Junior receiver Ryan Sims does not care about Marist’s regular-season record.
He doesn’t care the RedHawks went winless in the rugged CCL/ESCC Blue.
He also doesn’t care Marist received the 18th seed out of 32 teams for the Class 8A state playoffs.
None of that matters to Sims as the RedHawks (6-3, 0-3) prepare for what they hope is another huge postseason run despite a not-so-powerful record.
“Our goal all season is state,” he said. “We knew, whatever our regular-season record was, it wouldn’t matter. Even if we were 9-0, we would have to make it all the way to state and win that game.
“Whatever that record is, state is still the goal.”
Those who know recent history understand Marist does some of its best work when heading into the playoffs without a sparkling record.
In 2015, coach Pat Dunne and the RedHawks had a 5-4 record and reached the 8A state championship game.
In 2019, coach Ron Dawczak and Marist also had a 5-4 record, but made it to the 8A semifinals. The RedHawks opened the postseason with a 49-7 victory over Glenbard East, which was 8-1 at the time.
Guess who Marist opens up against in this year’s playoffs? Glenbard East.
Kickoff is at 7 p.m. Friday in Lombard. The 15th-seed Rams (7-2) have losses to South Elgin (9-0) and Glenbard South (8-1).
“We know we can play with any team in the state and we can beat any team in the state,” Dawczak said. “The seeding? We’re going to have to beat good teams to get to our ultimate goal anyway. It doesn’t matter what our seed is.”
One reason for Marist’s optimism has been the emergence of the 6-foot-3, 200-pound Sims, who’s drawing Division I interest from a list of schools that include Cincinnati and Northwestern.
During a 40-21 loss Friday to 7A power Brother Rice, Sims caught four passes from Dontrell Jackson Jr. for 94 yards, highlighting how he has become Mr. October for the RedHawks.
In four September games, Sims totaled eight catches for 73 yards. In October games against Loyola, Montini, Carmel and Brother Rice, he produced 20 catches for 419 yards.
His touchdown total is a moderate five, but some of his big-time catches also have led to scores.
“The coaching staff really expected a lot from me this year,” Sims said. “They wanted me to give it 100% in practice every week and every day. The coaches have done a great job supporting me and helping me grow.
“I’m just growing from this experience every day. I’m blessed to get the chances I’m getting with this offense. There is no other offense I would rather be a part of.”
Sims’ breakout game was a seven-catch, 141-yard performance in an Oct. 2 loss to top-seeded Loyola.
“He’s really turned it up and made a lot of plays these last few weeks,” Dawczak said. “He’s a major threat and a major weapon in our offense.
“He has a ton of physical ability. He has been able to put it into production on the field in the last half of the season.”
Sims said Dawczak helped alert colleges about his abilities. Sims took a recent visit to Cincinnati and has a visit lined up this weekend to Northwestern.
Cincinnati, which is having a stellar season, beat Notre Dame 24-13 on Oct. 2 — the same day Sims had his big game against Loyola. It boosted the Bearcats to a No. 2 ranking in the nation by The Associated Press.
“I watched that Cincinnati-Notre Dame game,” Sims said. “I might have been the only one around here rooting for Cincinnati.”
Jeff Vorva is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
