Prospect Knights

Head Coach: Dan DeBoeuf

Assistant Coaches:

Brock Collins- DC Tim Beishir- STC, OL Jeff Collier- DB Matt Weber- WR Matt Evert- OLB Jim Argentine- DL Nick Lussow- RB Sean Cummins- WR Chris Barreto- DL

School Nickname/Mascot: Knights


Team Twitter Handle: @PHSKnightsFBall

Conference: Mid Suburban East

2023 Regular Season schedule (if known):

Vs Lyons
@ Barrington
@ New Trier
Vs Glenbrook South
Vs Rolling Meadows
@ Hersey
Vs Elk Grove
@ Buffalo Grove
Vs Wheeling

Returning Offensive Starters for 2023:

Noah Easter RB 5'8 190 25'
Nick Carlucci WR 6'1 180 25'
Mallachi Tollier OL 6'3 290 24'
Tommy Johl OL 6'4 285 24'
Vinny Salerno OL 6'3 260 24'

Returning Defensive Starters for 2023:

DL Crash Davis 6'2 205 24'
LB Grady Catanzano 6'2 225 24'
LB Brock Clay 6'1 195 24'
LB Michael Matuzak 6' 195 24'
LB/DB JT Zei 5'10 180 25'
LB/DB Charlie Knee 5'10 185 24'

Newcomers to Watch for 2023:

QB Jack Skoog 6'3 185 25'
WR Nate Tader 5'10 175 24'
DB Nico Chaves 5'10 175 24'
DB Lucas Thomas 6'3 180 25'
DL Ben Ukmata 6'1 260 24'

2023 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?

Host 3 7 on 7's in July
Team Camp- 3 weeks in June 3 weeks in July


Impact Player for Prospect:

Prospect and head coach Dan DeBoeuf will welcome back a handful of key impact players for the 2023 season, and in my opinion senior LB Grady Catanzano is an impact player and a key for the Knights. Caranzano will be a multi-year starter for the Knights this fall will be asked to provide production on the field while also providing senior leadership on and off the field.

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EDGY's Quick Take on the 2023 Prospect Knights:

Prospect head coach Dan BeBoeuf was able to post an impressive 8-1 regular season record with it's only loss coming to rival Hersey. The Knights made the 2022 Class 7a state playoff field, defeated Reavis in opening round action then lost to ST. Rita in the second round to end the season. The Knights have made the IHSA state playoffs for four straight seasons under Dan DeBoeuf and this program continue to take positive steps year in and year out.

The biggest question I see for Prospect in 2023? Can the Knights reload at several key spots and remain at the top of the Mid Suburban East conference along with making another Class 7A state playoff appearance? Prospect has holes to fill (QB/RB/DL/DB) this summer, yet this program alway seems to have talent in house and they reload as well as any program in the Mid Suburban conference. I see this Knights team finding a way to reload, get to say a 7-2 record in 2023 and back into the Class 7A state playoff field.

Sterling Newman (2A) will play at Rock Island HS (6A) in week 4. Both schools had openings in their schedule that they couldn't fill.

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Today Hersey 2024 3 star ranked OT Will Nolan (6-foot-6, 275 pounds) gave Iowa his verbal commitment. Nolan continued to se ehis recruiting stock steadily rise this early spring and is holding 19 offers. Nolan chose the Hawkeyes over offers from the likes of Minnesota, Iowa State, Indiana and Vanderbilt. Nolan I felt was pretty much a lock to the Hawkeyes about a week or so ago after landing a scholarship offer from Iowa. Nolan spoke highly of his relationship with Iowa OL coach George Bartnett ( who has been an long time Chicagoland area regular recruiter in his coaching career) and also mentioned in a story I wrote on him how important "relationships" would be in his eventual college decision. Nolan also has connections and ties to Barnett via his OL coach at Hersey in former Warren Township and Illinois State OL Chris Riley which again just benefitted Barnett and the Hawkeyes in securing this pledge.


I was able to see Will Nolan play live in person last season (A Week 5 win over rival Prospect)and came away impressed with his game and his overall play that night. Nolan is a good sized kid with length, reach and power....yet like a few of the other Iowa recent State of Illinois OL pledges this recruiting class he also has room to grow, develop and become a much different player in a few years from now. Nolan now has the frame and will be able to add more size and strength over the next 18-24 months and once again I'm expecting to see a much different looking player down the line. Nolan has a good feel for the game, is pretty technically sound and seems to be naturally able to get off the snap quickly, maintain good leverage and bend and is no question a mauler in the running game. .Nolan also showed good overall technique, feet and can move and cut off the outside rush in pass pro.

Room for improvement. Nolan will no question need to keep working on improving his overall bend/quickness/explosiveness and also get more violent with his hands at the point of attack (generally a weakness in just about every HS OL) and just use his hands better to his advantage. Nolan still has some work to do but his overall game, potential down the road is unquestioned and I just see a lot to like here. I really feel this is a kid (very similar in some ways to Iowa commit OL Bodey McCaslin) who has the upside and potential to become yet another kid who goes into Iowa as a mid 3 star ranked name and who could come out surpassing that middle of the road ranking.

