The last offensive play for Richards’ Ahmad Buchanan resulted in a touchdown, capping off an impressive high school career. Buchanan, a star senior safety, was asked to play running back this season for the Bulldogs. His final high school touch came on a catch in traffic in the right corner of the end zone during Friday’s game.
Senior quarterback Noah Escobedo, who threw the pass, could only shake his head in amazement afterward. “Man, I don’t even know how he came down with it,” Escobedo said. “To be honest, that was just kind of a hope and a prayer. He’s an athlete. He comes through with those types of plays.”
The 6-foot-1, 190-pound Buchanan made several big plays throughout the game, running for 144 yards on 19 carries. Despite his efforts, top-seeded Richards fell 42-21 to 16th-seeded Hersey in a Class 7A second-round playoff game played in Oak Lawn. Buchanan also contributed with three catches for 20 yards, leading the Bulldogs to a 9-2 season.
Escobedo completed 14 of 37 passes for 246 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for 65 yards on 14 carries. Other touchdown catches came from Carmelo Palumbo and Jaiden Henry. However, Hersey (9-2) advanced to the quarterfinals by outgaining Richards 533-462, fueled by Ohio recruit Brandon Jenkins.
Jenkins ran for 260 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries for the Huskies, who led 14-7 at halftime. He then broke open the game with back-to-back touchdown runs of 63 and 53 yards in the opening 1:05 of the third quarter.
Buchanan closed out his high school career by doing a little bit of everything, showcasing why he was named the South Suburban Red’s player of the year.
“I wasn’t used to playing offense because I’m a defensive guy,” Buchanan said of his adjustment to running back. “But it had to be done. Nobody else was going to do it, so I had to step up. It was fun. I love scoring touchdowns.”
Buchanan confirmed that colleges have primarily been recruiting him as a defensive player. He made an official visit to Miami of Ohio and has received interest from Toledo and Lindenwood.
While his offensive days appear to be behind him, his coaches and teammates appreciated his efforts this season, which included a six-touchdown game against Oak Lawn, tying a program record. He also produced five touchdowns in a game against Eisenhower.
“We asked him to do something that he never did before — play running back as well as both ways,” Richards coach Tony Sheehan said. “That takes a toll on your body. He’s a warrior. He worked hard in the offseason in the weight room and continued to during the year because he knew the toll it would take on his body. He had a turf toe the last four or five weeks and you wouldn’t know it.”
Escobedo noted that Buchanan, nicknamed “AJ,” truly defines the Richards program.
“AJ definitely does his role well,” Escobedo said. “When we ask him to run the ball, he gives it his all. When we’re in pass protection, he steps up and blocks. Mind you, he plays defense and plays both sides the whole game.
“Having someone like that shows what Richards is all about. We’re tough, tough, determined people and we don’t want to give up. Someone like AJ is a representation of what Richards football is.”
Buchanan shared that his football journey began at age 8 after Richards teammate and cousin Kamari Sapara convinced him to join the Calumet City Thunderbolts.
Over the years, Buchanan has developed a love for the sport that goes beyond the action on the field.
“I love the team bonding and bonding with the coaches,” he said. “The memories. Going out there and fighting our hardest. It’s just great.”
— Jeff Vorva is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/08/ahmad-buchanan-richards-hersey-ihsa-football/
