Copyright Chicago Tribune
Maine South junior quarterback Jameson Purcell has grown up around the football program. Both of Purcell’s parents and several older cousins attended the school, where his father, James, played defensive end. Purcell was a ball boy as a kid. “I love playing for my community and Maine South,” he said. “My dad played here, so he got me into football and coached me my entire career. He guided me through this and has given me every opportunity possible to make it happen.” On Saturday, Purcell made another playoff win happen for the Hawks. The 6-foot-2, 195-pound Indiana commit passed for 272 yards and a touchdown and also ran for two touchdowns, including the game-winning 1-yarder with 5:35 left, as third-seeded Maine South rallied on the road to beat 19th-seeded Hinsdale Central 33-29 at Dickinson Field in the second round of the Class 8A playoffs. The Hawks (10-1), who will play 11th-seeded Oswego (9-2) at home in the state quarterfinals, trailed 22-6 at halftime. But Purcell, who also led Maine South to the quarterfinals last season, didn’t panic. He completed 11 of 13 pass attempts for 211 yards in the second half to overcome the Red Devils (7-4). “One of the biggest traits for me is I stay mellow in the biggest moments,” Purcell said. “I’ve been here before in these situations multiple times. I know it. As a quarterback and a leader, I have to bring everyone down to the middle, not too high or too low.” Maine South coach Dave Inserra agreed that nothing fazes Purcell, who had college offers before he played in his first high school game. “In a positive way, his ego allows him to make plays,” Inserra said. “He’s not afraid of the big stage. He’s thrown with some of the best in the country in his training, and you can see that when he comes out on this stage.” Maine South offensive coordinator Ryan Healy echoed Inserra. “Jameson’s demeanor and calmness, especially this year, sets him apart,” Healy said. “He’s had a lot of starts and been around the program, so he knows the atmosphere and the culture of the program. He knows the history here, so the moment is not going to be too big for him.” Purcell made his debut as Maine South’s starting quarterback in Week 4 last season, when he completed 70% of his passes for 2,572 yards and 30 touchdowns with seven interceptions. Healy said Purcell’s 20th career start is a good example of his talent. “Jameson, like he showed today, can throw at many levels,” Healy said. “He can throw a level-one ball and a level-two ball, where he can put the ball on you. He really used that level three today.” Hinsdale Central senior running back/defensive back Patrick Connors, a Boston College baseball recruit who scored three touchdowns, said Purcell’s passing was impressive. “Their quarterback is very good and definitely makes the right reads,” Connors said. “He got the ball quick out of his hands, making the slants hard to guard.” Maine South senior wide receiver Finn Haugh, who had seven catches for 145 yards and a touchdown, also noted Purcell’s ability to make plays with his legs. “I call him Josh Allen,” Haugh said. “In practice, he lowers his shoulder. He’s a big guy.” Purcell traces his rise in football to his decision to stop playing basketball and baseball in middle school. “Just because of the time commitment, I knew I wanted to take football to the next level,” he said. “Around sixth or seventh grade, I really looked myself in the mirror and just knew football was the game for me and I wanted to try and create a legacy and be as great as I can. That’s when I really stepped it up. “I was always a pretty good athlete and played receiver and safety and everything in between. But in seventh or eighth grade, I realized I love quarterback and commanding and being a leader on the team.” Purcell said he wants to lead the Hawks to their seventh state title. “I started this process way back in the sixth grade,” he said. “I’ve been working hard for years to be in this moment.” Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter.
