One Big Question: Morris
One Big Question: Wheaton St Francis
One Big Question: St. Ignatius Wolfpack
One Big Question: Sycamore Spartans
One Big Question: Nazareth Academy Road Runners

Welcome to the latest feature simply called My One Big Question. I use the EDGYTIM/Marquee Sports 2022 Final Chicagoland Top 30 poll as my guide ansd break down all 30 teams and provide you My One Big Question for all 30 teams.....I will also come up with the same One Big Question for several state wide programs as well.
Today it's the 2022 Final Chicagoland Top 30 ranked and Class 5A 2022 state champion Nazareth Academy

My One Big Question for Providence Catholic? Was 2022 a one off or are the Celtics truly back and here to stay?

In many cases, really no one outside of the Providence catholic football program knew what to expect from then first year head coach Tyler Plantz heading into the 2022 IHSA football season. Plants took over the Providence Catholic football program from long time head coach Mark Coglianese. Coglianese ended up posting an impressive 106-70 record in 16 seasons and won the 2014 Class 7A state title and placed second in Class 6A in 2009 in his tenure. Yet the last handful of seasons under Coglianese (who still remains as the Providence track coach) seemed to see the football program slowing down a bit.

In steps Tyler Plantz, an alum who was well on his way to a college coaching career and who left Notre Dame as an assistant coach to take over his alma matter. Plantz move was heavily family influenced after the Plantz family had to overcome the shocking loss Zac Plantz who died suddenly and unexpectedly. Tyler Plantz has been very upfront and honest in his reasoning for taking over the football program and Providence and dedicating his efforts towards the memory of his brother.

So was the 2022 Providence Catholic Class 4A state runner up season a one off....or are the Celtics here to stay?

My Answer? Providence Catholic is here to stay. Providence Catholic last season saw the overall talent level and confidence level surge and it was pretty evident early on that Tyler Plantz and his staff was making big gains and big improvements as the season wore on. In my eyes Providence just didn't stop improving or peak from week to week as this program was just getting better and more confident each week. The overall numbers have improved this summer on all levels along with the talent level....and with already 11 returning starters back from a season ago this summer (5 offense 6 defense) the core looks to be strong again this fall.

Providence Catholic also has a strong schedule this coming season...yet it's also a schedule that's nor overwhelming in many ways in my opinion. Providence moving from the ESCC/CCL Orange to the White is a push.....and the schedule has a few big time opponents it's still not as strong as we've seen over the years. In the end I can see the Celtics getting back into the IHSA state playoffs as say a 6A team and having a chance to make another deep run.

Next Up? IC Catholic Prep

IMPORTANT: This content is strictly intended for the EDGY Nation subscribers ONLY and you do NOT have my permission to share anywhere on social media. Please respect my authority and copyright please!

First draft/first crack. Still lots for me to dig into go over etc before I consider/make this as final.

Have an issue or three? Fire away? Make a case for a team or two? Cool fire away. Love getting your early feedback here. This first draft will change.....

Below is the 2023 Preseason Enrollment Guide used for determining Class for all football playing schools and thanks to Steve Soucie as always for his hard work. This is for Class 8A and I'mm continue to add and tweak things etc,

Feel free to post your own Top 10 in 4A....schools who I might be overlooking etc fire away. Again like all of the polls at this time of the year this will change between now and when I make these final later in August.

2023 Preseason Class 4A Enrollment Guide for Polling Purposes

My Early 2023 Preseason Class 4A Top 10 poll

1. Rochester
2. IC Catholic Prep
3. Richmond Burton
4. Boylan
5. Morris
6. Coal City
7. Mt, Zion
8. Geneseo
9. Rochelle
10. Wheaton Academy

Others under consideration: Carterville/Chicago DeLaSalle/St. Viator/Columbia/Macomb/Murphysboro/Marengo


