Copyright Chicago Tribune
As a player, Crete-Monee’s Dorian Patterson doesn’t sit around and wait for things to happen. The 6-foot-3, 190-pound senior receiver, safety and kick returner is an all-purpose threat who loves to take the initiative and spring into action on both sides of the ball for the Warriors. “My mentality is that nobody can stop me,” Patterson said with a knowing smile. “That has always been my mindset — I’m the best player out there. You have to believe that. “People say I’ve got that dog in me, and I believe it. I’m a real competitor. Off the field, I’m laid-back and quiet, but once I step between those lines, I turn into a different person.” Patterson turned into the difference Saturday, scoring a 37-yard touchdown on Crete-Monee’s first play from scrimmage to spark a 73-34 victory over Quincy in a Class 6A first-round playoff game. It was the first of two TD receptions by Patterson as Crete-Monee (8-2) — which plays host to Dunlap (8-2) at 2 p.m. Saturday in the second round — set a program record for points scored in a playoff game. The Warriors, who started the season 0-2, have now won eight straight. It also topped off a banner week for Patterson, a four-year varsity regular who recently announced his commitment to New Mexico. He also had offers from Northern Illinois and Miami of Ohio. “It was really the coaches,” Patterson said. “The way they interact with their players — it feels like family. They’re genuine, not fake. That made me fall in love with the program, the people and the whole environment.” Patterson is a self-starter who typically shapes the action. For example, he returned the opening kickoff 85 yards for a TD against Richards on Aug. 29 in the season opener. A converted quarterback, Patterson is a natural-born competitor. “He’s a leader of our team and has been for several years,” Crete-Monee coach John Konecki said. “He’s a glue guy who sets a tempo and a tone on what we’re going to do on a daily basis. “Dorian’s a great teammate and just a nice kid to be around. A tremendous competitor. He wants to be good. When you have talent and you want to be good, you can do whatever you want.” Senior receiver D’Arion Yarbrough testified to Patterson’s value and natural skills, pointing out how it carries over to every aspect of the team’s offense. “His game is elite and he has it all at receiver,” Yarbrough said. “He understands different defenses and coverages. His route running is smooth and he’s very fast. “He’s always helping the other receivers get better. He will do anything to help the team win.” Patterson has 55 catches for 853 yards and 12 TDs this year. He also has four interceptions. He has the size, athleticism and speed to get to pretty much any ball thrown in his catch radius. “My best quality is my versatility,” he said. “I can play in the slot or outside and I can be a threat at every level — deep, intermediate or short. That’s a big part of my game. “I use my size to my advantage. Before the game even starts, I size up the defensive backs. I know when it’s one of those games I can go over the top. My height makes the game easier.” Growing up, Patterson’s biggest influence was his brother Devonta Sowell, who’s 10 years older and played receiver at Thornridge. Quiet and studious, Patterson also enjoys baking with his younger sister. “When I saw my brother playing for the South Holland Jets, I wanted to do the same thing,” Patterson said of Sowell. “My mom signed me up and I’ve been playing ever since. “My mom said when I was little, I’d crawl and race my big brother. I’ve always had that drive.” Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