Rivals currently has Will Nolan as a mid 3 star ranked name....and again are we ranking on Nolan's game right now....or projecting where he could be say 2-3 years from now? As of now I'd agree with the mid 3 star ranking....but his upside and down the line potential is really high here.

I can see Will Nolan also grow and develop into a potential Hawkeyes starter name and another State of Illinois name who could have a much bigger impact on the field for the Hawkeyes from the middle to end of his college career compared to being an impact player right away.

Also the Iowa staff is killing it so far with the Class of 2024 commits they have been able to land so far especially on the offensive line. Iowa has built up a great relationship with many coaches here in the State of Illinois.....they trust the Iowa staff and seeing the same coaches come into their school year in and year out from Iowa just works on so many levels. Recruiting, despite the rapid changes which seems to be almost daily now is still a relationship business and whoever can build up that trust will usually win out.

I have Will Nolan for now as a high three star ranked player who could wind up as a low four star before the final Class of 2024 rankings window is closed.

Bremen Braves

Head Coach: Dan Stell

Assistant Coaches:

Tom O’Shea Mike Cline Rey Lang Amir Ross Marty Coyle Sean Grant Derek Hitt Andrew French Kevin O’Sullivan


School Nickname/Mascot: Braves

Team Twitter Handle: @graydotfootball

Conference: South Suburban Blue

2023 Regular Season schedule (if known):

@ Reavis
Joliet Central
Oak Forest
@ Evergreen Park
@ TF South
TF North
@ Lemont
Tinley Park
@ Hillcrest

Returning Offensive Starters for 2023:

Aron Lopez-Martinez SR 6’1 245 Center
Keshawn Lewis-Hunt SR 6’0 210 Running Back
Jaquan Hogan SR 6’0 195 WR/HB
Jabaree Williams SR 6’2 225 OL

Returning Defensive Starters for 2023:

Hasaan Hughes SR 6’1 165 DB
Vincent Webber JR 5’10 210 LB
London Blackmon SR 5’8 160 DB
Keshawn Lewis-Hunt 6’0 210 LB


Newcomers to Watch for 2023:

Charles Mason JR 6’0 240 OL/DL
Dionte Jones SR 6’0 165 WR/DB
Marco Olvera JR 6’0 250 OL/DL
Marcus Roberson JR 6’0 195 OL/DL
Alexander Rodriguez JR 5’9 185 RB/LB
Maddox Bucio SR 6’0 180 RB/DB
Ronney Spruill SR 6’1 185 RB/DB
Amari Yarbrough SR 6’2 165 WR/LB


2023 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?

TBA

Impact Player for Bremen:

The Braves and veteran head coach Dan Stell always has talent and the 2023 squad also features some key play makers back this fall. One of the big keys this fall will be senior RB/LB Keshawn Lewis-Hunt. Lewis-Hunt is a good size running back and linebacker who has impressive speed, skill and plays with a high motor.

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EDGY's Quick Take on the 2023 Bremen Braves:

Bremen had an impressive 2022 season, posting a 8-1 record and making the Class 6A and beat Washington then lost to Kenwood in second round action to finish the season at 9-2. The Braves had a very strong senior class that will graduate this spring but Bremen also welcome back some key players who should allow this program to remain on the winning side of the ledger.

The biggest question I see for Bremen in 2023? Can the Braves reload in some key spots (QB/OL/DL) this summer? Bremen again always seems to have enough talent on board and I will predict Bremen to finish the 2023 season at 6-3 this fall and to make it back into the IHSA state playoff field.

Clinton Maroons

Head Coach: Ron Bass

Assistant Coaches:

Marcus Lewis OC John Johnson STC Darren Moser OL/DL Jerad Wisler LB/OL Caleb Belcher S/RB Chad Martin OLB/OL Lance Clark WR

School Nickname/Mascot: Maroons

Team Twitter Handle: @ClintonMaroons


Conference: Central Illinois Conference

2023 Regular Season schedule (if known):

08/18/2023 Fri 6:00 PM vs. Meet the Maroons - -
08/25/2023 Fri 7:00 PM vs. Tremont HS
09/01/2023 Fri 7:00 PM vs. Tri-Valley HS
09/08/2023 Fri 7:00 PM @ Eureka HS Away
09/15/2023 Fri 7:00 PM @ Central A&m Hs
09/22/2023 Fri 7:00 PM vs. Meridian HS
09/29/2023 Fri 7:00 PM vs. Tuscola Hs
10/06/2023 Fri 7:00 PM @ Warrensburg-Latham
10/13/2023 Fri 7:00 PM vs. Shelbyville Hs -
10/20/2023 Fri 7:00 PM @ Pontiac Hs Away

Returning Offensive Starters for 2023:

