Yorkville’s AJ Divito knows that every football player is an illusionist at heart.
The senior receiver created the biggest play of his life with a quiet act of subterfuge Friday night.
“We ran that screen pass early in the game for about eight yards and that set it up,” he said. “We were just waiting for that play because I knew the safety was going to bite and sell out.”
And from there, the Foxes were off and running.
Divito faked the screen route and broke free for a game-changing 57-yard touchdown catch for Yorkville in a stunning 16-6 Southwest Prairie West victory at Oswego.
Yorkville (5-0, 2-0) forced three turnovers in the second half to break open a game that was scoreless at halftime. An interception by senior linebacker Luke Hendershott set up a 30-yard field goal by Kyle Nadler. Senior quarterback Jack Beetham also scored on a 2-yard run.
Senior receiver Teddy Manikas came through with a 30-yard TD catch for Oswego (4-1, 1-1), which had its 14-game regular-season winning streak snapped.
Beetham is close friends with Divito, who ended up with three catches for 68 yards Friday. They grew up together playing basketball and baseball, making that play dramatic and personal.
“We have a perfect connection out there,” Beetham said. “I know his length and his speed. I saw him down the field and I took my shot. I know I can trust him every time.
“Watching him from last year to this year is just the crazy change he has gone through.”
The 6-foot-2 Divito blends ideal size, athleticism and explosiveness. Yorkville coach Dan McGuire also credited his self-awareness and versatility.
“The thing that is really good about A.J is that he’s really intelligent and can play multiple positions,” McGuire said. “He can play any of the receiver positions, so that makes him valuable.
“More importantly, he really wants to win, not about the individual, and that shows in his play.”
The TD also crystallized Divito’s improvement from situational player to crucial part of the attack.
“I think compared with a year ago, I’m much more of a presence on the field,” he said. “Last year, I wasn’t a starter. I played more in packages, and I’ve evolved into more of a playmaker.
“That’s what I want to keep on doing.”
Divito, who grew two inches since the end of last season, has a great catch radius. He has also demonstrated the ability to go up in traffic and fight for contested balls.
“With my size, it’s all about positioning,” Divito said said. “If I’m running around, I just have to get inside the defensive back because I have the length to go get it.
“The other difference now is I’m much more physical, not letting people push me off my route.”
His father and his brother, both named Chuck, were influences. At five years older, his brother played for the Foxes, just as AJ’s interest in the sport took off as an athlete in middle school.
It was the second TD of the season for Divito, who played basketball and volleyball before shifting his focus exclusively to football. Given the stakes and importance, it’s a moment he won’t forget.
“It’s probably the biggest play of my career,” Divito said. “I’m still replaying it in my mind 1,000 times. We were all so hungry for this win.”
The two schools are only separated by five miles. The crowd was overflowing on both sides.
“I just love the atmosphere,” Divito said. “When I step on the field, there’s just no other feeling than seeing all of those fans cheering on your name. Now, we’re 5-0 and it’s a great feeling.
“I have never felt anything like this, so I’m very excited.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.