I do a good job of separating myself from coach and dad.”
Coaching duties require keeping a watchful eye on everyone, but the 6-foot-2, 175-pound Nathan Atwell has been attention-getting.
In 12 games, including the abbreviated spring season earlier this year, he has 86 receptions for 1,133 yards and 11 touchdowns.
“I’ve put up those numbers because of hard work and confidence,” Nathan Atwell said. “I don’t feel any extra pressure.”
He said his father, whom he calls “coach” while at school, sometimes is harder on him than on other players.
“I’ve really enjoyed having him as my coach, partly because I trust him,” Nathan Atwell said. “But when we go home … it goes back to how it’s always been with him as my dad.”
Buckley buckles down: Carmel coach Jason McKie can’t think of anything senior Jon Buckley doesn’t do exceedingly well.
But there’s one trait in particular that stands out, McKie said.
“His work ethic is second to none,” McKie said. “He wants to take so many reps, sometimes we have to tell him to stop. And his best ball is ahead of him.”
Buckley already is playing at a high level for the Corsairs (2-4). He had 10 catches for 200 yards in a 41-21 loss to St. Patrick last week. In five games, he has 28 catches for 580 yards and six touchdowns.
As the season has progressed, being double-teamed has become common for Buckley, who has been playing on the varsity team since midway through his freshman season.
“You still have to be flexible, no matter how many guys you have on you,” Buckley said. “You have to run really good routes and learn how to create extra space.”
Cooper emerges: Ben Cooper has a lot on his plate this fall.
After a brief adjustment to his new role, the Lake Zurich senior is delivering not only on the field but also behind the scenes as well.
“I’m proud of how Ben has developed into the leader he’s become,” coach Ron Planz said. “How he’s been able to mentor and lead by example is great to see.”
Cooper also has been productive in the ground game for the Bears (3-3). He has rushed for 499 yards and four touchdowns, averaging more than 6.5 yards per attempt. He’s coming off a 136-yard effort in Lake Zurich’s 30-7 win against Mundelein last week, when he ran for a 72-yard touchdown.
After being a role player in the spring, he’s gotten meaningful practice reps this season.
“A lot of drills are oriented toward improving my field vision, and the decision-making part has gotten much better,” Cooper said.
Cooper has been on the field for fewer snaps at linebacker as the season has progressed. Assuming some of that workload is sophomore Lincoln Adams, whom Cooper has helped get up to speed.
“We watch film twice a week during school, and there’s a lot of carry-over to the field too,” Cooper said. “I’ll help him along any way I can.”
Steve Reaven is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.
