Crete-Monee senior Dominic Jackson is committed to his team. When Coach John Konecki calls out “steamroller” from the sidelines, it signals Jackson, a 5-foot-11, 250-pound defensive lineman and running back, to take action. This formation puts the ball in Jackson’s hands in short-yardage situations.
Jackson enjoys contributing to the team and scoring points. He finds satisfaction in giving both the offense and team momentum.
I like that with running, I can help the team and put points on the board,Jackson said.I can give the offense momentum and the team momentum in general. I like scoring too and hitting people.
On Friday night, Jackson scored three touchdowns in the first half, leading Crete-Monee to a 44-0 victory over Hillcrest. He recorded 48 yards over eight carries with touchdown runs of 2, 19, and 3 yards. His 19-yard run came from breaking through a scrum to reach the left side of the end zone.
Coach Konecki aims for Jackson to gain 3 yards per run, considering anything more a bonus. Crete-Monee secured a dominating 41-0 halftime lead. Senior quarterback August LaBranche contributed with 133 yards passing, including a 59-yard touchdown to Monte Calvin-Bowsky, who also caught six passes for 117 yards and initiated the game with a 40-yard kickoff return.
Calvin-Bowsky added a fumble recovery, while Isaiah Jordan nabbed an interception and recovered a fumbled kickoff. Keegan Quaderer recovered a blocked punt.
Jackson began playing football in 2018 after moving from Indianapolis. Weighing 160 pounds in grade school, he estimates he weighed 200-220 pounds entering high school.
There was a lot of working out and a lot of eating, too,Jackson said.I know I have to manage this weight. You can’t do anything if you can’t run with the weight. I know that when I gain the weight, I have to make it into muscle.
Hillcrest, struggling this season, was shut out after losing 12-0 to Thornwood in their opening game. They managed only 49 yards on Friday, with Devan Watson contributing 33 yards on six carries. Jackson played a key role defensively, earning admiration from Jordan.
That’s my guy, man. He’ll do anything to help the team,Jordan said.
Crete-Monee faced offensive challenges with key players graduating or leaving. Star quarterback Derrin Couch and standout receiver Dorian Patterson moved on, and Jeremiah Stonewall transferred to a Georgia powerhouse. Despite these changes, Konecki emphasizes the need for production renewal in high school football.
Jackson has an offer from Bemidji State as a fullback and is eyed for a defensive line position, too. He excels in other sports, qualifying for state wrestling and participating in track events like discus and shot put.
Konecki notes Jackson’s multi-sport background as a significant advantage.
What I like to stress about him is that he’s a three-sport athlete,Konecki explained.When he got here, he was a decent football player, but by playing multiple sports, I think it made him a better football player. He’s kind of a dying breed by being a multisport athlete, but it’s helped him a lot.