High school Team Preview: Morgan Park Mustangs

Morgan Park high school comes out as the favorite to win the (Chicago Public, Illini (Red Bird)) conference. The Mustangs are led by head coach and former Morgan Park alumni, Chris James. This spring, they did not allow one point, while scoring an average of 29.3 points a game. This is a young team that has multiple key starters coming back, such as Donta Hayes and [player_tooltip player_id="130591" first="Tysean" last="Griffin"]. Since Chris James took over the Mustangs in 2018, they started 3-6. Since then, they have only had winning seasons and developed each year. Morgan Park has had an extremely young team, and this fall they are matured and ready to play fast! <u>2021 Spring Season Results</u><strong>(4-0)</strong> 3/27 Curie HS <strong>(26-0)</strong> 4/3 Kenwood Academy <strong>(20-0)</strong> 4/9 Oak Lawn HS <strong>(42-0)</strong> 4/17 Hubbard HS <strong>(FF)</strong> <hr /> <em><strong>Impact players this fall:</strong></em> Donta Hayes (DB-2022- 6’2”-185lb) The senior defensive back Donta Hayes came out during the spring season and had a strong camp season this summer. The physical corner plays well off the line and has great close-out speed when the ball is in the air. This comes from his natural athletic ability, and also from the snaps that he plays as a receiver as well. [player_tooltip player_id="130591" first="Tysean" last="Griffin"] (ATH-WR/CB-2024- 5’11”-165 lb) Tysean was a freshman who burst on the scene as a freshman this spring. He has received multiple division 1 offers in and out of the power 5. Lining up at WR, RB, and CB, he was making plays all over the field. He’s an impact player that everyone will be watching when the ball is in his hand or headed his way. Aaron Warren (QB-2022-6’2”- 155lb) The Mustangs quarterback from this spring season is coming back this fall for his senior season. Aaron Warren is a dynamic player who can make anyone miss in the open field, while also making you pay with his arm down the field. After a successful spring, and a full off-season, there will be fireworks from Aaron this fall. [player_tooltip player_id="168916" first="Keyth" last="Williams"] (LB-2023-5’10”- 205lb) [player_tooltip player_id="168916" first="Keyth" last="Williams"] is a young linebacker on the radar this fall. Keyth is a 5’10” 205 pounds thumper! He has a good nose for the football and does well blitzing off of the edge. Getting varsity snaps at a young age has been good for him. I’m looking forward to seeing him put his game together this fall. <strong><em>Other Players to watch:</em></strong> Davon Byrd: ATH(RB/OLB)- 2022 [player_tooltip player_id="141369" first="Devan" last="King"]: Center/Guard- 2022 Kendall Sprouts: Wide Reciever- 2022 Shawn Harris Jr: ATH(WR/FS)- 2022 Joseph Adams: Defensive Tackle- 2022 Christopher Durr Jr: Wide Reciever- 2024 <hr /> <u>2021 Fall Schedule </u> <strong>8/27 </strong>Fenwick <strong>9/3 </strong>Saint Viator <strong>9/10 </strong>Perspectives <strong>9/18 </strong>Curie <strong>9/24 </strong>Taft <strong>10/2 </strong>Kenwood <strong>10/9 </strong>Simeon <strong>10/14 </strong>Hubbard <strong>10/22 </strong>Opponent TBA Games to watch: Morgan Park’s games against Fenwick (8/27), Kenwood (10/2), and Simeon (10/9) will be three games to watch this fall. Fenwick is a strong team that’s loaded with talent. Having them go head to head with the Mustangs on opening night, is sure to be a battle. Kenwood Academy is a team that’s very similar to Morgan Park, and a rivalry game. Morgan Park has won the last two battles against Kenwood academy, and both talent-packed teams will leave it all out on the field to start the month of October. Simeon Academy is another strong rivalry game that’s equally as strong in both basketball and football. After being shut out in the spring, Simeon and Morgan Park will be poised for a great game. For more IHSA team previews, you can follow @prepredzone or prepredzoneIL! To have your team featured for a season preview, recruiting advice, or having players featured in future articles, please DM and follow @_D3BO