Mason Walker QB 5'9'' 170 2024
Tristin Potts RB 5'9'' 205 2024
Dawson Graves RB 5'9'' 180 2024
Khanton Wilson RB 5'11'' 205 2025
Dawson Thayer OL 6'1'' 260 2025
Wesley Lauderdale OL 6' 200 2024
Noah Bass OL 6'3'' 280 2024
Densil Wheeler OL 6'3'' 285 2024
Colton Walker WR 5'10'' 180 2025


Returning Defensive Starters for 2023:

Khanton Wilson OLB 5'11'' 205 2025
Noah Bass DL 6'3'' 280 280 2024
Dawson Thayer DL 6'1'' 260
Wayde Sugg DL 6'2'' 265 2024
Logan Thoms LB 5'8'' 180 2025
Wesley Lauderdale LB 6' 200 2024
Dawson Graves SS 5'9'' 180 2024
Keaton Graves CB 5'8'' 165 2026
Colton Walker DB 5'10 180 2025

Newcomers to Watch for 2023:

Kristian Hibbard
Josh Bass
Anthony Westbrooks
Trey Jones


2023 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?

Camp M-R July 17 and July 24 7on7
Maroa- 6/28 @ 7:15pm varsity only
Normal West- 7/11, 7/18, 7/25 @ 4:30pm
Clinton vs Watseka/Sangomen Valley- 7/17 @ 5pm

Impact Player for Clinton:
The Maroons will welcome back several experienced players for the 2023 season and many of those same players will be asked to provide leadership and production. Senior OL/DL Noah Bass (6-foot-3, 280 pounds) has the overall makeup, size and physical tools to play at the higher college level and will continue to draw recruiting looks and interest this summer and fall.

https://www.hudl.com/profile/17869219/Noah-Bass

EDGY's Quick Take on the 2023 Clinton Maroons:

Clinton and head coach Ron Bass wound up missing the 2022 IHSA state playoff field posting a 4-5 regular season record. The Maroons had a close loss to Moweaqua Central A&M in Week 4 13-6 that basically kept them at home come state playoff time. The Maroons also made progress in 2022 after positjng aq 1-7 record in Ron bass first season in charge of the Clinton football program.

The biggest question I see for Clinton in 2023? Can theMaroons take yet another big step with a deep and experienced lineup, challenge for the CIC title and get into the 2023 IHSA state playoff field? With an impressive 17 returning starters back for the 2023 season, look for the Maroons to have a strong 2023 season. I'mm say Clint will post a 7-2/6-3 season and get back into the IHSA state playoff field for only the third time since 2015.

It was great to get caught up with former St Ed/Army Shane Finnane who comes back hoime and takes over the Green Wave program



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Nazareth Academy Road Runners

Head Coach: Tim Racki

Assistant Coaches:

Casey Moran Tony Navigato Rudy Luna Joe Reynolds Antonio Miranda Keith Lukes Joe Battaglia Jeff Tumpane Jacub Paniusiak Antonio Shenault Jon Bittle


School Nickname/Mascot: Road Runners

Team Twitter Handle: @FootballNaz

Conference: CCL/ESCC

2023 Regular Season schedule (if known):

FRI. AUG. 25 KANKAKEE AWAY 7:30 PM
FRI. SEPT. 1 York AWAY 7:30PM
FRI. Sept. 8 MONTINI AWAY 7:30 Pm
Fri. Sept. 15 I.C. AWAY 7:30 pm
FRI. Sept. 22 ST. IGNATIUS HOME 7:30 pm
FRI. SEPT. 29 FENWICK HOME 7:30 pm
FRI. OCT.6 BROTHER RICE HOME 7:30 PM
FRI. Oct. 13 MARIAN CATHOLIC AWAY 7:30 Pm
FRI. OCT. 20 ST. FRANCIS HOME 7:30 PM



Returning Offensive Starters for 2023:

51 Craig Cullen SR OL 5'10 230
8 Enriquez Ethan SR RB 5'8 180
73 O'Gorman Luke SR OL 5'10 225
24 Angulo Alex JR RB 5'8 170
1 Malachuk Logan JR QB 5′11″ 185
11 Penley Jimmy JR WR 5'10 175
52 Stec Sam JR OL 6'2 265
7 Cestone Jake SO WR 6'2 175


Returning Defensive Starters for 2023:

9 Flanagan Brendan SR LB 5'11 205
81 Daly Nolan JR DL 6'4 240
3 Fauske Jaden JR "DB 6′1″ 185 "
5 Kaminski Gabriel JR DL 6'4 250
11 Penley Jimmy JR DB 5'10 175
12 McClain Eddie SO DB 5'7 165
21 Tittle Lesroy SO LB 6'2 185


Newcomers to Watch for 2023:

2 Reese Garrett JR
4 Fowler Drew SR
Cesario Luciano SO
Wszelaki Tomek SO
Walker Trenton SO



2023 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?

