Crete-Monee senior Dominic Jackson is dedicated to his team’s success. When coach John Konecki calls out “steamroller,” Jackson knows it’s his time to shine. This formation means he will handle the ball in short-yardage situations. Standing 5-foot-11 and weighing 250 pounds, Jackson is a force on the field. “I enjoy running the ball because I can help the team score,” Jackson said. “It brings momentum to our offense and the team.”

During Friday’s game, Jackson scored three touchdowns in the first half, leading Crete-Monee to a 44-0 win over Hillcrest. His performance included runs of 2, 19, and 3 yards. The highlight was his 19-yard run where he surged into the end zone after breaking through a scrum. “When we run Dom, we’re aiming for 3 yards,” Konecki noted. “Anything more is a bonus.”

Senior quarterback August LaBranche contributed with 133 passing yards and a 59-yard touchdown pass to Monte Calvin-Bowsky. Calvin-Bowsky also had 117 yards on six catches and set the pace with a 40-yard kickoff return. Isaiah Jordan chipped in with an interception and recovered a fumble, while Keegan Quaderer managed to recover a blocked punt.

Jackson began playing football in 2018 after moving from Indianapolis. He weighed 160 pounds in grade school and increased to between 200 and 220 pounds in high school. “I had to work out and eat a lot,” Jackson said. “Managing the weight and turning it into muscle is crucial.”

Hillcrest, now 0-2, struggled again, having lost 12-0 to Thornwood previously. They gained only 49 yards against Crete-Monee, with Devan Watson contributing 33 yards on six carries. Jackson played a significant role in this defensive effort. “That’s my guy,” Jordan said about Jackson. “He’ll do anything for the team.”

Crete-Monee faced challenges on offense after losing players like Derrin Couch and Dorian Patterson to graduation. Jeremiah Stonewall was supposed to take on a bigger role, but he transferred to Grayson in Georgia. “High school football is unpredictable,” Konecki reflected. “We have to rebuild every year.”

Jackson has an offer from Bemidji State as a fullback and might play on the defensive line. Besides football, he excelled in wrestling and track, throwing discus and shot put. “Dominic is a three-sport athlete,” Konecki noted. “Playing multiple sports has made him a better football player. Multisport athletes like him are rare but beneficial.”