My Early Take on Class 4A: Well......the very top of the Preseason Class 4A preseason poll looks strong and both Rochester looks really strong this summer while IC Catholic Prep is one of say 3-4 schools here who could very well have more of a challenge to get to 5 wins in the regular season than anything they could potentially face in 4A. Richmond Burton has quietly become a state power....and Boylan brings back several key skills kids from a season ago. Morris is Morris and will battle the usual suspects in the Illinois Central 8 along with Coal City. Mt. Zion has some speed and skills back and looked good this summer. Geneseo is another team that could have to fight it's way to 5 wins but then could also be a dangerous team in 4A....Rochelle is always a hard nosed team and also a battle tested program. Wheaton Academy is also a sneaky good team and program who could sneak it's way into the Top 10 all season long. In short...this could be the most wide open 4A field I can remember in some time this fall.

All.... Oh boy. 5A is back. Some possibles when the postseason arrives dependent upon how large cutoff swings occur among the eight classes. Ratsy

Rochelle
Highland
Jacksonville
Metamora
Sterling
Mahomet-Seymour
Marmion
Glenbard South
Marion
Mascoutah
Sycamore
SHG
St. Francis

The next level (upper) in 5A.
Peoria
Prairie Ridge
JCA
NLP (might go 6A)
Nazareth

Evanston Wildkits

Head Coach: Mike Burzawa

Assistant Coaches:

Eddie Conley, Phil Partipilo, Brent Nance, Griff Jensen, Greg Taylor, Kyle Gessert, Josh Mensch, Steve Saa,


School Nickname/Mascot: Wildkits

Conference: Central Suburban South

Team Twitter: @ETHSSports


2023 Regular Season schedule (if known):

8-25 Zion Benton @ ETHS
9-1 LWC @ ETHS
9-8 Fremd @ ETHS
9-14 ETHS @ Palatine
9-22 Glenbrook South @ ETHS
9-29 New Trier @ ETHS
10-6 ETHS @ Deerfield
10-13 Glenbrook North @ ETHS
10-20 ETHS @ Maine South

Returning Offensive Starters for 2023:

Declan Boutross- OL 6'3, 290
Demarion Timberlake, 5'11, 170, RB
Emmett Robinson-WR, 6, 170
Ezequiel Delgado- TE, 5'11, 230

Returning Defensive Starters for 2023:

Keron Pryor 5'11, 180 DB
Destiny Ekwebelan, 5'11, 230 DL
Yohanness Jean-Francois 6'1, 215, LB
Ezequiel Delgado- TE, 5'11, 230 DL
Jace Meeks 6'1, 170, DB

Newcomers to Watch

Luke Van Overmeiran, 5'10, 175, Safety
Brandon Rosemond 6, 170 DB
Will Gatchell, 6"3, 225 OL
Collin Livatino, 5'11, 175, QB
Mike Pryor, 5'11, 180, RB/LB 'Soph"
Jacques Phillippe, 6'2, 180 DB/WR
Jake Broy 6'2, 200, DL,
Isaac Isrealite, 6'4, 190, WR/TE
Thomas Jackson, 5'9, 210, DL
Owen McElhatton, 6'1,230, OL
Chris Fargo, 6'1, 230, OL

2023 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?

NA

Impact Player for the Evanston Wildkits:

Evanston senior OL Declan Boutross (6-foot-3, 290 pounds) is a big, strong and physical linemen for the Wildkits who will be asked to provide leadership on and off the field for Evanston this coming season. Boutross, who has been drawing various FBC/D2 looks this summer will continue to draw more recruiting looks this fall.

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EDGY's Quick Take on the 2023 Evanston Wildkits

Evanston and veteran head coach Mike Burzawa posted a 3-6 record in 2022 as the Wildkits had a handful of games that could have possibly changed the season for Evanston. Evanston was also granted a forfeit win over Maine South after the end of the season for IHSA residency violations.

The biggest question facing Evanston in 2023? Can the Wildkits reload at a handful of key positions (QB/OL) and get back into winning in 2023? I can see Evanston battling all comers in 2023 and winding up with say a 5-4/4-5 record this fall.

My weekly Pick Rm contest is back. See the linked story for details and make sure to play each week all season long.

