Mariano Velasco led Oswego back from the dead Saturday in Park Ridge.

Velasco had a game to remember. He caught a pair of touchdown passes and also had a 41-yard interception return for another touchdown.

That enabled his Panthers to rally from an early 14-point deficit to post a 24-21 victory over Maine South in a Class 8A quarterfinal.

Oswego has not been to the semifinals since 2003 when it won the 7A state title. The 11th-seeded Panthers (10-2) will host the winner of No. 2 Barrington/No. 23 Lockport next weekend.

“We are slow starters for some reason,” Oswego coach Brian Cooney said.

Velasco not only had a game that he won’t forget on Saturday. The senior also had a week to remember.

Earlier this week, Velasco, who plays both wide receiver and defensive back for Oswego, was

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