Lincoln-Way West’s Jacob Howard Shines in Versatile Playoff Win

Jacob Howard of Lincoln-Way West showcased his skillset during Saturday’s playoff game. Known for passing and running, the senior quarterback displayed another layer by playing wide receiver. Howard caught an 8-yard touchdown pass from backup quarterback Davey Koszulinski. ‘We’ve had it in for a couple of weeks,’ Howard said about the play, which marked the Warriors’ first score of the day.

The game ended with a thrilling 21-14 win against St. Laurence in Class 7A playoffs. Howard scored the decisive touchdown with an untouched 10-yard run during overtime. He also delivered a 9-yard touchdown pass to Braydon McNulty in the fourth quarter to achieve a touchdown trifecta for Lincoln-Way West, now 8-4.

The receiving touchdown, a rare event, drew attention. ‘In 15 years, have you ever seen us run that play?’ asked Warriors coach Luke Lokanc. ‘Have you seen us run many trick plays? No. It was just a good situation from what we’ve seen on film.’

Defensive efforts were crucial. Senior Austin Evans’ overtime sack and a fourth-down stop were significant. Kevin Thatcher sealed the win with an interception in the end zone. Sophomore punter Coldyn Holba executed strategic punts pinning St. Laurence to their 5, 12, and 5-yard lines.

For St. Laurence, junior quarterback Noah Taylor passed for 186 yards and ran in a touchdown, while David Campbell scored a 3-yard touchdown in the first quarter.

Howard’s season began with adversity when he broke his non-throwing wrist in the season opener. After missing two games, he returned to guide the Warriors to a strong playoff run. ‘It matters what you do in the playoffs,’ Howard remarked.

Lincoln-Way West has a history of playoff success, reaching the quarterfinals seven times in 15 years. Lokanc admired Howard’s resilience, noting his leadership and competitive spirit. ‘He’s a competitor, a leader and wants to win,’ Lokanc said. ‘These kids follow him. You can see the emotion he plays with, and that shows it all.’

Howard also looks forward to extending his sports career in college baseball, having attracted interest from NCAA Division II schools and junior colleges. However, his immediate focus remains on prolonging his high school football journey. He praised the defense for maintaining the lead. ‘Our defense is awesome,’ Howard noted. ‘They kept them inside their own 20 for probably a whole quarter or a quarter and a half. This win goes to them.’

Howard mentioned the influence of his father, Josh, who played quarterback at Andrew, in developing his skills. ‘He basically has taught me everything I know,’ Howard said. ‘I’ve always been working with him in the backyard. He teaches me everything he knows as far as being a quarterback.’