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2024 Team Preview: UHigh Pioneers

EdgyTim
University High Pioneers

Head Coach: Brody Walworth

Assistant Coaches:

Jake Gates
Chris Pedersen
Lance Tinsley
Alec Mudra
Nathan Desmet
Nate Logsdon
Mason Kaufmann
Mike Troll
Logan Steidinger
Carsten Menzer


Conference: Central State 8 East

Team Twitter:

@uhspioneerfb


2024 Regular Season schedule (if known)

vs. Peoria Manual
@ Bloomington High School
vs. Decatur MacArthur
vs. Lincoln
@ Rochester
vs. Chatham Glenwood
@ Decatur Eisenhower
vs. Springfield Southeast
vs. Springfield Lanphier

Returning Offensive Starters for 2024

Alek Weiland - QB - 6-0/160 - 2025
Cole Matejka - T - 6-4/240 - 2025
Martin Donahue - TE - 6-1/210 - 2025
Demir Spaulding - K - 5-8/175 - 2025
Landon Hinkle - G - 5-9/250 - 2025
Cayden French - C - 5-9/185 - 2025
Carson Stevens - RB - 5-11/180 - 2025
Cade Cunningham - WR - 5-10/165 - 2026
Lyfe Campbell - RB - 5-9/185 - 2027

Returning Defensive Starters for 2024:

Cole Matejka - DE - 6-4/240 - 2025
Martin Donahue - OLB - 6-1/210 - 2025
Drew Rader - ILB - 6-1/195 - 2025
Lawson Shickel - S - 6-1/180 - 2025
Charlie Karun - DL - 6-0/195 - 2025
Clay Nord - DE - 6-1/190 - 2025
Daken Davenport - DL - 6-1/220 - 2025
Josh Caraballo - S - 5-8/165 - 2025
Griffin Meyer - OLB - 5-11/190 - 2026
Lyfe Campbell - CB - 5-9/185 - 2027


Newcomers to Watch:

Deegan Aeilts - WR/CB - 2025
AJ Holden - WR - 2025
Austin Kruger - DB - 2026
Bodey Klemmensen - LB/TE - 2026
Rhett Lynch - RB/DL - 2027


2024 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?

SIU 7on7 July 20th
Joint Practice with SHG on June 24th
Joint Practice with Williamsville & Jacksonville on July 16th
ISU Team Camp June 27th

Impact Player for UHigh?
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U High senior OL/DL Cole Matejka (6-foot-4, 240 pounds) is a strong and physical multi-year starter and two way linemen for the Pioneers again this fall. Matejka has been drawing recruiting looks and offers from the FCS lwvel and should continue to add more attention and offers this fall.

Looking or a sleeper name to watch this fall for UHigh? UHigh senior QB Alex Weiland is a name to watch this fall for the Pioneers. Weiland is a multi-year starter and multi-sport athlete who is in line for a big 2024 season.

EDGY's Preseason Thoughts on the 2024 UHigh Pioneers

University High and head coach Brody Walworth is looking to build upon it's 7-3 record in 2023 which saw the Pioneers make the Class 4A IHSA state playoff field for the first time since the 2015 season. U High head coach Brody Walworth has posted a 13-15 overall record in three seasons at U High.

The biggest question facing UHIgh Pioneers this summer?

Can U High again manage a very strong regular season schedule in 2024 and get back into the post-season this fall? The Pioneers welcome back an impressive 19 returning starters (9 offense 10 defense) including several multi-year starters. The schedule is again a challenge this fall, but I can see a path for the Pioneers to get back into the IHSA state playoff field and this could become a very dangerous sleeper team in Class 4A.
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Preseason Ranking? 2024 Preseason Class 4A Top 10 consideration.
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2024 Team Preview: Downers Grove North

EdgyTim
Downers Grove North Trojans

Head Coach: Joe Horeni

Assistant Coaches:

Keith Lichtenberg
Chad Isaacson
Josh Croci
Bill Kleckner (50th Year at DGN)
Dave Guerrieri
Chris Guerrieri
Mike Franzse
Pat Fleming
Kyle Bricoe
Greg Purnell
Brett Littlehale
Seth Peterson
Blake Davis
Trevor Cassens
Dan VanAnne
Rob Olson

Conference: West Suburban Silver

Team Twitter:

