Morgan Park’s Kenneth Sims is a magician with the ball who favors the sleight of hand.
The 5-foot-8, 175-pound Sims is listed on the Mustangs’ roster as a wide receiver/athlete. And make no mistake about it, he has a way of making defenses look spectacularly foolish.
“Check my tape,” Sims said. “I never go down the first time or just one guy trying to stop me. I got that ball and the first thing I noticed was making the big tackle swing and miss me.”
There were a lot of swings and misses trying to stop Sims on Saturday.
Sims, who finished with 39 yards on only four carries, delivered an 8-yard touchdown run to ignite host Morgan Park to a 40-16 victory over Oak Forest in a Class 5A first-round playoff game at Stagg Stadium in Chicago.
Junior quarterback Ronald Smith Jr. completed 9 of 14 passes for 208 yards and two TDs to pace the Mustangs (9-1), who will play Providence (8-3) in next weekend’s second round.
Senior running back William McMaster came through with a 2-yard TD and senior receiver Ryan Kruswicki caught a 15-yard TD pass to lead Oak Forest (6-5).
But it was more than ground game that highlighted Sims’ performance.
“He impacts the offense in a ton of different ways,” Ronald Smith said. “He can throw, pass or run the ball. He’s a big piece of our offense who comes through every time we need him.”
Senior running back William Smith Jr. added a team-best 97 yards rushing and a 39-yard TD run.
William Smith and Sims complement each other.
“We’re the two smalls on the team and we just have to be the biggest dawgs out there,” William Smith said. “He’s a total character, funny and relaxed — a great guy who does everything for us.”
Sims’ 35-yard catch on third-and-20 set up his rushing TD in the first quarter.
“My confidence was already sky high, but I’d do anything to help my team,” Sims said. “Back to back is what I love doing, Make a big catch, then come right back a play or two later with the TD.”
Sims, all-purpose standout and four-year varsity player for the Mustangs, handles kickoff duties, lines up at running back and in the slot and also is the backup quarterback.
He spent his first two varsity seasons primarily playing special teams, where he was the long snapper. He ran the offense and directed a scoring drive on the final two possessions Saturday.
Ronald Smith landed awkwardly on his shoulder and left the game, but Sims stepped right in.
“I’ve been playing since I was 4 years old and always liked the idea of playing different positions,” Sims said. “It was only after playing a couple of years that I saw I had talent and natural ability.”
Sims, a sprinter in track, has good lateral quickness and stop-and-start maneuverability. He’s just as explosive moving laterally on his preferred jet sweeps as he is running downhill.
On the field, he plays with a flair. He’s more quiet and demur away from the game.
“I’m pretty shy, but my personality is open and friendly,” he said. “I like meeting people. I am a character, like the guys say. I enjoy making people laugh and having people be who they are.”
Sims has generated recruiting interest from Eureka. Having just turned 17, he’s young for his class. He’s considering doing a fifth year in prep school to improve his chances to play in college.
“I’m trying to get to the next level and show everything I’m capable of — speed, versatility, running in the open field,” he said. “Right now, it’s just exciting being part of this team.”
Patrick Z, McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
