Aaron Stewart scores 4 TDs and Warren’s defense finds its stride to beat Stevenson

Warren senior Aaron Stewart is the best running back in the state. There are very few who would argue with that statement. The Illinois recruit also may be the most important player to his team in the entire state.

That’s a ton of weight on the back of one teenager.

“I’ve always had a lot of pressure on me,” Stewart said. “Since I was a little kid. I’ve always been that kind of person—a competitor. I know how to handle it no matter what the stage is.”

Friday’s stage was his home football field in Gurnee. Stewart scored four touchdowns to lead the No. 12 Blue Devils to a 28-13 win against Stevenson.

“There are a lot of elite players in the state, but people don’t talk about [Stewart] enough,” Warren coach Bryan McNulty said. “He’s a potential Olympic wrestler. He’s the best running back I’ve seen in the 40 years I’ve been around football. And he doesn’t get tired. You see that wrestler come out in him. He’s a pit bull and extremely competitive with the football.”

Stewart had 31 carries for 175 yards.

“On the last drive he was saying the plays he wanted to run,” McNulty said. “We don’t normally do that, but when that kid wants it you say ok.”

Stewart had all but 29 of Warren’s rushing yards. Blue Devils quarterback Reed Dangel was 4-for-9 for 79 yards. Warren (6-1, 5-0 North Suburban) passed just enough to keep Stevenson’s defense honest.

That’s a typical load for Stewart, who hasn’t fumbled this season. It was not a typical game for Warren’s defense. McNulty’s program is built on defense, but this year’s group is still a work in progress.

The Blue Devils found something special in the second half. On one spectacular play in the fourth quarter, Royce Lopez smashed Stevenson quarterback Aidan Crawley. The ball popped up into the air and Javon Brisker grabbed the interception.

Stewart scored on the next play to put the Blue Devils ahead 21-13.

“[The defense] hasn’t been playing like that all season,” Stewart said. “I’m not going to lie. They really stepped it up and did what they needed to do to get us the win.”

Lopez and Michael Lingenfelser also had interceptions for Warren.

“Stevenson came out and did a lot of things we hadn’t seen,” McNulty said. “They really emptied the playbook. We had to adjust to it. The defense bent but didn’t break in the first half. Once the kids settled in we were able to put the pressure on.”

Crawley was 17-for-34 for 166 yards for the Patriots (5-2, 4-1). He rushed for 64 yards including a 37-yard TD.

Warren was without North Dakota recruit Jordan Ellis, an offensive and defensive lineman. Junior Immanuel Gahima started in his place on the offensive line along with Jayden Murguia, Kareem Sowe, Victor Drake and Adrian Abrego.

“We know it all starts with us on the line,” Sowe said. “If we don’t do the dirty work then Aaron can’t shine.”

Warren’s only loss this season is to Maine South. The Blue Devils wrap up the regular season against Lake Zurich and Libertyville.

“I feel good,” McNulty said. “This group of seniors was 1-7 when they were sophomores. So they haven’t won a lot. They have really committed to the weight room. They are all Warren kids. There isn’t a transfer in the group. They are all our kids and they are starting to believe now.”