Pick Em: 2023 Beat EDGY Weekly Week 1 games have been announced

Questions? Post them here.

Sad to report that Hall of Fame head coach Bob Lombardi passed away this weekend.

Tony Lombardi

.​

MetStactpchy o2if8ni amsto So1thor1:16uoedt mPM ·

Tetelestai - "It is finished" @10:15 PM tonight We lost Grandpa, Dad, Coach and "Uncle Bob" Lombardi. He loves you all very much, a friend of mine said "there will be a celebration in heaven tonight and he will never look back" RIP and I love you very much Dad I'll miss you but I know that you're ALWAYS with me. We will forward information on the wake and funeral as soon as we know. Please share with one another your favorite stories to Celebrate this amazing life. Love all of you...TL...God Bless!!!

Mundelein Mustangs

Head Coach: Vince DeFrancesco

Assistant Coaches:

Cody Gokan Erick Sanchez Frank Lesniak Mike Vukovics Jake Gokan Johnny Cowhey George Corey Dave Whitson Mark Ede Mike Sanchez Bryan Whitson Steve Nolte Andy Johnson Alex Adams Jose Silva Eddie Sollito


School Nickname/Mascot: Mustangs

Conference: North Suburban

Team Twitter: @MundFootball


2023 Regular Season schedule (if known):

@ Grant
vs Grayslake North
vs Zion-Benton
vs Waukegan
@ Stevenson
@ Warren
@ Libertyville
vs Lake Zurich
@ Lake Forest


Returning Offensive Starters for 2023:

D. Broeker/QB/6ft/165lbs/2025
Griffin Troha/QB/6ft/170lbs/2024
Brandon Hansen/OL/6ft 6in/330lbs/2024
Vito Romano/OL/5ft 10in/225lbs/2024
Brendan Raciak/ OL/ 6ft 2in/ 265lbs/2024
Braelon Grant/ OL/ 6ft 2in/ 260lbs/ 2024
Lucas Dickey/ WR/5ft 9in/ 170lbs/ 2024
Adam Bogenski/TE/ 6ft 4in/ 220lbs/ 2024
Adam Alkhatib/RB/ 5ft 11in/ 230lbs/ 2024


Returning Defensive Starters for 2023:

Lucas Dickey/ DB/5ft 9in/ 170lbs/ 2024
Vinny Rogalski/ DB/ 6ft/ 170lbs/ 2024
Jairus White/ DL/ 6ft 5in/ 230lbs/ 2024
Julian Rivas/ DL/ 5ft 11in/ 210lbs/ 2024
Jake Junia/ LB/ 6ft 1in/ 190lbs/ 2024

Newcomers to Watch

Wyatt Soudan - ATH
Maddux Hermestroff - ATH
William Vilchynskyy - LB
Ian Murray - LB
Dylan Coe - OL/DL
Brody Paluch - RB
Carson Cooper - WR
Finley Stasiak - OL
Josh Lichter - ATH
Brandon Bautista- H
Dominic Seminaro - LB

2023 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?

CSL Passing Tourney
Deerfield
Vernon Hills
Round Lake
West Aurora Lineman Challenge



Impact Player for the Mundelein Mustangs:

Mundelein senior OT Brandon Hansen has been a major impact player over the past handful of season for the Mustangs. Hansen, who is already committed to Illinois will again be asked to be a leader both on and off the field this fall.

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EDGY's Quick Take on the 2023 Mundelein Mustangs:

Mundelein and head coach Vince DeFrancesco has continued to fight and get the Mustangs football program over the top. The Mundelein football team has made the IHSA state playoffs just twice in school history (2002 and 2004) and is seeking that one season that could hopefully turn it's course. Mundelein in 2022 finished with a 3-6 regular season record and welcomes back 14 returning starters (9 offense 5 defense) from a season ago this summer.