@dgnfootball

2024 Regular Season schedule (if known)

Fri 08/30/2024 7:30 PM O'Fallon Home - ILLINOIS WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY - -
Fri 09/06/2024 7:30 PM Downers Grove South High School Home - CARSTENS FIELD - -
Fri 09/13/2024 7:30 PM Glenbard West High School Home - CARSTENS FIELD - -
Fri 09/20/2024 07:30 PM PROVISO WEST Away - PROVISO WEST - -
Fri 09/27/2024 7:30 PM Oak Park & River Forest High School Home - CARSTENS FIELD - -
Fri 10/04/2024 7:30 PM York High School Away - YORK HIGH SCHOOL - -
Fri 10/11/2024 7:30 PM Lyons Twp High School Home - CARSTENS FIELD - -
Fri 10/18/2024 7:30 PM Hinsdale South High School Home - CARSTENS FIELD - -
Fri 10/25/2024 7:30 PM HINSDALE CENTRAL Away - HINSDALE CENTRAL


Returning Offensive Starters for 2024

Owen Lansu QB 6'2" 195 2026
Charlie Cruse WR 6'1" 210 2025
Joe Edwards TE 6'3" 220 2025
Carsten Lange OL 6'0" 230 2025
Oliver Thulin WR 5'10" 175 2026
Aiden Solecki OL/DL 6'4" 225 2026
Anthony Bertachi OL 6'3" 250 2026
Omar Duran OL 6'2" 235 2026
Max Troha WR 5'9" 165 2026


Returning Defensive Starters for 2024:

Joe Edwards DL/LB 6'3" 220 2025
Weston Waugho LB 6'2" 215 2025
Ethan Kist DB 6'0" 180 2025
Charlie Cruse LB/DB/WR 6'1" 210 2025
Jake Gregorio LB 6'0" 210 2025


Newcomers to Watch:

Antonio Kollintzas LB/K 2025
Nathan Woods OL/DL 2025
Ethan Murphy DB 2025
Emmanuel Murphy DB 2025
Peter Rodriguez DL 2025
Tyler Engstler OL/DL 2027

2024 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?

@Naperville North 6/18 and 7/16
@DGS 7/13
@ Batavia TBD
Joint Practices with Glenbard South, Glenbrook South, and Barrington

Impact Player for Downers Grove North?

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Downers grove North junior 3 star ranked QB Owen Lansu has been on recruiting radar screens since he was in grade school. Lansu, who just committed to Minnesota is a big, strong and athletic signal caller who is coming off a strong 2023 season. Look for Owen Lansu to again make some serious noise and to lead this program deep once again in the 7A state playoff field.

Looking or a sleeper name to watch this fall for Downers Grove North? Downers Grove North senior WR/S Charlie Cruse and senior TE/DE Joe Edwards are two key returning starters and also two key names to watch this fall. Cruse has big play ability and is a strong and physical two way starter and Edwards, the younger brother of former Wisconsin and NFL OL David Edwards has D1 offers and attention this summer.

EDGY's Preseason Thoughts on the 2024 Downers Grove North

Downers Grove North and head coach Joe Horeni is looking to make another deep post-season run this fall after posting an impressive 11-3 season in 2023 in leading the Trojans to the 7A state title game. Downers Grove North head coach Joe Horeni has posted a 34-24 record in 6 seasons and has taken North to the IHSA state playoffs in 3 years including back to back seasons in 2022 and 2023.

The biggest question facing Downers Grove North this summer?

Can Downers Grove North win the West Suburban Silver and win a 7A state title in 2024? North welcomes back an impressive 14 returning starters (9 offense 5 defense) from a season ago and this program is clicking. The offense in particular should be a real strength led by QB Owen Lansu and a deep and experienced skills group. If the Trojans can find some replacements at a few spots (DL/DB) this team as mentioned has a chance to making more serious noise in 2024.
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Preseason Ranking? 2024 Preseason Chicagoland Top 30 and Class 8A Top 10 lock.
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NCAA looking to increasee scholarship limits in football

EdgyTim
Sounds good on the surface but dig a little and yeah.....not so good after all.

sports.yahoo.com

Sources: NCAA to increase scholarships for sports, with football getting roster limit of 105 players

As part of the new revenue-sharing model, by-sport scholarship restrictions will be eliminated, and schools are permitted to offer scholarships to the entirety of their rosters.
sports.yahoo.com sports.yahoo.com
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2024 Team Preview: Kaneland Knights

EdgyTim
Kaneland Knights

Head Coach: Mike Thorgesen

Assistant Coaches:

Ryan Gierke - OC
Zach Martinelli
Brian Aversa
Matt Smith
KC McCarty
Ryan Noel

Conference: Interstate 8

Team Twitter:

@KanelandFB


2024 Regular Season schedule (if known)

@ Washington
Wauconda
Dekalb
@ Ottawa
@ Morris
Sycamore
@ Rochelle
Lasalle Peru
@ Belleville Althoff


Returning Offensive Starters for 2024

Dylan Sangusting WR 6'0" 175 2025
Jake Buckley OL 6'4" 250 2026
JR Warfel OL 6'2 225 2025
Jack Parker OL 6'1" 225 2026
Evan Frieders WR 6'4" 170 2026


Returning Defensive Starters for 2024:

Jack Parker OLB 6'1" 225 2026
Vinny McDonald 5'11 180 DB 2025
Jake Buckley 6'4" 250 DL 2026

Newcomers to Watch:

NA

2024 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?

NA


Impact Player for Kaneland?

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Kaneland junior OL/DL Jake Buckley (6-foot-4, 250 pounds) is an impressive kid who really stood out this past spring and summer at various camps. Buckley is a old school/throwback type of player who has a nice combination of pure strength, quickness and is also able to add more good weight and strength over the next year plus.

Looking or a sleeper name to watch this fall for Kaneland? Kaneland junior OL/LB Jack Parker (6-foot-1, 225 pounds) is yet another underclassmen name to watch this coming season for the Knights.

EDGY's Preseason Thoughts on the 2024 Kaneland Knights

Kaneland and second year head coach Mike Thorgesen is looking to build upon the Knights 2023 7-4 record including making the IHSA state playoff field then losing to Lake Zurich in the second round of the Class 6A state playoff field. .

The biggest question facing Kaneland this summer?

Can the Knights reload at several key spots this summer (QB/RB/DL/LB/DB) and continue to play at a high level/IHSA state playoffs? The Knights remain one of the most successful far western suburban powers for the last several decades and Kaneland has reloaded as well as anyone. The Knights schedule is also no joke taking on the likes of Washington, DeKalb, Belleville Althoff along with the usual tough suspects in the Interstate 8
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Preseason Ranking? Not yet.
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2024 Team Preview: United Township

EdgyTim
United Township Panthers

Head Coach: Nick Welch

Assistant Coaches:

Anthony Roome
Matt Martin
Doug Williams
Brian Petersen
Matthew McCarthy
Otto Linderman
Omar Hernandez
Nate Sheets
Ethan Pearson
Loyd Hubbard
David Roome


Conference: Western Big 6

Team Twitter:

@uthsfootball


2024 Regular Season schedule (if known)

Week 0: Davenport North
Week 1: @ LaSalle Peru
Week 2: Chicago Muchin
Week 3: @ Sterling
Week 4: Geneseo
Week 5: @ Quincy
Week 6: Rock Island
Week 7: @ Moline
Week 8: @ Regis Catholic (Eau Claire, Wisconsin)
Week 9: Galesburg

Returning Offensive Starters for 2024

Isaiah Navarrete/RB/5'10"/163/2026
Cohen Parsons/Wr/6'0/181/2025
Eli Oppenheimer/OL/6'4"/254/2026
Tristan Wallarab/OL/5'11"/242/2026


Returning Defensive Starters for 2024:


Jasiah Massey/Safety/5'10"/161/2026
Isaiah Navarrete/DB/5'10"/163/2026

Newcomers to Watch:

Prince Davis/TE & LB/2025
Bandi Diarra/ WR & DB/2025
Angel Gomez/OL & DL/2026
Jeremiah Johnson/OL & DL/2025
Rowan Kallal/TE, LB, & K/2026
Jorge Lira/TE & LB/2026
Christian Peterson/QB/2025
Leo Sim/RB & Safety/2027
Damien Zannou/LB/2026


2024 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?


7 v 7
Pleasant Valley 2x
NIU
Sterling
Brady Street Shootout

Joint Practices
Metamora
Dekalb
Johnsburg

Impact Player for United Township?


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United Township senior TE/DE Prince Davis (6-foot-3, 225 pounds) was a varsity starter and an impact player for Rock Island in 2023 who has since transferred over to United Township and is all set to start the season as a United Township Panther. Davis has impresive sixe, wheels and a non stop motor who has a great chance at playing at a pretty high level in college.

