The bigger the moment, the better things turn out for Oak Lawn’s Luke Mahoney.

He’s just that type of player.

The 6-foot-3, 190-pound senior wide receiver also showed off his motivation Friday night for the Spartans, providing the type of highlight that was virtually nonexistent a year earlier.

“I took a deep breath, and I knew my wing was going to get me the ball,” Mahoney said, replaying the situation. “We knew it was a big conference game. It was also just another play for me.

“We remember all the trouble we went through last year and now it’s our turn to show everybody what we’ve got.”

Oak Lawn got another big win as Mahoney caught a 28-yard touchdown pass off a trick play with 46 seconds left to clinch a 28-27 South Suburban Red victory over visiting Shepard.

Senior wingback Alex Soto delivered the winning play off a toss sweep and fake run, allowing the Spartans (3-0, 1-0) to remain among the ranks of Southland’s bevy of undefeated teams.

Was Soto surprised? Not at all.

“Mahoney’s the type of player who makes everyone around him better,” Soto said. “He plays with so much confidence and energy, and you can always count on him in big moments.

“Friday night was a perfect example. We trusted each other and executed. On that last drive, I just focused on doing my part, converting fourth-and-10, and that set us up. I’ll never forget that.”

Oak Lawn’s Luke Mahoney (12) catches a pass for a touchdown against Richards during a South Suburban Red game in Oak Lawn on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (Talia Sprague / Daily Southtown)

Mahoney has helped engineer a startling reversal for the Spartans, who finished last season with an 0-9 record. He was a junior and it was his first year on the varsity.

Now, his two-way play has helped bring about a transformation. He has five receptions for 134 yards on offense. As an outside linebacker, he has an interception and eight tackles for loss.

Both sides of the ball have been impacted by his size, athleticism and reach. In the process, he’s picked up 10 college offers, primarily from NCAA Division II and Division III and NAIA programs.

Later this month, however, he plans on taking visits to Purdue and Western Michigan.

“Luke has had success this year because of his passion, hard work and willingness to do whatever is asked to improve the team,” Oak Lawn coach Ryan Pattison said. “He is a team captain who will block for his teammates or participate on special teams.

“He is a leader on both sides of the ball.”

Mahoney also is a player for all seasons. He’s a forward in basketball, following that up by being a sprinter and jump specialist in track. He’s experienced success with those teams as well.

The cruel sting from last fall, enduring the whole season and never experiencing a win in football, fueled his desire during vigorous offseason workouts and conditioning.

“Nobody likes to lose,” Mahoney said. “We played a lot of teams close, but we couldn’t get over the hump. We have a big chip on our shoulders. We were super young last year.

“We have 10 starters back on offense, eight or nine on defense. We took this summer personally. Everybody came out to work and everybody is held accountable. We’re all stepping up.”

Luke Mahoney, a senior wide receiver and outside linebacker, stands in the locker room at Oak Lawn on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025. (Patrick Z. McGavin / Dailly Southtown)

Mahoney has deep roots and family connection to Oak Lawn. His mom attended the school, as did a few uncles who played football. His younger sister, Molly, is a cheerleader who also runs track.

His earliest memories were playing with the Oak Lawn Outlaws at age 8.

“I’m definitely a fierce player,” he said. “I’m not scared when I go out there. I played all of those games. I went up against some big teams and big players last year and I know what to expect.

“We were up 21-7 on Shepard in the first half, but the game’s not over until it’s over. They came back. We stayed together as a team. I won’t forget that. It was a great moment.”

Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/09/16/luke-mahoney-oak-lawn-ihsa-football/