The biggest question facing Mundelein in 2023? Can the Mustangs win the games it's needs to win and then find a way of upsetting one of the blue bloods in the North Suburban conference? In many ways Mundelein could be a potential playoff team in several other conferences and year in and year out have a rough path in the conference. The key I feel in 2023 is getting off to a good early start, winning your non conference games then finding a way to pull off a win or two in conference. I'll say the Mustangs will finish the 2023 season with 4-5 record and challenge for a 5 win season and a state playoff spot. Sooner rather than later Mundelein will find a way to get it done.

Niles West Wolves

Head Coach: Nick Torresso

Assistant Coaches:

Aaron Diggs Gary Paustian Brent Brownley Dan Wilson Josh McLeod Ricky Cardi Jr Rick Cardi Sr Tim Lazzarotto


School Nickname/Mascot: Wolves

Conference: Central Suburban North

Team Twitter:

2023 Regular Season schedule (if known):

vs Thornton
@ Morton
vs Hoffman Estates
@ Wheeling
vs Niles North
vs Vernon Hills
@ Highland Park
@ Maine West
vs Maine East



Returning Offensive Starters for 2023:

John Bae QB 5’10 180 2024
Joey Pantazis RB 6’0 185 2024
Jason Fowler TE 6’5 240 2024
Aidan Sebastian OL 6’4 280 2024
Aidan Delisi WR/RB 6’0 180 2024
Logan Brandfellner OL 6’0 240 2024
Tyler Balderas OL 6’0 250 2024

Returning Defensive Starters for 2023:

Jayden Fowler LB 6’1 220 2024
LJ Morales DB 6’0 175 2024
Maddux Neidermaier DB 6’2 175 2024
Matei Cotofrea DB 5’10 175 2024
Nick Majcher DE 6’2 220 2024
Manny Olojo DT 6’0 260 2025
Leon Zakharia LB 6’0 195 2025
Jason Fowler 6’5 240 DE 2024



Newcomers to Watch

Ian Drummond 5’11 175 DB 2025
Brayden Kuffle 6’4 230 DE 2025
Rylan Sims 6’3 205 ATH 2024
Adnan Delovic OL 6’2 250 2024
Myles Saunders OL/DL 6’2 275 2024


2023 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?

CSL 7v7
St Norbert’s Team Camp


Impact Player for the Niles West Wolves:

Niles West senior TE/DE Jason Fowler is a good sized athlete who has the frame/size and length to develop into a top level player in college. Fowler is a very impressive tight end who is also a strong locked on blocker....and I would not be shocked to see him draw recruiting looks and more attention as say an offensive tackle.

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EDGY's Quick Take on the 2023 Niles West Wolves:

Niles West and head coach Nick Torrerro will move from the Central Suburban South conference over to the Central Suburban North for the 2023 season after posting a 2-7 record in 2022 (Niles West was granted a 1-0 forfeit win over Maine South after the season for residency issues/IHSA violation). The Wolves are seeking to make the IHSA state playoff field this fall for the first time since 2014.

The biggest question facing Niles West in 2023? Can the Wolves get a strong season from it's returning starters and benefit from playing in the CS North in 2023? It's no real secret that the Central Suburban South is the much more stacked conference, and the path for teams like Niles West is really crowded to get to the magical 5 wins. Getting moved to the North portion of the Central Suburban should be a positive for Niles West in 2023 and my guess is that the Wolves get very close to making the IHSA state playoffs this fall. I'll say Niles West will go 5-4/4-5 in 2023.

There is a big push to bring back the Redskins name to Washington in the NFL.It makes me think how unfair it was that many youth,high school & college teams were basically bullied into changing their nicknames.Morris & Lemont still are without nicknames.Marist,Niles West,Naperville Central are among many who caved.Lane Tech is still hanging on

Another season is upon us.As we are all excited let's not forget the sadly ever increasing numbers of schools no longer playing football under the lights or sun due to numbers,consolidation,closure,etc.I miss them all but all the old Illini 8 & Sica schools are some of my most missed ones.If only the playoffs started years earlier & expanded the Kingsmen of Joliet East would have been in a handful of times

Is the CPS crew with an update for the upcoming season??? I need my Thursday afternoon game updates...

I think we have the Foreman Hornets Vs. Marshall Commandos week 1 on Thursday 4:15. First game of the IHSA season!