Looking or a sleeper name to watch this fall for United Township? United Township senior RB/DB Isaiah Navarrete is another two way starter and impact player for the Panthers once again this fall.

EDGY's Preseason Thoughts on the 2024 United Township Panthers

United Township and head coach Nick Welch is looking to build off a 4-5 record in 2023 and get the Panthers into the post-season IHSA state playoff field for the first time since the 2001 season this fall. Nick Welch has posted a 15-27 overall record in 5 seasons at United Township.

The biggest question facing United Township this summer?

Can the Panthers finally break though in 2024 and get into the IHSA playoffs this season? On paper the United Township Panthers will need to reload at some key positions this summer (QB/OL/DL/LB) after graduating a big senior class this past spring. United Township also faces a strong schedule including a meat grinder in the middle of the regular season (Sterling/Geneseo/Quincy/Rock Island/Moline). Another key for the Panthers in 2024 is to get out of the gates well early and if that happens all the better for United Township
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Preseason Ranking? Not yet.
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2024 Team Preview: Rochester

EdgyTim
Rochester Rockets

Head Coach: Derek Leonard

Assistant Coaches:

Steve Buecker, Derrick Nelson, J.C. Clarke, Tyson Corley, Rich Mcmahan, Eric Warren, Tyler Mazzini, Matt Swaine, Matt Lauber, Christian Gripper, Mike Gunter, Andrew McGhghy, Camden Ramsey, Brett Tackett, Jim Smith, Jordan Raps, Albert Stillman, Chris Koerwitz

Conference: Central State 8 East

Team Twitter:

@CoachLeonard3


2024 Regular Season schedule (if known)

@ Simeon
vs Cardinal Ritter College Prep
@ Lincoln
@ Glenwood
vs U High
vs Decatur Eisenhower
@ Decatur MacArthur
@ Springfield
vs Sacred Heart Griffin

Returning Offensive Starters for 2024

Bryan Zulauf - QB - 5'8 170 2025
Mason Jacobs - WR - 5'8 150 2025
Jake Milliron - OL - 6'4 265 2025

Returning Defensive Starters for 2024:

Ty Durocher - DB - 5'11 160 2025
Aaron McDannald - LB - 6'0 170 2025

Newcomers to Watch:

Bryer Ramsey, Jamal Bramer, Nolan Klatt, Tanner Beal, Connor Broughton, Wesley Sheraden, Jorey Myren, Tristian Stanton, Kaiden Stout, Dylan Durocher, Eli Cox, Nate Swaney

2024 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?

University of Illinois

Impact Player for Rochester


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Rochester senior QB Bryan Zulauf Jr. (5-foot-8, 170 pounds) follows in a long line of athletic and talented signal callers from Rochester who runs the Rockets spread offense and passing attack quite well. Zulauf Jr. has a very strong and accurate arm with great touch as well. Zulauf Jr. is also a speedy runner who is also no question a dual threat in the Rockets offense as a runner as well as a thrower.

Looking or a sleeper name to watch this fall for Rochester? Rochester senior OL Jake Milliron (6-foot-4, 265 pounds) has the size and physical tools to play at the college level and is another senior leader with quite a bit of varsity experience already under his belt.

EDGY's Preseason Thoughts on the 2024 Rochester Rockets

Rochester and head coach Derek Leonard has built the Rockets into an annual state football power in the State of Illinois over the past two decades. Leonard has posted an amazing 198-32 record in 19 seasons as Rochester has won 9 state football titles in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2019 and also in 2023. Rochester has also posted double digit wins in 14 straight seasons under Derek Leonard.

The biggest question facing Rochester this summer?

Can the Rockets reload at several spot, survive a very strong non conference schedule and win yet another state title in 2024? Rochester just always seems to find a way of reloading and will again need to replace 17 graduated starters from it's 2024 14-0 record and state title team. The regular season schedule is always solid and non conference games in Chicago against Simeon and then hosting St Louis area power CBC are two very strong games. Look for the Rockets to again find a way to reload and this looks like a team and program you would rather play early in 2024 and not later in the season.


