NORMAL — Senior quarterback Logan Malachuk never expected this for Nazareth.
When the Burr Ridge resident joined the football team as a freshman, he had no idea what was in store for him or the Roadrunners.
But when his career finished up Saturday afternoon, he had three state championships under his belt and unofficially threw for more yardage than any other quarterback in Illinois history.
“My freshman year, we were down at halftime in Week 4, and I think we were down 20-0,” Malachuk said. “Coach (Tim) Racki put me in, we came back and won, and I didn’t look back.”
Not then. And not now.
Malachuk threw for 336 yards and four touchdowns Saturday to lead the Roadrunners to a 29-27 victory over Joliet Catholic in the Class 5A state championship game at Hancock Stadium.
According to Nazareth’s statistics, Malachuk finished with 11,184 career yards, an Illinois High School Association record. It broke the previous mark of 10,884 by Greenville’s Tyler Hutchinson.
Trenton Walker caught four passes for 122 yards and two TDs for Nazareth (12-2), while James Penley and Stanford-bound Gabe Kaminski each caught TD passes. Penley also recovered an onside kick in the closing minute of the nail-biter to clinch the Roadrunners’ sixth state title.
Malachuk was actually unaware he was climbing the ladder to the top off the state’s passing list.
“I had an idea that I had a lot of yards,” Malachuk said, nodding. “I had no idea what the record was. That’s something insane that I didn’t even think was possible.
“I was lucky enough to play four years for a great team under a great offense. They put me in a great situation, and that’s all that you can ask for.”
Larry Stringham led Joliet Catholic (10-4) by running for 147 yards, while Nate Magrini added 125. Junior quarterback Lucas Simulick threw for 105 yards and two TDs.
But the Roadrunners continued their mastery of the Hilltoppers, after beating Joliet Catholic 38-20 in the 2023 state championship game and then 16-13 during this year’s regular season
The key throughout those years? Kaminski, a senior linebacker who also played four years and makes occasional appearances on offense, pointed toward Malachuk.
“Oh, man, his leadership is off the charts,” Kaminski said. “Whenever the offense doesn’t score or the defense gives up a touchdown, he’s always there keeping us up.
“And as a player, ever since he started as a freshman, he’s been phenomenal. I love him, and I wouldn’t want anyone else as my quarterback.”
Colleges are beginning to agree. The 5-foot-11, 186-pound Malachuk has offers from South Dakota, Central Missouri, Northern State and St. Thomas.
Together, Malachuk and Kaminski led teams to historic firsts over the years.
In 2022, they were instrumental when Nazareth became the first team in IHSA history to win a state title with four losses. The Roadrunners topped that in 2023 by being the first team to enter the playoffs with a 4-5 record and still win the state championship.
This season, they helped Nazareth earn the first three-peat in program history.
“These are two guys that have been on varsity since their freshman year and went to the state quarterfinals, which is amazing in itself,” Racki said. “And then the next two years, you go to the state championship game and you win.
“You would think, especially with teenagers, there would be some sense of either empowerment or this was easy or it’s about me. They are the most humble and grounded group. They help the younger guys that have come up to varsity and teach them the right way.”
And Racki, for one, enjoyed watching Malachuk’s development over his standout career.
“He’s very fun to watch,” Racki said. “Not only does he have an arm, but he’s got legs, too. He’s extremely smart, and he’s not just a running-threat quarterback. He keeps his eyes downfield.
“But if something opens up, he’s gonna be able to pick up some yards for us.”
Jeff Vorva is a freelance reporter for the Pioneer Press.
