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AJ Powell does it all for Evergreen Park in win vs. Reavis

Anything you can do, chances are AJ Powell can do better.

The 5-foot-9, 150-pound senior demonstrated that in a 21-13 Week 7 win against Reavis in South Suburban Red action.

Playing running back and cornerback, Powell rushed 11 times for 83 yards. On defense, he had 9.5 tackles and two interceptions. Powell also blocked an extra point on special teams.

“He came in this year and he’s been a leader since the moment he stepped on the field,” Evergreen Park coach Jim Ramazinski said. “The kids refused to lose … and AJ and all his teammates showed up to play and had the fight in them.

“AJ just makes plays all over the field, on offense, defense and special teams. He’s a great leader and a great teammate. He gets guys lined up. AJ is a football player and he just loves the game.”

Powell wasn’t the only standout for the Mustangs (3-4, 2-2), who led 21-0 at halftime. Quarterback Rowan Smyth was 13-for-20 passing for 160 yards and threw touchdown passes to Max Bilas (16 yards), Ellis Jackson (38 yards) and Caleb Keyser (13 yards). Bilas was the leading receiver for Evergreen Park with five catches for 63 yards.

“Rowan showed a lot of poise,” Ramazinski said. “He consistently made plays, made good reads and knew when not to force things. He’s also a big leader for us, and he had a good night.”

Also contributing for the Mustangs was sophomore inside linebacker Gavin Wheeler, who provided a team-best 14 tackles.

“We had a fast start and our guys fought,” Ramazinski said. “They were ready to roll. The defense made stops and play after play, including some big stops on fourth down. This was an exciting game.”

Reavis (4-3, 2-2) showed some fight of its own. Quarterback Jonathan Liesen scored on a pair of 2-yard runs and was 16-of-25 passing for 133 yards. Running back Jorden Brown added 110 yards on 14 carries as well as seven catches for 58 yards. Logan Hurtado finished with five receptions for 47 yards for the Rams.

Liesen, a 5-foot-10, 175-pound junior, is in his first season starting for Reavis. He’s also the starting third baseman for the Rams’ baseball team.

“Jon is a competitor,” Reavis coach Tim Zasada said. “He does everything we ask of him. He got some big first downs on quarterback sweeps and he also hit the open receivers.

“He’s a multi-sport athlete and a great competitor. I look forward to the rest of his season and his senior year. He’s really taken to being the starting quarterback very well.”

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