From a photo, it looks like Althoff has 30+ kids out there. Pretty good numbers for a 1A team.

Day two of Pads .... how many basketball players have been created after Oklahoma drills?

Anything to report, Edge-Men?

One Big Question: Morris
One Big Question: Wheaton St Francis
One Big Question: St. Ignatius Wolfpack

Welcome to the latest feature simply called My One Big Question. I use the EDGYTIM/Marquee Sports 2022 Final Chicagoland Top 30 poll as my guide ansd break down all 30 teams and provide you My One Big Question for all 30 teams.....I will also come up with the same One Big Question for several state wide programs as well.

Today it's the 2022 Final Chicagoland Top 30 ranked Sycamore Spartans

My One Big Question for Sycamore? Is 2023 the year the Spartans get past the Catholic school powers in Class 5A and win a state title?

Sycamore and veteran head coach Joe Ryan has easily one of the state's top public schools football programs in the State of Illinois in my opinion. Year in and year out the Spartans program is battle tested, plays hard nosed and physical football and it's home field advantage is tremendous on a Friday night in the fall. Sycamore has also been a consistent winner getting to the Class 5A state quarterfinal round in the last three playoff seasons. Yet it always seems like the Spartans run into a big time Catholic school power in Class 5A. Need proof?

2022 Sycamore loses to 10-7 to eventual state champ Nazareth Academy 5A quarterfinals
2021 Sycamore loses to Montini Catholic 17-6 in the 5A quarterfinals
2020 Covid Year
2019 Sycamore loses to Boylan 19-16 5A quarterfinals
2018 Sycamore loses to Montini 21-17 5A quarterfinals

See a pattern?
Sycamore again isn't exactly having it's doors blown off in these loses.....and the Spartans just need to catch a break or two at the right time of the year.

So can Sycamore in 2023 get past the next big Class 5A Catholic school power and win a state title?

My Answer? Maybe. Sycamore in 2023 will reload a bit this summer but will again be a factor in Class 5A along with being a big timer factor in the Kishwaukee/Interstate 8 White conference. Sycamore will welcome back 5 starters on offense and 4 starters on defense, and a big key this fall will be junior ATH Burke Gautcher. Gautcher, who played receiver, running back and linebacker in 2022 will move over to quarterback this fall. Gautcher is already touting a handful of Power 5 offers this summer and look for college coaches across the country to look very closely at his early season video. Also back is RB Tyler Curtis, WR Carter York and OL/DL Tyler Countryman and all four players have a ton of varsity playing experience. Sycamore no question has holes to fill this summer especially upfront on the offensive and defensive line.

Yet this program always seems to make it work more often than not. Can the Spartans get past a looming 5A Catholic power and get all the ay to Illinois State and win a state title this fall? I will give you a definite maybe!

Next Up? #26 ranked Nazareth Academy

Anyone aware of how prevalent and/or good streams are in the regular season?

Quincy Notre Dame Raiders

Head Coach: Jack Cornell

Assistant Coaches:

Mike Baker Bryce Bergman Chris Bockius Adekheem Brown Brent Fischer Brady Genenbacher Ryan Goestenkors Ted Haugh Russ Hinkamper Damonni Morris Ben Morrison Shane Ponder Ray Rivera Jamie Fierge


School Nickname/Mascot: Raiders

Conference: Independent

Team Twitter: @QNDFootball


2023 Regular Season schedule (if known):

1) @ QHS
2) @ Richmond-Burton
3) vs Mahomet-Seymour
4) vs Hayti (MO)
5) @ Southern Boone (MO)
6) vs Father Tolton (MO)
7) @ Decatur St Teresa
8) vs Soldan International Studies (MO)
9) vs John Burroughs (MO)


Returning Offensive Starters for 2023:

AIDEN KLAUSER SR 6'3.5 185 WR
NOAH LUNT SR 6'1 185 QB
JACKSON MEYER SR 6'4 220 RT
BEN SCHWARTZ SR 5'11 225 OC
COLLIN ALTGILBERS SR 6'3 240 LT


Returning Defensive Starters for 2023:

GABE TERSTRIEP SR 6'2 230 DE
AIDEN KLAUSER SR 6'3.5 185 CB
WYATT MUELLER JR 6'1 190 FS
TAYLIN SCOTT JR 6'1 210 LB


Newcomers to Watch

REESE FRERICKS SR 6'1 190 ATH
JACK BRENNER JR 6'1 185 WR LB
GAVIN DOELLMAN SO 6'3 175 WR DB
AIDAN BRUNIER JR 6'2 285 OL DL

2023 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?