7 ON 7: ALL WEDS AT 8:00AM: 6/21, 6/28, 7/12
OVERNIGHT CAMP ONU Bourbonnais 7/17-7/19


Impact Player for Nazareth Academy:

The Road Runners and veteran had coach Tim Racki will welcome back a roster loaded with impressive talent and some serious experience as well in 2023. When it comes to impressive impact caliber players....you'll be hard pressed to find better fits than junior QB Logan Malachuk and junior DE/OLB Gabe Kaminski. Both Malachuk and Kaminski are rare varsity starters who have never left the starting varsity lineup as freshmen. Malachuk is a terrific multi-threat in running the Road Runners offense and his game continues to grow and develop each season. Kaminski is already highly sought after by multiple Power 5 schools this spring and Kaminski's overall athletic ability and versatility allows Nazareth Academy to utilize him all over the field if and when needed.

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EDGY's Quick Take on the 2023 Nazareth Academy Road Runners:

Nazareth Academy is coming off an impressive 2022 campaign which saw the Road Runners had a 2-4 record after 6 weeks of regular season play.....but then ran off an impressive 8 straight wins and the 2022 Class 5A state championship. Nazareth Academy defeated Glenbard South, Boylan, Morgan Park, Sycamore then a thrilled 45-44 win over Peoria in the 5A state title game and the Road Runners 3rd IHSA football state title in school history.

The biggest question I see for Nazareth Academy in 2023? Can the Road Runners stay healthy and while also making sure they can secure 5 regular season wins playing an absolutely loaded schedule? The Road Runners truly will have no weeks off in 2023 and the non conference slate is stacked with Kankakee and York. Look for the Road Runners to again be a state title contender and I'll say they post a 7-2/6-3 regular season record, then cause major havoc in the IHSA state playoff field.

Chicago (Ill.) Simeon sophomore three star ranked defensive end recruit Christopher Burgess Jr. (6-foot-5, 235 pounds) has seen his recruiting stock soar, especially after adding new offers earlier this week from the likes of Colorado, Alabama, Auburn, Cincinnati and Arizona State. Burgess Jr. reacts to his recent surge in Power 5 offers and more here.

"It's really hard to say how I feel (about adding all of his recent Power 5 offers)," Burgess Jr. said. "It definitely feels amazing. All of those coaches made in school visits and watched me work out, then offered me after the workouts. Everyone was in school that offered me except Auburn and they called and offered me and said they would be in school soon."

Did any of the schools who offered Burgess Jr. surprise him with an offer?

"Alabama for sure. I just didn't expect them to come through school today to start and then they offered me and I just didn't think they had any interest in me until today."

Burgess Jr. was also planning to hit up several college camps this summer, hut with his recent surge in Power 5 offers what's his summer plans now?

"I'm still going to do some college camps this summer like Michigan and Notre Dame, but I'm also going to go visits some of these new schools who offered me as well."

So what's up next for Burgess Jr. this spring?

"I'm pretty much done with spring visits and camps for now. I might actually try to get out over the next few weeks and make a few visits . I'm thinking about seeing schools down south like Georgia, Alabama or Tennessee."

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My Take on Christopher Burgess Jr. Recruiting: I'm really not surprised at all to see Christopher Burgess Jr. stock take off this spring and in many ways I felt it was going to happen back in January when the college coaches were allowed to make in school visits. Burgess Jr. I felt had a very impressive 2022 season and outside of maybe Marquise Lightfoot at Kenwood, Burgess Jr. was the most impressive defensive linemen I saw live last season (along with his Simeon teammates senior Mikeshun Beeler). Look for Burgess Jr. to continue to add new offers from across the country and he will also become a nationally ranked and sought after name in the Class of 2025. Burgess Jr. has impressive size, upside to grow and get stronger over the next few years.

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Columbia Eagles

Head Coach: Scott Horner

Assistant Coaches:

Scott Germain(23rd season)-D Coordinator Pat Baker OL/DL Matt Kendall Special Teams JV/Frosh Kyle Stumpf Varsity Assistant D-Cordinator JV/Frosh Travis Amsden Assistant OL/DL

School Nickname/Mascot: Eagles

Team Twitter Handle: @bluepridefb1

Conference: Cahokia

2023 Regular Season schedule (if known):

8/25 Week 1 Mater Dei (home) 9/1/23
Week 2 Waterloo (away) 9/8/23
Week 3 Taylorville(home) 9/15/23
Week 4 Roxana (away) 9/22/23
Week 5 Freeburg (away) 9/29/23
Week 6 East Alton Wood River (home) 10/6/23
Week 7 Salem (away) 10/13/23
Week 8 Breese Central (home) 10/20/23
Week 9 Jerseyville (away)


Returning Offensive Starters for 2023:

Logan Hicks, RB 5-10 165 2025
Anthony Antonas, OG 5-10 240 2025
Sam Denny, WR, 6' 170 2024
Hudson Bryant, RB 5'9 155 2025
Cameron Janik RB 5-10 185 2025
Brandon Jackson OC, 5'11 200 2024
Joe Kish, OG 6' 295 2024
Mason Voegele WR 5'11 165 2024

Returning Defensive Starters for 2023:

Logan Hicks, LB 5-10 165 2025
Anthony Antonas, DT 5-10 240 2025
Sam Denny, S, 6' 170 2024
Cameron Janik LB 5-10 185 2025
Brandon Jackson LB, 5'11 200 2024
Joe Kish, DT 6' 295 2024
Mason Voegele, S, 5'11 160 2025

Newcomers to Watch for 2023:

Landon Brucker TE 6'1 175
Jayce Nelson RB 5'10 165

2023 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?

