By Bobby Narang
Yorkville High School senior quarterback Quintin Rink was surprised to be on the field on Friday night, October 9.
The backup signal-caller did not expect to take a snap on Senior Night in a key Week 8 game against Oswego East.
But junior starting quarterback Max Delgado suffered an injury following a pass early in the third quarter.
“It’s unfortunate because it’s a position you can only play one player,” Yorkville coach Dan McGuire said of the injury. “We’ve always felt quarterback is one of our stronger positions for this team this season. Quintin proved that (Friday). We had no hesitation for him to come into that game at all.”
Despite seeing limited action early in the season, Rink proved ready for the challenge, leading the Foxes to consecutive touchdown drives in a 21-7 victory over Oswego East in a Southwest Prairie West Division game.
Rink tossed a four-yard touchdown pass to running back Gavin Geegan and an 11-yarder to senior wide receiver Joel Castillo.
The Foxes (4-4, 1-3) badly needed a win to build some momentum for the final regular season game.
“I think he deserves a ton of credit,” McGuire said of Rink. “Being a senior, obviously, he would like to play more. He’s never pouting or blaming anyone. His attitude has been, ‘It is what it is. When I get my turn, I’m gonna prove it.” He did just that.”
Rink said he was happy and ready to lead the offense in the second half.
“The plan at the beginning of the year was to split time,” Rink said, realizing all plans are made to be broken. “Max was always gonna be the running quarterback and I was supposed to be the passing. Max did well and they decided to stick with him, and I got in every once in a while.”