Team Camp at Culver-Stockton College 7/13
Team Camp at Quincy University 7/20


Impact Player for the Quincy Notre Dame Raiders:

Quincy Notre Dame senior WR Aiden Klauser is a good sized and athletic receiver who will be the Raiders main big play threat in 2023. Klauser has very good hands and ball skills, and his reach and length no question is a bigv advantage doe him on jump balls.

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EDGY's Quick Take on the 2023 Quincy Notre Dame Raiders:

Quincy Notre Dame and head coach Jack Cornell was able to get the Raiders into the 2022 Class 4A state playoff field. Quincy Notre Dame finished the regular season with a 5-4 record and then lost in Class 4A opening round to Macomb to end the season. Quincy Notre Dame under Jack Cornell have made the IHSA state playoffs in three straight seasons and Cornell has posted an overall record of 27-21 in five seasons.

The biggest question facing Quincy Notre Dame in 2023? Can the Raiders continue to build up it's program, increased it's depth and overall numbers to prepare for this season along with it's planned move in 2024 to the Central State 8 conference. Look for Quincy Notre Dame to find it's way back to the post-season in 2023, but it won't be easy including two tough opening games to start the season in neighbor rival Quincy High School and then 4A power Richmond Burton in Week 2. QND is also joining the Central State 8 for 2024....a big time move for the entire Raiders sports programs. I'm looking for Quincy Notre Dame to post a 6-3/5-4 season in 2023.

Mascoutah Indians

Head Coach: Aaron Hilgendorf

Assistant Coaches:


Troy Medvick Jason McGovern Frank Campbell Zach Thurston TJ McDonnel Kyle Ohl LP Wills


School Nickname/Mascot: Indians

Team Twitter Handle: @CoachHilgy1

Conference: Mississippi Valley

2023 Regular Season schedule (if known):

Belleville West
Riverview Gardens (MO)
St. Dominic (MO)
Highland
Civic Memorial
Triad
Jersey
Waterloo
Carbondale


Returning Offensive Starters for 2023:

Henry Paddock OL 6'2" 215 2024
James Barnes OL 5'11" 275 2024
Clae Hougland OL 6'2" 245 2024
Riley Kramer OL 5'9" 250 2025
Jacob Fritz WR/TE 6'1" 200 2024
Devon Parks RB 5'6" 160 2024
Kanoa Owens RB 5'9" 160 2024


Returning Defensive Starters for 2023:

Armani Parker DE 6'4" 225 2024
Drake Milner DE 5'11" 255 2024
Jacob Rumler LB 5'11" 175 2024
Antonio Mack DB 5'9" 145 2024


Newcomers to Watch for 2023:

Antonio Mack WR
Baruk Jonsson 6'3" 160 2025
Wyatt Stoltz WR/DB 6'0" 170 2026
Camren Reed WR/DB 6'0" 165 2026
Kale Miller QB 5'8" 155 2026
Garison Kramer WR/DB 5'8" 150 2025
Chase Brendal OL/DL 6'1" 240 2024
Adrian Hill II LB 5'10" 210 2026
Jackson Redenius WR/TE/OLB 6'1" 185 2025
Jayden Bleisch DL 5'11" 270 2025
Jordan Beck DE/TE 6'2" 175 2026



2023 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?

