Mark McDonagh is at it again.
Despite double coverage, the standout senior slotback broke his own Illinois state record Friday night by making 25 catches as Riverside-Brookfield defeated Elmwood Park, 48-7. He finished with 225 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
He now is tied for No. 4 in high school history, according to the National High School Sports Record Book. The record of 32 catches was set in 1942 by Larry Bennett of Mogadore (Ohio).
Earlier this season, the 6-foot, 175-pounder had a state-record 20 catches and in another prior outing he had 19 receptions, which tied the previous record.
“It’s really interesting because he’s doing a great job getting open, running great routes and catching everything Billy throws to him," Riverside-Brookfield coach Otto Zeman said.
He was referring to senior quarterback Billy VandeMerkt (5-11, 175), who also set a state record with his 646th career pass completion.
"(VandeMerkt) makes good decisions and is really accurate with the ball," Zeman said. "We throw it all the time and that gives us an opportunity to do all that stuff.”
