By Bobby Narang
Montini Catholic High School junior quarterback Israel Abrams is looking to put a final touch on his illustrious career.
Less than two years ago, in the middle of his sophomore season, Abrams was an unknown player.
Although he shined in camps and his reputation as a potential star quarterback was growing in the football circles throughout the State, Abrams had yet to start a game in the first few games of his junior season.
Since earning the starting position, Abrams has won all 24 games, including leading the Broncos to back-to-back State titles, in Class 3A and 4A, over the last two seasons.
Montini football coach Mike Bukovsky said Abrams has established himself as one of the top quarterbacks in State history in a short time – and he has one more season left.
“There’s so much hype surrounded around a lot of players, especially at quarterback,” Bukovsky said. “The separator at quarterback is that he has two state titles. That’s the ultimate measure of a winner. He’s a winner. That’s the best stat.”
Abrams, who has multiple high-level Power Four offers, said his main goal is to guide the Broncos to 38 wins in a row, which would end his career with an undefeated starting record and three state championships.
“It’s crazy to think of 38 wins in a row,” Abrams said. “I may have that chance. I just stay humble and work hard. My family, my teammates and my team have helped me get to this place. We’ve all worked together as a team over the last two years and picked each other up. I want to win another State championship.
“If I get that, that helps my case 100% to be one of the better quarterbacks in Illinois state history, like several past quarterbacks such as J.J. McCarthy.”
Abrams is on his way toward his goal, just finishing a stunning season by completing 233 of 340 passes for 4,072 yards and 40 touchdowns, with just six interceptions. He rushed for 224 yards and 10 touchdowns to be selected as the MVP of the CCL White Division.
In his first full season as a starter, Abrams lived up to his immense potential by leading the Broncos (14-0) to a 4A State title. The 6-foot-4, 190-pound Abrams, a 4A all-State selection, passed for 418 yards and two touchdowns and scored a rushing TD to power the Broncos to a 47-33 victory over Rochester in the 4A final at Hancock Stadium November 28.
“My goal always has been to win every game I can,” Abrams said. “I hate losing and will try and do everything I can to win. I’m blessed to be in this position. I definitely can’t say that I thought I would be in this position when I started my career. It’s cool too see when you put all your chips in one basket and reap the fruit of your labor.”