July 12 at Columbia vs. Red Bud
July 19 at Bethalto Civic Memorial

Impact Player for Columbia:

Columbia welcomes back a very nice core of returning starters on both sides of the football from a team that win the Apollo (Mississippi) conference. Senior OL/DL Joe Kish and senior OL/DL Antonio Antonas are two way starters who basically will never leave the field for the Eagles again in 2023. Keeping these two key two way linemen on the field this fall is a key.

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EDGY's Quick Take on the 2023 Columbia Eagles:

Columbia and head coach Scott Horner had a nice 2022 season as the Eagles won the Cahokia (Mississippi) conference title and made the IHSA state playoff field for the 11th straight season under Scott Horner. The Eagles made the Class 4A state playoffs in 2023 and lost in opening round action to Murphysboro to end the 2022 season. Columbia will also welcome back a nice core of returning starters on both sides of the football (8 offense 7 defense) and look to be headed in the rigth direction again for 2023.

The biggest question I see for Columbia in 2023 is can they survive a very strong early non conference schedule with games against Mater Dei, Waterloo and Taylorville? The non conference portion of the schedule will no question test this program and should make them ready for Cahokia conference and to have a chance to win another conference title. My take on the Eagles for 2023? I'll see they post another 6-3 season in 2023.

Again just wanted to compile a list of kids that have been listed on various draft boards......if you are away of any names missing and/or should be added post them here.

QB Aidan O'Connell Stevenson/Purdue
WR Jayden Reed Naperville Central/Michigan State
WR Charlie Jones Deerfield/Iowa/Purdue
TE Sam LaPorta Highland/Iowa
TE Jahleel Billingsley Phillips/Alabama/Texas
OL Peter Skoronski Maine South/Northwestern
OL John Michael Schmitz H-F/Minnesota
OL Nick Broeker SHG/Ole MIss
OL Dalton Wagner Richmond Burton/Arkansas
OL Chris Elmore Phillips/Syracuse
OL Johari Branch Phillips/EIU/Maryland
DE Lukas Van Ness Barrington/Iowa
S Antonio Johnson East St. Louis/Texas A&M
S Cameron Mitchell Bolingbrook/Northwestern
DB - CJ Coldon, Althoff/Wyoming/Oklahoma.
RB Xazavian Valladay Brother Rice/Wyoming/Arizona State

Hillcrest Hawks

Head Coach: Kyran Weaver

Assistant Coaches:

Tramaine Weaver Keith Franklin Mike Young Harrison Maddox Randall Lawrence Jeremiah Mitchell Cassius Chambers Roosevelt Booker Harrison Yancey Nick Schultz Tom Kocher Chris Treadwell Caleb Treadwell Jamison Wilson


School Nickname/Mascot: Hawks

Team Twitter Handle: @Hawks4Football

Conference: South Suburban Blue Conference

2023 Regular Season schedule (if known):

Week 1 - vs. Elk Grove
Week 2 - vs. Montini
Week 3 - @ Tinley Park
Week 4 - vs. Oak Forest
Week 5 - @ Eisenhower
Week 6 - @ Lemont
Week 7 - @ TF South
Week 8 - @ TF North
Week 9 - vs. Bremen



Returning Offensive Starters for 2023:

Tigea Mackey 5'11" 275 Center c/o 2025
Jazzari Jackson 6'4" 270 OL c/o 2025
Jordan Kennerson 6'2" 230 RB/TE c/o 2025
Cameran Banks 6'1" 155 WR c/o 2024
Jovan Williams 5'10 165 WR c/o 2024


Returning Defensive Starters for 2023:

Jordan Jackson 5'11" 185 LB/DB c/o 2024
Javaris Jones 6'0" 170 DB c/o 2024
Jordan Kennerson 6'2" 230 DE c/o 2025
Tigea Mackey 5'11" 275 NT c/o 2025
Lorenzo Dilworth 5'9" 185 LB c/o 2024
Jelon Williams 6'1" 210 LB c/o 2024
Cameron Young-Love 5'11" 185 DB c/o 2024



Newcomers to Watch for 2023:

McHale Blade 6'5" 230 DL c/o 2025
Erimus Wright 6'0" 190 RB c/o 2024
Colton Pennington 6'1" 175 DB c/o 2024


2023 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?

NA

Impact Player for Hillcrest:

Hillcrest will welcome back a nice core of returning starters on both sides of the football in 2023 and a handful of seniors will be absolute key names to watch. Senior WR Cameran Banks is a key receiver and a big time play makers for Hillcrest this season. Senior DB Jovan Williams is another speedy and experienced starter and a leader in the Hillcrest defense. The Hawks also have a handful of interesting underclassmen names to watch in 2023 in sophomore DL McHale Blade and sophomore OL Jazzari Jackson.

