Oswego coach Brian Cooney watched Mariano Velasco showcase his elusive athleticism in his team’s first game this season, cutting against the grain for a receiving touchdown at Naperville Central, and a thought came to his mind.

“I remember thinking it would be nice if he contributed something like that every once in a while,” Cooney said. “Not knowing he’d do it darn near every week.”

Velasco indeed became a highlight waiting to happen this fall.

When Oswego needed a big play, its senior defensive back/receiver had an uncanny ability to deliver. He caught nine touchdowns in his first varsity season on offense, and returned four of his six touchdowns for interceptions.

He helped lead Oswego on a memorable playoff run to the Class 8A championship game, and 11 wins.

“You were not out of

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