Preseason Ranking? 2024 Preseason Class 4A Top 10 poll lock.
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2024 Team Preview: Chicago St. Patrick

EdgyTim
Chicago St. Patrick Shamrocks

Head Coach: Luke Mertens

Assistant Coaches:

Dan Galante
Russ Lucas
Chris Hoeller
Steven Kiboloski
Tommy Barrett
Connor Cloherty
Pat Gamboney
Chris Villa
Mat Legg
Paul Csongradi
Mike Crawford
Ryan Young
Terry Smith
Colton Jewell
Keith Hoffman
Bill Leyden

Conference: CCL/ESCC Purple

Team Twitter:

@StPatrickFB


2024 Regular Season schedule (if known)

@ Notre Dame
@ Larkin
@ Leo
@ DePaul
vs Brother Rice
vs Benet
vs St. Laurence
@ St. Rita
@ St. Viator

Returning Offensive Starters for 2024

Colin Hay - QB/6'0"/155/2025
Vince Curio - WR/6'2"/185/2025
Gavin Fitzgerald - WR/5'5"/150/2025
Eli Valencia - OL/6'2"/305/2026
Conor Malenock - OL/6'5"/295/2026
Matt Downes - OL/6'3"/275/2026

Returning Defensive Starters for 2024:

Leo Soriano - DB/5'9"/175/2025
Max Pydych - DB/5'10"/150/2025
Lucas Stuckert - DL/5'9"/260/2026
Kevin Michaelsen - DL/6'5"/245/2026

Newcomers to Watch:

Emi Arteaga - ATH/5'9"/200/2025
Jack Harrington - LB/6'0"/200/2025
Basant Davis - WR/5'9"/170/2025

2024 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?

NA

Impact Player for St. Patrick


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St. Patrick and head coach Luke Mertens has a group of impressive underclassmen linemen who are no question names to watch for the 2024 season and beyond. St Patrick junior OL Conor Malenock (6-foot-5, 295 pounds) is drawing increased recruiting looks and attention this summer. Malenock has been a varsity starter since his freshman year for St Patrick and will be asked to provide leadership and also to key a young but big and physical Shamrock offensive line this fall.

Looking or a sleeper name to watch this fall for St. Patrick? St. Patrick junior OL/DL Eli Valencia is anoher big, strong and physical underclassmen who is also a multi-year starter for the Shamrocks andf is also drawing more recruiting looks this summer.

EDGY's Preseason Thoughts on the 2024 St. Patrick Shamrocks

St. Patrick and head coach Luke Mertens is looking to improve upon a 2-7 record in 2023 as the Shamrocks are seeking to get back into the IHSA state playoffs this season. The Shamrock and head coach Luke Mertens has posted a 6-12 record in 2 seasons at St. Patrick and came back home to his alma matter after a successful run as Lake Zurich head coach along with being an assistant coach at both St Patrick and St Rita.

The biggest question facing St. Patrick this summer?

Can the Shamrocks survive a brutal regular season schedule and find a way and a path to 5 wins in 2024? St. Patrick again just has a rough regular season salte and this program truly has no weeks off this fall. With the likes of NND, DePaul Prep, Brother Rice, Benet Academy and St Rita on the schedule the Shamrock will be tested every week. Look for St Patrick to lean on a young but talented line play along with a strong group of underclassmen classes to help bolster the varsity lineup and roster.

Preseason Ranking? Not yet.
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Let's Talk: Preseason Chicagoland Top 30 poll EDGY's Locks

EdgyTim
Part 1 of this feature listed who I feel are teams under consideration for the 2024 Preseason Chicagoland Top 30 poll (see the link below)

Let's Talk: 2024 Preseason Chicagoland Top 30 poll preliminary teams to watch

In Part 2 I dig a bit deeper into the list of teams I feel are Locks to make the 2024 Preseason Top 30 poll. I purposely limit the Locks to 10 teams and in some years it can be many more than 10.....but for this exercise I'll keep the limit to 10. I list the Ten Locks and give you my reasoning why this team deserves a spot as a Lock Team.

Also an important note here... just because these 10 teams are listed here does NOT mean they will be in the Top 10 of the 2024 Preseason Chicagoland Poll. The order of teams will change and be adjusted over the next few weeks and once I determine the actual Top 30 poll you will see it first here.

Agree? Disagree? have a team or two who should be considered a lock? By all means fire away and post it here.

Let's Talk Preseason Chicagoland Top 30 poll/Which Teams Are Locks?

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Let's Talk Preseason Chicagoland Top 30 poll

EdgyTim
OK so this is how I generally piut togehter the Preseason Chicagoland Top 30 poll. I always try to have this poll done weeks if not a not before any other media source.....generally because I don't need help from looking at anyone else's rankings (oh you would be surprised how much this poll gets blatantly ripped off every summer) but I take pride in doing my own homework.....no matter how good or bad.

