As a running back in a pass-heavy offense, Mount Carmel junior Nathan Samuels understands the importance of being versatile.
When it comes to contributing in the passing game, Samuels is certainly comfortable with that aspect.
“I’m a receiver in a running back’s body, in my opinion,” he said. “I feel like I’ve always had hands.”
Samuels showed off those hands time and again Friday night, hauling in seven catches for 90 yards. He also added a 1-yard touchdown run to lead the host Caravan to a 27-14 win over Brother Rice in a CCL/ESCC Blue showdown in Chicago.
Emmett Dowling completed 24 of 35 passes for 353 yards and three TDs to pace Mount Carmel (6-0, 2-0). Marshaun Thornton tallied seven catches for 80 yards, including a 12-yard TD.
Quentin Burrell finished with five catches for 84 yards, while Jamari Brown made a 56-yard TD catch and Duran Sims added a 24-yard TD catch. Gabe Spencer had a big interception.
Samuels, however, was a consistent playmaker.
“We knew if the pass wasn’t there to our receivers that me and other running backs were going to have to be a crucial part,” Samuels said. “That’s what we had to do. We had to step up and make plays.”
Senior tight end Collin Goggin caught a 38-yard TD pass from junior receiver Lucas Strang on a trick play and hauled in a 5-yard TD pass from senior quarterback CJ Gray to lead the Crusaders (5-1, 1-1).
Jameson Davis also ran for 70 yards on eight carries for Brother Rice, while Kameron McGee came up with a sack and a fumble recovery.
Samuels, meanwhile, played on the junior varsity team last season before coming up to varsity for the playoffs to be a part of Mount Carmel’s run to its third straight Class 7A state championship.
Dowling said Samuels earned his trust in the offseason.
“It all started in the winter during our morning workouts,” Dowling said. “I was really tough on him. I really got on him. I tested him a lot and he passed it. He really did.
“He’s truly special.”
Although Samuels now considers himself a receiver in a running back’s body, a few years ago he was a receiver in a lineman’s body.
“Growing up, I actually played offensive line, surprisingly,” Samuels said. “I was a little chubby. I had to slim down. I switched to running back in seventh grade.
“It definitely took time adjusting to the running back position, but I definitely caught on.”
Brother Rice did challenge the Caravan, but Mount Carmel immediately answered after both TDs by the Crusaders.
Strang’s TD pass to Goggin gave Brother Rice a 7-0 lead, but the Caravan scored just two plays later on Dowling’s long strike to Brown.
When the Crusaders scored to pull within 20-14 early in the third quarter, Mount Carmel responded with Dowling’s TD pass to Thornton.
Mount Carmel also made three stops on fourth down after the Crusaders got inside the Caravan 10-yard line, including Spencer’s game-sealing interception in the end zone with just over four minutes to go.
“We always talk about how when adversity hits, we have to come together,” Dowling said. “Adversity hit a lot (Friday), but we bounced back. Defense wins championships, plain and simple.”
While Mount Carmel is loaded with talent at receiver, coach Jordan Lynch was thrilled to see Samuels provide another reliable option.
“You never know when it’s going to be your time,” Lynch said. “Nate did a really good job of breaking tackles and extending plays and he’s really good at catching the ball out of the backfield.
“Good for that kid. I’m proud of that kid. It opens things up for the receivers when he does what he did.”
Samuels was also ready after waiting for his moment.
“Last year, I learned to stay patient, for sure,” Samuels said. “Everybody’s time is coming. It’s all God.”
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