Southern Illinois Team Camp
5A state 7on7
Clifton Central 7on7
Various Joint Practices in July


Impact Player for Mascoutah:

Mascoutah will welcome back a nice core of returning starter in 2023 and this is a program that has made the IHSA state playoff field now for four straights seasons including two straight years under Coach Aaron Hilgendorf. Keep an eye on senior WR Jacob Fritz who be a key target in the Indians passing game this coming season.

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EDGY's Quick Take on the 2023 Mascoutah Indians :

Mascoutah in 2022 was able to post a 6-3 regular season record and a fourth place finish in the Mississippi Valley, then made an impressive post-season run in Class 5A. The Indians defeated Marion in Class 5A opening round action, then beat Mississippi Valley conference rival Highland 55-42. Mascoutah lost to Highland 56-0 back in Week 8 of the regular season and the lopsided playoff win was easily one of the most impressive post-season win in 2022. The 2022 season ended for Mascoutah at Peoria in the Class 5A quarterfinal round.

The biggest question I see for Mascoutah in 2023? Can the Indians reload at a few key spots (DB/LB/QB) including replacing some terrific play makers lost to graduation this spring including standout WR Allen Middleton along with QB Zane Tilmon? Mascoutah will no question rely on experience back on the offensive line and will be again a team to watch in both the Mississippi Valley conference as well as in Class 5A in 2023 and I'll say the Indians post a 7-2/6-3 season this coming fall.

Just found out that longtime CN100 and WCIU TV personality Mark Krueger passed away suddenly. Mark was just a tremendous person who gave back to high school sports with his coverage for decades. I always enjoyed seeing Mark on the sidelines every season and will miss him for sure.

One Big Question: Morris

One Big Question: Wheaton St Francis

Welcome to the latest feature simply called My One Big Question. I use the EDGYTIM/Marquee Sports 2022 Final Chicagoland Top 30 poll as my guide ansd break down all 30 teams and provide you My One Big Question for all 30 teams.....I will also come up with the same One Big Question for several state wide programs as well.

Today it's the 2022 Final Chicagoland Top 30 ranked Morris Football Team

My One Big Question for St. Francis? Can the Wolfpack reload/replace 17 graduated starters from 2022 and keep winning big?

St. Ignatius and head coach Matt Miller has been one of the better stories in Chicago over the past handful of seasons. The Wolfpack have posted a 19-5 record over the past two seasons including making the IHSA state playoffs and making it to the Class 5A state semifinal round in 2022. St. Ignatius also has been a consistent winner since 2016 when the turnaround began under then head coach John O'Connor then carried on under Matt Miller.

St. Ignatius in 2023? The Wolfpack welcome back just 5 returning starters (2 offense 3 defense) led by senior 5 star OL/DL Justin Scott (Ohio State) and the program fortunately has built up it's underclassmen numbers over the past several years....so at least the Wolfpack will have decent depth and numbers that will truly be tested in 2023.

My Answer? Can St Ignatius reload and go? Maybe. Yes the overall number of returning starters is low and the overall strength of schedule does not help a team looking to reload (Brother Rice/Marist/Nazareth Academy/NND/JCA/Fenwick) on the fly. Yet I just get this feeling that the Wolfpack will be more than prepared for this 2023 season run.....new names will emerge and this program will continue to move forward this fall. I think.

Next Up? #27 ranked Sycamore

One Big Question: Morris

Welcome to the latest feature simply called My One Big Question. I use the EDGYTIM/Marquee Sports 2022 Final Chicagoland Top 30 poll as my guide ansd break down all 30 teams and provide you My One Big Question for all 30 teams.....I will also come up with the same One Big Question for several state wide programs as well.

Today it's the 2022 Final Chicagoland Top 30 ranked Morris Football Team

My One Big Question for St. Francis? Can the Spartans survive a huge boost in it's upgraded schedule and still make a deep post-season run?

St Francis and head coach Bob McMillen and staff have no question built up the Spartans football program in short time into a serious state championship contender. Yet the 2023 season brings a few new twist and turns none more as important than St Francois leaving the Metro Suburban conference and entering the CCL/ESCC Orange. The newly realigned CCL/ESCC Orange now features four powerhouse schools in St. Francis, defending Class 3A state champion ICCP, Fenwick and defending 5a state champion Nazareth Academy. Gone from the St Francis schedule are the likes of Chicago Christian, St Edward, Aurora Christian and Bishop Mac now replaced with larger power programs in JCA, St. Rita, St. Laurence just to name a few.

