Oswego’s Ammar Banire was hoping to have a breakout game Friday for more reasons than one.
The sophomore running back has been seeing more and more action as the season has gone on. Friday’s game against crosstown rival Oswego East was coming on the eve of his 16th birthday.
Those are all good things, but the fact that his mother, Yewande, a family nurse practitioner, was able to watch him play high school football in person for the first time was foremost on his mind.
“My mom just got back from Nigeria,” Banire said. “I had to ball out for her. That was special.”
Banire kept his word by having quite a night, scoring two touchdowns to help the host Panthers break out offensively as well for a 33-21 Southwest Prairie West victory over the Wolves.
Drew Kleinhans completed 8 of 13 passes for 215 yards, including a 94-yard TD to Mariano Velasco, to lead Oswego (6-2, 2-2). Banire came up big, rushing for 126 yards on 19 carries.
His two TD runs covered 13 and 12 yards, respectively.
Jasiah Watson gutted out 75 yards and two TDs on 24 carries for Oswego East (6-2, 2-2). Niko Villacci threw a 38-yard TD pass to Donavin Eason, who picked up seven catches for 105 yards.
The 6-foot-2, 185-pound Banire, meanwhile, said he tries to watch film of other taller running backs to help him hone his game. There’s one in particular that he always keeps in mind.
“That comes from hours of watching Adrian Peterson,” Banire said. “I definitely try to look at running backs my size. I don’t really look at guys that are like 5-foot-8.”
Oswego coach Brian Cooney knows that Banire brings a whole different dynamic to the offense.
“He showed the potential of what we think he can be,” Cooney said of Banire. “He showed some raw talent for as young as he is. He has some definite upside.”
Cooney also knows that Banire still has a ways to go, especially learning how to get lower to avoid big hits. At the same time, Cooney realizes that Banire is just scratching the surface.
“I think his vision is getting better and his confidence is getting better,” Cooney said. “He’s got to learn how to lower his shoulder. He’ll take some body blows until he learns how to sink himself.
“But you’re right — it’s exciting to watch.”
Banire’s first TD run, the 13-yarder, came with 7:51 left in the third quarter and cut Oswego East’s lead to 21-19. The next time that the Panthers got the ball, they went to the air.
With the threat of Banire having been established, Kleinhans found Velasco on the first play of the drive. Velsasco did the rest for a game-changing 94-yard TD catch. Oswego never trailed again.
“I feel like my presence is huge,” Banire said. “Everyone can do what they need to do.”
Oswego East couldn’t establish the run as in recent weeks, which meant having to use more of Villacci’s arm. He came up with several big plays, but the Wolves were stymied by being in consistent third-and-long situations.
“Niko played well,” Oswego East coach Tyson LeBlanc said. “We haven’t had to utilize him as much, but we did (Friday). When we did, it was obvious that we had to, which makes it difficult.”
Banire then iced the win with 2:18 left on the 12-yard TD run.
Three weeks ago, Banire started to get some more playing time against Joliet West. The Panthers were held to nine total points in losses to Minooka and Yorkville sandwiching that game.
His breakout has been a welcomed sight.
“I always knew my teammates believed in me,” Banire said. “That confidence has always been there. It’s just a matter of progressing, and that’s what I did (Friday night).”
Paul Johnson is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.