Four Downs: Carmel magic man Trae Taylor, Fenwick’s rise and will Lane go unbeaten?

Carmel quarterback Trae Taylor has a higher national profile than he does in the area. The Nebraska recruit has certainly received local attention, but the Corsairs haven’t won enough to place Taylor in the spotlight.

The 6-3, 186-pound junior is the No. 65 player in the country and the No. 7 quarterback in the nation according to 247Sports. He chose Nebraska over 37 other schools, including Alabama, Georgia and Ohio State.

But I was unimpressed after two quarters against Providence on Friday. It was my first chance to see Taylor since he checked in for a brief cameo freshman year in a blowout playoff win against Antioch. Taylor was the reason I was in Mundelein for Week 3.

He threw one touchdown in the first half against Providence. That was one of just a handful of completions, and he also threw an interception. The Corsairs trailed 27-7. Taylor was being outplayed by Providence sophomore quarterback Dominic Vita, making just his third start.

Everything changed in the second half. Taylor came alive. First up was a 21-yard TD pass to Kai Owens. Then he connected with Greg Bess-Henning for a spectacular 68-yard TD. Taylor dodged defenders and scrambled to make the play happen. He found Bess-Henning for a terrific 58-yard TD just a few minutes later.

Providence successfully kept Taylor off the field in the final five minutes. It was an impressive feat by the Celtics offense and necessary. It certainly seemed that Taylor would find a way to score the game-tying touchdown given one more chance.

Taylor isn’t at the level of Lincoln-Way East senior Jonas Williams yet. He needs to add some muscle and experience. He also doesn’t have the Griffins’ talented team around him. But Taylor created some magic against Providence and showed why Huskers fans have become a bit obsessed with his talent and outgoing personality.

Fenwick rising

It was a week with zero new additions to the Super 25. The major move was Fenwick jumping from No. 21 to No. 13. The Friars snuck into the preseason rankings at No. 21. Their playoff win against Brother Rice last season impressed me, and a solid core returned for coach Matt Battaglia, even if Nate Marshall left for Michigan.

Fenwick has started strong. The Friars weren’t challenged by Oak Park and DePaul Prep and took down Joliet Catholic 43-26 in Week 3. Quarterback Jamen Williams is off to a nice start and the Thies brothers, Tommy and Jake, are making things happen in the defensive backfield.

Friday’s showdown at No. 20 Montini is one of the most interesting Week 4 matchups.

Backup derby

No. 6 Downers Grove North is at No. 8 Glenbard West on Saturday. Both teams may be without their starting quarterbacks.

Minnesota recruit Owen Lansu didn’t play in the Trojans’ Week 3 win against Hinsdale Central after picking up an injury in Week 2.

Junior AJ Rayford has missed Glenbard West’s last two games after playing in the opener. Both players expect to return this season.

Undefeated Champions?

Lane shut out Lincoln Park 30-0 on Friday and is off to a 3-0 start this season. The Champions may be on their way to an undefeated season and a top seed in the Class 8A playoffs.

Lane will not face Kenwood, Simeon, or Morgan Park and will be favored in every game the rest of the season.