St. Francis in 2023? The Spartans no question lost as handful of starters none more important than OL/DL TJ McMillen (Illinois) but for the most part the Spartans welcome back a ton of talent led by senior QB Alessio Milivojevic (Ball State) along with WR DeShaun Williams plus a very good and talented underclassmen group. The Spartans will no question hang and compete with everyone on the schedule....but this team will also need a break or two along the way and also hope they can avoid the injury bug.

My Answer? Yes, I can see St Francis surviving the upgraded schedule and new conference alignment in 2023. The Spartans can and will battle all comers in 2023 and while the overall strength of schedule is vastly improved, this team and program will be ok. Every season every team in IHSA football will all need/hope/wish for good luck avoiding injuries and St Francis is no different. I'm very interested to see how much of a benefit or possibly a negative it will be for teams like St Francis playing in these newly realigned conferences come state playoff time.

Next Up? #28 ranked St. Ignatius

Thanks again to Tom Sidorski and Kev Varney

2023 Winningest Illinois Football Programs of All Time

Maine East Blue Demons

Head Coach: Bob Winkel

Assistant Coaches:

Chuck Abbit Zach Bastian Anton Richardson Bob Friel Jon Lesniak

School Nickname/Mascot: Blue Demons

Conference: Central Suburban North

Team Twitter: @MEHSFootball


2023 Regular Season schedule (if known):

vs Addison Trail
@ Round Lake
vs Elk Grove
@ Schaumburg
vs Vernon Hills
@ Maine West
@ Niles North
vs Highland Park
@ Niles West

Returning Offensive Starters for 2023:

Adam Awad/QB/6'2"/210/2024
Jaden Whitehead/WR/5'9"/165/2025
Chris Irving/WR/5'9"/145/2025
Nikko Jones/OL/6'2"/305/2025
Edgar Torres/OL/6'3"/245/2024
Roman Wollanin/OL/5'10"/285/2025
Tony Dahu/OL/5'11"/285/2025

Returning Defensive Starters for 2023:

Timo Kato/DB/6'0"/185/2024
Victor Nichev/LB/6'2"/220
Jaden Whitehead/DB/5'9"/165/2025
Chris Irving/DB/5'9"/145/2025
Nikko Jones/DL/6'2"/305/2025
Edgar Torres/DL/6'3"/245/2024
Roman Wollanin/DL/5'10"/285/2025
Tony Dahu/DL/5'11"/285/2025


Newcomers to Watch

Sam Oppong/RB/6'0"/200
Okiki Olurotimi/LB/6'0"/195

2023 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?

CSL
NIU
7A @ STC East

Impact Player for the Maine East Blue Devils:

Maine East senior WR/DB Timo Kato is a very versatile player for the Blue Demons in all three phases of the game. Kato, who will be a multi-year varsity staters this fall will again be asked to provide leadership along with a high level of production this season for Maine East.

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EDGY's Quick Take on the 2023 Maine East Blue Devils:

Maine East and veteran head coach Bob Winkel posted a 1-8 record in 2022 as the Blue Demons won it's first game on the varsity level for the first time since the 2017 season. Maine East hasn't had a winning season since the late 1970's when the Blue Demons best season in school, history came in 1977 as Maine East made the IHSA state playoff field and posted a 9-1 record. 1977 was also the only season that Maine East made the IHSA state playoff field.

The biggest question facing Maine East in 2023? Can the Blue Demons improve this fall with several returning starters back in the field from a season ago. Maine East welcomes back 15 returning starters (7 offense 8 defense) from a season ago and that varsity playing experience should benefit this team in 2023. I'm looking for the Blue Demons to wind up posting a 3-6 regular season record in 2023 and hopefully this is another positive step for the Maine East Blue Demons football program.