I simply go thru every Chicagoland area conference and start my initial listing of teams I feel will have the best chance at winning that conference. Some have one team some have multiple teams.....again just a very off the cuff deal here to start. I will add/subtract and adjust some teams here as I continue down my preseason research road and I make my final conference picks when I release my Conference Calls later this month and all of August.

So here is my initial list of teams I'm considering for my 2024 Preseason Chicagoland Top 30 poll. I'll come back tomorrow and start to narrow some schools down and march closer to a rough draft of My Top 30. Have a team or two I might be missing? Cool....post them here and let's talk.....

Loyola Academy
Mount Carmel
Brother Rice
St Ignatius
ICCP
Nazareth Academy
St Francis
St Rita
JCA
Marist
Providence Catholic
Niles Notre Dame
St Viator
DePaul Prep
Marian Catholic
St. Laurence
Montini Catholic
Carmel Catholic
Fenwick
Maine West
Maine South
New Trier
Morgan Park
Simeon
Kenwood
Phillips
Hope Academy
Wheaton Academy
Batavia
Wheaton South
Geneva
Wheaton North
St. Charles North
Cary Grove
Prairie Ridge
Jacobs
Sycamore
Morros
Richmond Burton
Hersey
Prospect
Palatine
Barrington
Warren Township
Lake Zurich
Libertyville
Antioch
Lemont
Hillcrest
Richards
Kankakee
Crete Monee
Joliet West
Minooka
Oswego
Plain North
Yorkville
Lincoln Way East
Neuqua Valley
Naperville North
Naperville Central
Bradley
Sandburg
Glenbard East
West Aurora
South Elgin
Downers Grove South
Downers Grove North
York
Glenbard West
HInsdale Central

Sop who should be in the Top 30? Who should be listed in the Others as schools who should be the next in the Top 30 poll? Let me know
Click to expand...

FREE 2024 Team Preview: Ridgeview Lexington Mustangs

EdgyTim
Ridgeview Lexington Mustangs

Head Coach: Matt Barnes

Assistant Coaches:

Brian Wiltz, Rob Haslett, Mike Benton, Zach Freed, Jeremy Vandegraft, Jake Kennedy, Kale Grunloh, Bob Sutton, Bob Barnes, John Thomas, Chad Hoffman, Drew Barth

Conference: Heart of Illinois

Team Twitter:

@mattbarnes44


2024 Regular Season schedule (if known)

@ GCMS
vs. Bureau Valley
@ El Paso Gridley
vs. Clinton
vs. Tremont
@ Eureka
@ Tri Valley
vs. Shelbyville
@ Dee Mack

Returning Offensive Starters for 2024


Lucas Martin, C, 5'7, 200, 2026
Bryce Cloudt, G, 5'10, 190, 2026
Joe Cheever, G, 5'11, 190, 2026
Owen Grice, RB, 5'11, 195, 2025
Drake Powell, QB, 6'2, 160, 2026
Karder Cross, WR, 5'11, 140, 2026
Blaine Friedmansky, WR, 5'8, 145, 2026

Returning Defensive Starters for 2024:


Bryce Cloudt, LB, 5'10, 190, 2026
Joe Cheever, LB, 5'11, 190, 2026
Owen Grice, DE, 5'11, 195, 2025
Aiden Helmig, DE, 5'11, 180, 2025
Preston Wiltz, LB, 5'8, 175, 2025
Anthony Wolinsky, CB, 5'8, 155, 2025
Karder Cross, CB, 5'11, 140, 2026
Blaine Friedmansky, DB, 5'8, 145, 2026
Cooper Miller, LB, 5'10, 180, 2026


Newcomers to Watch:

Henry Kizer, RB, 5'8, 165, 2026

2024 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?

July 10 - Mercer County 7 on 7
July 22 - Prairie Central 7 on 7
Week 0 Scrimmage @ Prairie Central

Impact Player for Ridgeview Lexington

fan.hudl.com

Boys Varsity Football • Home

View livestreams, highlights and upcoming events for Ridgeview High School in Colfax, IL.
fan.hudl.com fan.hudl.com

Ridgeview Lexington junior QB Drake Powell (6-foot-2, 160 pounds) had a very solid 2023 season for the Mustangs and looks primed for another strong year this coming fall. Powell has a nice arm with good touch and is a dual threat name to watch this season.

