Junior wide receiver Ahmed Everette delivered a decisive touchdown to lead Reavis to a 31-28 victory over Elgin in a Class 7A opening-round playoff game on Friday night. Everette’s 12-yard run late in the fourth quarter secured Reavis’ first playoff win since 2015.

Everette, known for his ability to perform under pressure, carried the ball five times for 53 yards and added the game-winning score on a jet sweep play. His versatility extends beyond offense, as he also starts at safety and contributes significantly on special teams. Senior quarterback Dardan Nreci praised Everette’s athleticism and leadership, highlighting his impact in stretching the field and his consistent work ethic. “He’s either on the field or in the gym,” Nreci said.

Reavis running back Christian DelBosque led the ground attack with 143 rushing yards and a touchdown, while Brandon Seymore also contributed a touchdown run. Nreci added 110 yards rushing on the ground along with his touchdown, underscoring the team’s balanced offensive effort.

Head coach Josh O’Shea emphasized that Everette was the obvious choice for the critical late-game carry. “I didn’t want that feeling after the game that we didn’t get the ball to our most explosive player,” O’Shea said. “He’s super passionate about the game and he plays hard all the time. He’s the jack-of-all-trades for us, and we rely on him a lot.”

At 5-foot-9 and around 150 pounds, Everette uses his speed and agility to create opportunities, regardless of his size. His background extends beyond football, as he also contributed to a program-record 800-meter relay team last spring, underscoring his athletic versatility. Despite his relatively late start in organized football—beginning only in eighth grade—Everette’s determination and work ethic have propelled him to a central role on the team.

Looking ahead, Reavis (5-5) is set to face No. 2 seed East St. Louis (8-1) on Friday at 6 p.m. The Rams enter as underdogs, but Everette remains focused on the challenge. “I believe in the relentless determination to never stop,” he said. “With the team we’re going against, you can’t just give up and say it’s over. In football, like life, you can’t just drop out.”

Everette hopes to continue his growth as a key playmaker as Reavis advances in the postseason, embodying his belief that hard work and perseverance lead to success.