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EDGY's Quick Take on the 2023 Hillcrest Hawks:

Hillcrest and head coach Kyran Weaver was able to maneuver the Hawks always stacked schedule to get the program into the 2022 IHSA state playoff field for the sixth straight season. Hillcrest posted a 5-4 record and lost to Rockford Boylan in Round 1 action to end the season.

The biggest question I see for Hillcrest in 2023 is can they again get wins against a pretty solid schedule and also can they overtake a handful of yearly powers in the South Suburban Blue including traditional power Lemont? The Hawks always have speed and talent in the building and I look for this team to take another stride forward this coming fall and to wind up as say post a 7-2/6-3 record this fall.

Mercer County's school board has approved a move to the TRAC for 2024-25. This is a big help for a few conferences:

- Mercer County is in the Lincoln Trail/Prairieland merger, which currently has 17 and will now be able to get down to 16, making things much more reasonable.
- Mercer County will now join the TRAC and get them back to 14 teams after a year of 13 teams since St. Bede left.

It's also good for Mercer County to get back some of their old rivalries against Sherrard, Orion, and especially Rockridge.
I cannot imagine Mercer County joining the TRAC East (I refuse to use the stupid Mississippi/Rock division names), so I would assume they will take the simplest way out and just move Morrison to the east. It will allow them to get back to solely conference games for everyone. It also helps fill a hole between Monmouth-Roseville and everyone else. Assuming this change, we have the following new divisions:
West - Monmouth-Roseville, Mercer County, Orion, Sherrard, Rockridge, Riverdale, Erie/Prophetstown
East - Morrison, Newman, Kewanee, Princeton, Mendota, Hall, Bureau Valley

All told, this is a good thing for both the TRAC and Mercer County.

It is a very bad sign for Alleman, who is not playing in the Western Big Six this fall. Signs are not positive for that program to get reasonably competitive in the Western Big Six ever again and a move to the TRAC would have seemed to be a way to salvage their program. Now that that will almost certainly not happen, it seems like Alleman's options (again, discounting a radical increase in enrollment and competitive level, which I do) are either to apply to the NUIC as by far the southernmost team, try to stake out some sort of independent schedule, or play 8-man.

All heights/weights are either guessimates or found at various other outside sources (Hudl/Max Preps) so if you have any corrections feel free to email me edgytim@edgytim.com


If you have any changes corrections feel free to email me edgytim@edgytim.com Looking to get added? Fill out the EDGYTIM.com Top Prospect Survey today.

IMPORTANT: THIS IS A WATCH LIST NOT A RANKINGS LIST!

This is also in no particular order. Also this is a top prospect list NOT a top player list…if you don't know the difference please email me edgytim@edgytim.com

More positions will be added all this week

More names will also be added and this list will be revised often.

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EDGYTIM Class of 2024/2025/2026

Quarterbacks


QB Alessio Milivojevic St. Francis 6-foot-2, 200 pounds 2024- Is holding a handful of offers this spring. Will Alessio make a spring commitment?


QB Diego Gutierrez Riverside Brookfield 5-foot-11. 175 pounds 2024- Steady and consistently good signal caller who's added more weight and strength this off season.


QB Michael Champagne Glenbard South 2024 5-foot-9, 150 pounds 2024- Highly effective passer over the past two seasons. Will draw D2/NAIA interest along with some higher level PWO looks as well this summer.


QB/ATH Marcus Brown Brother Rice 2024 6-foot-0, 180 pounds 2024- Athletic playmaker who's in search of more reps and looks this spring and summer.


QB Robert “Pops” Battle East St. Louis 5-foot-11, 180 pounds 2024- One of the state's most productive quarterbacks in what at least the last decade? Another 2024 signal caller I feel that's getting slow played so far by schools.. I can see Pops fitting in well at the FCS level in college.

QB Arthur Palicki Willowbrook 6-foot-4, 215 pounds 2024- Looks the part and no question passes every eyeball test. Schools want to see Palicki throw this spring and summer and I can see him getting say PWO looks at the higher D1 level.


QB/ATH Nacari McFarland Chicago Kenwood 6-foot-4, 180 pounds- One of the most intriging names still available here. McFarland has a big arm, is a talented all around athlete but he's also struggled staying healthy the last two seasons.

QB Ryan Boe Batavia 6-foot-3, 205 pounds 2024- Another name who just looks to have alot to offer including good size, overall tools and ability. Are schools missing out or are they slow playing Boe and hoping to land him via the PWO route? I feel Bow has FCS/D2 tools and ability.


QB Troyer Carlson Kaneland 6-foot-2, 175 pounds 2024-Another productive passer here who just hasn't gotten a ton of bigger school traction. This early summer will be huge for Troyer and he's one of several names who could very well break out and draw more interest this summer.