Looking or a sleeper name to watch this fall for Ridgeview Lexington? Ridgeview Lexington senior RB/LB Owen Grice has been a two way starter and impact player for the Mustangs and will again be asked to generate a ton of production on both sides of the football.

EDGY's Preseason Thoughts on the 2024 Ridgeview Lexington Mustangs

Ridgeview Lexington and head coach Matt Barnes is looking to improve on a 2-7 finish in 2023. The Mustangs played a ton of underclassmen a season ago and welcoming back 16 returning starters including 9 starters back on defense. Matt Barnes has posted a 2-7 record in his first season at Ridgeview Lexington, stepping into the huge Hall of Fame shoes of Hall of Fame former head coach Hal Chiodo who led the program to three straight IHSA state playoff berth's including a Class 1A semifinal appearance in 2022.

The biggest question facing Ridgeview Lexington this summer?

Can the Mustangs settle in this summer and make positive strides to becoming a state playoff caliber team in 2024? Ridgeview Lexington will lean heavily on an experienced team back on both sides of the football along with building up a bit more depth this summer. If the Mustangs can get out of the gates quick and find a early win or two aginst some early strong non conference opponents....this program could become a nice sleeper team to watch this fall in Class 1A,

Preseason Ranking? Not yet.
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2024 Team Preview: Vernon Hills

EdgyTim
Vernon Hills Cougars

Head Coach: Bill Bellecomo

Assistant Coaches:

Corey Atwell, Jason Czarnecki, Tim Dydo, Ryan Feeney, Mike Larsen, Tony Monken, Dave Schroeder, Greg Stilling

Conference: Central Suburban North

Team Twitter:
@footballVH


2024 Regular Season schedule (if known)

Week 1 Grayslake North
Week 2 @Lakes
Week 3 @Wheeling
Week 4 Hoffman Estates
Week 5 Maine East
Week 6 Niles West
Week 7 @Maine West
Week 8 @ Niles North
Week 9 @Highland Park

Returning Offensive Starters for 2024

Leonard Peszek OL (6'1 230, 2025), Guiseppe Urso Rb (5'7, 175, 2026) Shane Blumberg OL (6'0 190, 2026), Brandon Malveaux Wr (6'1 185, 2025), Brady Dechter OL (5'8 200, 2025), K/P Hunter Blumenfeld (2026)

Returning Defensive Starters for 2024:

Jaewook Lee DL (6'0 180 2025), David Biede DB (5'7 155 2025), Alex Sarantos LB (6'0 190, 2026), Brandon Malveaux LB (6'1 185, 2025), Jack Gutowski DB (5'9 150 2026), Guiseppe Urso LB (5'7, 175, 2026)

Newcomers to Watch:

Leviticus Williams OL/DL
Kaden Turner DL (injured season ending last year)
Jayden Perna DB

2024 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?

Week 0 Mundelein

Impact Player for Vernon Hills

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Vernon Hill senior OL/DL Leonard Peszek (6-foot-1, 230 pounds) is a terrific two way starter and impact player for Vernon Hills. Peszek will continue to draw recruiting looks and attention this remaining summer and fall for the Cougars.

Looking or a sleeper name to watch this fall for Vernon Hills? Vernon Hills junior RB/LB Guiseppe Urso is a hard running and powerful athlete who has developed into a key player on both sides of the football.

EDGY's Preseason Thoughts on the 2024 Vernon Hills Cougars

Vernon Hils and veteran head coach Bill Bellecomo are seeking to snap out of a two year run of 3-6 regular season records over the past two seasons. Vernon Hills head coach Bill Bellecomo has posted a 52-50 overall record in 11 seasons at Vernon Hills and has led the program to the IHSA state playoffs in three seasons.

The biggest question facing Vernon Hills this summer?

Can the Cougars break the 3-6 record streak this fall and find a way to get into the IHSA state playoff field for the first time since the 2021 season? Vernon Hills welcomes back 12 returning starters (6 offense 6 defense) and if this team can merge in and fill some key openings (QB/WR/DL) this summer I can see the Cougars having a decent chance at competing for the Central Suburban North and a state playoff berth.

