A free Mason: Santiago leads Providence to Class 4A state semifinals by playing both ways. ‘He’s always been the X-factor.’ Plus, football notes.

Mason Santiago is a defensive force playing a hybrid linebacker/defensive back position for Providence. When the Celtics need a lift on offense, he will answer the call at running back.

The 6-foot-1, 195-pound senior is ready to take on any role he can to lead his team.

“I’m just a guy who if you need to me put me anywhere, I’m there, I can help out,” Santiago said. “I’m just trying to help the team win and get to that state title — win that ring.”

Santiago is a major reason why Providence (8-4) has advanced to the Final Four in Class 4A. The Celtics visit Wheaton St. Francis (11-1) at 2 p.m. Saturday in the state semifinals.

“We were young when the season started, but now those guys have learned a lot,” Santiago said. “Each week, we’re getting better and better. The progression from the young guys has been awesome.

“It means everything to be where we are now. I’m so happy to see us succeed and so happy for this team. It’s awesome.”

Santiago, who was called up to the varsity as a freshman and never looked back, has made big plays on both sides of the ball all season.

It’s no surprise to his teammates, according to senior offensive lineman Sean Dee.

“I grew up playing football with Mason and he’s always been that guy,” Dee said. “He’s always been the X-factor for a team. This year especially, coach (Tyler) Plantz is doing a great job using him at that hybrid ‘backer and at running back.

“I call him the closer. He comes in at the end of the game, all pumped up, and he’ll hit anyone.”

Santiago’s powerful running is a perfect complement to the speed of junior running back Jamari Tribett.

A veteran offensive line, led by Dee and senior Zack Hesselmann, opens up the holes.

“As soon as we get the ball moving on the ground, then we’re able to toss it to our receivers in the air,” Hesselmann said. “We have some great wide receivers, and having Jamari Tribett and Mason running the ball, they’re tough to stop.”

After his sophomore season was shortened by the pandemic, the Celtics finished an uncharacteristic 3-6 last year. Santiago is thrilled to see Providence going again in the right direction.

“We don’t have a huge amount of size, but the heart of these guys is huge,” Santiago said. “The senior core, we’ve been through a lot of ups and downs, but to finally be on track and to be here now, it’s just awesome for us.”

Dominating without Dupree: Junior running back Darrion Dupree has not played for Mount Carmel (12-0) since suffering a leg injury in the regular-season finale against Loyola.

Without Dupree, who is rated as a four-star recruit by Rivals.com, the Caravan struggled early in a 24-6 win over Downers Grove North in a Class 7A second-round game.

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The offense, however, had no issues in Saturday’s 48-12 quarterfinal win over Brother Rice as Blainey Dowling threw for five first-half touchdown passes.

“We’re learning how to play without Darrion Dupree,” Mount Carmel coach Jordan Lynch said. “That’s going to take weeks. It started out a little slow, but we’re a senior-driven group, especially with Blainey Dowling.”

Mount Carmel visits St. Rita (10-2) for a state semifinal at 4 p.m. Saturday. The game will be televised live on Marquee Network.

Passing grade: Senior James Kwiecinski has been so successful running the ball behind a veteran offensive line that Lincoln-Way East (12-0) hasn’t had to rely too often on the passing game.

During Saturday’s 35-14 win over Warren in the Class 8A quarterfinals, however, junior quarterback Braden Tischer showed his capabilities, throwing for three TD passes.

“In the past, we’ve ran a lot,” Tischer said. “To just air it out a little bit more felt great, especially for me to show off what I can do and what our receivers can do.”

Steve Millar is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.