QB Johnny Webber Carmel Catholic 6-foot-4, 185 pounds 2024- Has great size.frame and throws a really good ball. Overall 2022 season tape was solid but also not spectacular. Weber has worked hard this off season on his passing ability and location and again....I just see a quarterback who could wind up playing at a pretty high level.


QB Ryan Jackson Lyons Township 5-foot-10 185 pounds 2024- Veteran signal caller who has success on the varsity level for two years. Is one of several QB names is the 2024 class who can really throw it but who don't meet the bigger level required size etc.

QB Jett Hilding St Rita 6-foot-2, 180 pounds 2024- Has some tools and some ability and should be in line for a big 2023 season. Will draw more looks this summer no question.

QB Cole Crafton Lincoln Way West 6-foot-3, 205 pounds 2024- A big time baseball recruit here who also is possibly the best overall athlete in the QB class. Has a lot to offer, several higher level schools continue to keep an eye on Crafton this spring....but can he break thru with a big spring and summer showing? If not this is another name colleges could be a fall back guy and a PWO candidate.


QB Cale McThenia Marian Central Catholic 6-foot-3, 210 pounds 2024- Committed to Northern Iowa. Could also draw more looks and offers but seems like a great fit for the Panthers.

QB Ryan Mohler Neuqua Valley 6-foot-3, 190 pounds 2024-nGood sized athlete who started to get things rolling last season. Stepped up as a backup and led the Wildcats last season and has a chance to shine this spring/summer.

QB Braden Tischer Lincoln Way East 5-foot-10, 170 pounds 2024- Had an impressive 2022 season and was a true dual threat all season long. Doesn't fit the bigger level measurable's but his game is certainly at a pretty high level. Sumer camp circuit will be big here.


QB Caden Casimino Crystal lake South 5-foot-11, 180 pounds 2024- Highly productive quarterback whop put up big numbers and offense in 2022.


QB Connor Dennis Boylan 6-foot-2, 180 pounds 2024- Impressive thrower and game manager here who I feel just needs to be seen a bit more.


QB Marek Hill Fenwick 6-foot-3, 190 pounds 2024- Still haven't seen live yet....shows some good things on video.


QB Brock Bowlsby Carbondale 6-foot-4, 185 pounds 2024- Big strong dude who can sling it....could the home town Salukis be trying to stash this kid? Could end up being a nice PWO candidate for the FCS/D2 level.


QB Jalen Bea Chris The King 6-foot-0, 197 pounds 2024


QB Dennis Mandala ICCP 5-foot-11, 170 pounds 2024- Another steady, big game player and winner.


QB Casey Giemzik Brother Rice 6-foot-3, 220 pounds 2024


QB Ethan Kohl Bradley 6-foot-3, 180 pounds 2024- A coaches kid who is another name who just doesn't seen to be getting a ton of traction so far. Has really solid 2022 season tape and I'm looking foirward to seeing him throw live this spring/summer.


QB/ATH Jacob Sullivan Marmion Academy 6-foot-0, 197 pounds 2024- Former South Elgin signal caller is a nice dual threat and solid overall athlete here.


QB Valentino Gist Peoria 6-foot-1, 180 pounds 2024-Was starting to make some strides last season for the Lions and Gist has a chance to have a huge breakout 2023 senior season.


QB Connor Folliard Plainfield South 6-foot-2, 175 pounds 2024- Good athlete here who's made some nice strifes in his game. Starter since his sophomore season who just needs to have more of a stage to show off his ability.


QB Jason Penza Crystal Lake Central 6-foot-2, 185 pounds 2024- Had an injury in 2022 just before the start of his season which no question has impacted his stock. When healthy Penza is a big armed thrower and also a high level athlete.


QB Trenton Zeeb Brese Mater Dei 6-foot-2, 190 pounds 2024- downstate name on the rise....really liked his 2022 video and if he can show a bit more deep ball passes on his video and in person this spring has a chance to draw much more attention.

Class of 2025

QB Patrick Heneghan New Trier 5-foot-10, 170 pounds) 2025


QB Carson Boyd East St. Louis 5-foot-11, 160 pounds 2025


QB Ethan Plumb St Charles North 6-foot-3, 195 pounds 2025


QB Jack Elliott Chicago Mount Carmel 6-foot-1, 180 pounds 2025


QB Jackson Alcorn Central High 6-foot-1, 180 pounds 2025


QB Jacob Bell Naperville North 6-foot-1, 170 pounds 2025


QB Colton Gumino York 6-foot-2, 165 pounds 2025


QB Chase Hansen Breese Mater Dei 6-foot-0, 180 pounds


QB Logan Malachuk Nazareth Academy 5-foot-11, 170 pounds 2025


QB Cooper Kmet St Viator 6-foot-2, 180 pounds 2025


QB Jacob Bell Naperville North 6-foot-2, 190 pounds 2025


QB Marcus Thaxton Morgan Park 6-foot-1, 180 pounds 2025


QB Tony Chahino Geneva 6-foot-2, 195 pounds 2025


QB Bradyn Little Quincy 6-foot-0. 190 pounds 2025


QB Brandon Parades Minooka 6-foot-0, 160 pounds 2025


Class of 2026/2027


QB Jonas Williams Bolingbrook 6-foot-2, 180 pounds 2026


QB/ATH Brady Palmer Wheaton St Francis 6-foot-0, 175 pounds 2026


QB Owen Lansu Downers Grove North 6-foot-2, 180 pounds 2026


QB Matthew Plumb St Charles North 6-foot-1, 160 pounds 2026


QB Jameson Purcell Maine South (?) 6-foot-1, 160 pounds 2027

Jacobs Golden Eagles

Head Coach: Brian Zimmerman

Assistant Coaches:

Thomas Domenz: Defensive Coordinator Ed: Haugens: OL/DL Zach Nelsen: OLB/Special Teams Josh Symbal: LB/TE/Special Teams Conrad Beech: S/QB's/Special Teams


School Nickname/Mascot: Golden Eagles

Team Twitter Handle: @HDJacobsFootball

Conference: Fox Valley Conference

2023 Regular Season schedule (if known):

August 25th: At Prairie Ridge: 7:00 PM
September 1st: Hampshire: 7:00 PM
September 8th: At Huntley: 7:00 PM
September 15th: Cary-Grove: 7:00 PM
September 22nd: At Dundee Crown: 7:00 PM
September 29th: Burlington Central: 7:00 PM
October 6th: At Crystal Lake Central: 7:00 PM
October 13th: McHenry: 7:00 PM
October 20th: at Crystal Lake South: 7:00 PM


Returning Offensive Starters for 2023:

Grant Stec: TE: 6'6", 247 lbs, 2024
Matthew Shannon: OL: 6'2" 225 lbs, 2024
Paulie Rudloph: FB: 6'0" 220 lbs, 2024
Tony Fetting: OL: 6'2" 230 lbs, 2024
Rocco Sauer: OL: 6'3" 267 lbs, 2024
Joey Scrivani: RB: 6'1" 180 lbs, 2024


Returning Defensive Starters for 2023:

Nick Gallo: 5'10" 185 lbs, 2024
Grant Stec: DE: 6'6", 247 lbs, 2024
Matthew Shannon: DE: 6'2" 225 lbs, 2024
Luke Gormsen: OLB: 5'10" 180 lbs, 2025
T.O. Boddie: DB: 5'10", 170 lbs, 2025
Paulie Rudolph: LB: 6'0" 220lbs, 2024
Justin Ceisel: DL/OL: 6'2" 220 lbs, 2024
Joey Scrivani:LB: 6'1" 180 lbs, 2024
Drake Doubek: OLB: 5'10" 195 lbs, 2024


Newcomers to Watch for 2023:

So (2026): Connor Goehring: 6'2" 178 lbs, QB
Sr (2024): Daniel Curran: 6'0" 170 lbs QB/LB
Jr (2025): PJ Barnes: 6'3 218 lbs DE/TE
Jr (2025): Matthew Scardina 6' 190 lbs RB
So (2026): Caden Dumelle: 5'10" 180 lbs RB/LB
So (2026): Connor Uhler: 5'10" 230 lbs DL/OL
So (2026): Tyler Genger: 6' 195 lbs LB


2023 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?


Team Camp at Augustana with Moline June 26th, 27th, and 28th
Team Camp with Lincoln-Way Central June 21st
Team Camp/7on 7 at Glenbrook North July 20th
Team Camp with Saint Charles East July 25th
7 on 7 at Hoffman Estates June 14th
Battle of the Big Butts July 13th at West Aurora

Impact Player for Jacobs:

Jacobs senior four star ranked TE Grant Stec (6-foot-6, 230 pounds) is already verbally committed to Wisconsin. Stec, who will also start at defensive end for the Jacobs Golden Eagles again this fall is no question a key leader and two way impact player for this program again in 2023. Stec, who is a multi-sport athlete is an unquestioned leader for this team again this fall.

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EDGY's Quick Take on the 2023 Jacobs Golden Eagles :

Jacobs and head coach Brian Zimmerman had a terrific 2022 regular season, posting a 8-1 overall record and winning the Fox Valley Conference conference crown. The Golden Eagles made the Class 7A state playoff field and lost to Brother Rice in Round 1 action to end the season. Jacobs in 2023 will look towards an experienced team that will feature several senior multi-year starters on both sides of the football. The defense will welcome back an impressive 9 starters while the offense will lean heavily on the offensive line with three starters back along with some key skill kids.

The biggest question for Jacobs this summer? Who can step up and replace a handful of key positions (QB/WR) lost to graduation? Overall I like this Jacobs team to again be a serious contender for the FVC title and to get back into the 7A state playoff field and hopefully make a deeper run this fall. Overall the FVC early on looks to be pretty stacked with multiple teams returning a ton of underclassmen talent. I see the Golden Eagles again as a potential 8-1/7-2 caliber team for the 2023 season.

Now that you don't have to hide, any good ones scheduled? Of course "thud" only.