Preseason Ranking? Not yet.
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2024 Team Preview: Glenbard East

EdgyTim
Glenbard East Rams

Head Coach: John Walters

Assistant Coaches:

Pat Walker (DC)
Jim Walker (DL)
Tiff Hamilton (DL)
Matt Lahey (DB)
Tony Bartolotta (OL)
Brian Fetterolf (RB)
Joe Cristina (WR)

Conference: Upstate 8

Team Twitter:

@RamFBHC

2024 Regular Season schedule (if known)

Week 0--@Lake Park
8/30-@ Willowbrook
9/6-(H) West Aurora
9/13-(H) Bartlett
9/20-(H) Elmwood Park
9/27-@ Ridgewood
10/4-@ Fenton
10/11-(H) West Chicago
10/18-@Glenbard South
10/25-@Riverside Brookfield

Returning Offensive Starters for 2024

Amonte Cook (WR) (5’6 165) 2025,
Chris Renford (WR) (5’11 170) 2025
Ryan Kropidlowski (OT) (6’0 240) 2025
Elias Morlaes (OL) (6’1 240) 2026


Returning Defensive Starters for 2024:

Cooper Conliss (OL/DL) (5’11 240) 2025
Nick Payne (DE) (6’2 215) 2025
David Jurgiel DT (6’4 235) 2025
Stevyn Fox (S) (5’10 160) 2025

Newcomers to Watch:

Michael Nee (QB) (6’1 165)
Orlando Hoye (LB) (5’11 195)
Luke Freese (WR) (6’3 180)
Sam Walton (DE) (6’4 185)
Ben Badalamentti (DT)( 5’10 220)
Teryn Hatter (RB) (5’11 195)

2024 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?

West Aurora Battle of the big butts
West Aurora 7 on 7
Downers South 7 on 7
Team camp with Thornton

Impact Player for Glenbard East

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Glenbard East senior WR Amonte Cook (5-foot-6, 165 pounds) is a speedy, twitchy athlete who is an impact receiver and big time play makers for the Rams. Cook has the look and tools to become a slot receiver along with a return specialist at the college level in my opinion.

Looking or a sleeper name to watch this fall for Glenbard East? Glenbard East senior DE Nick Payne (6-foot-2, 215 pounds) is also a strong athlete who has the look and frame to add much more weight and good strength at the college level.

EDGY's Preseason Thoughts on the 2024 Glenbard East Rams

Glenbard East and veteran head coach John Walters is coming off an impressive 2023 season as the Rams made the Class 7A state quarterfinals and lost to Normal Community to end the season with a 10-2 record. Glenbard East veteran head coach John Walters has also turned this program around and has led the Rams to it's current six straight state playoff appearances along with posting a 61-61 overall record in 13 seasons at Glenbard East.

The biggest question facing Glenbard East this summer?

Can the Rams reload at several key positions and get back into the IHSA state playoffs for the seventh straight year in 2024? Glenbard East no question graduated a terrific senior class this past spring which included several multi-year starters and leaders. The Rams have looked good this summer and will need to find answers for several spots (QB/RB/OL/LB/DB) the remainder of the summer. Look for the Rams to again compete for the Upstate 8 title and they have a good shot at getting back into the playoffs again this fall.

Preseason Ranking? Not yet.
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2024 Team Preview: Streator

EdgyTim
Streator Bulldogs

Head Coach: Robert "Matt" Cloe

Assistant Coaches:

Ed Lewis-Associate Head Coach/D-Coordinator, Beau Albert-O-Line, Javier Magana -O-Line, Justin Stillwell-D-Backs/Receivers, Jason Schultz-Equipment/Finance Coordinator, Mike Burke- Analytics Coordinator/Kickers, Jeremy Wachowski-Linebackers/Strength and Conditioning, Eric Moton-Running Backs, Ken Fredrickson-Sideline Coordinator.

Conference: Illinois Central 8

Team Twitter:

NA


2024 Regular Season schedule (if known)

1- @Decatur Eisenhower,
2- Ottawa Township,
3- Coal City,
4- @Manteno,
5- @Herscher,
6-Lisle,
7- @Peotone,
8- Braidwood Reed-Custer,
9- @Wilmington



Returning Offensive Starters for 2024

Isaiah Weibel-QB 6’0-190 -2025, Matt Williamson WR 6’2-190 -2025, Isaiah Brown-RB 6’0-185-2025, Luke Gebhardt OL 6’2-245 2026, Liam Martin OL 6’5-225-2025, Jake Hagie WR 6’0 180-2025, Malachi Hankins OL 6-4-280-2025, Jordan Lukes RB 5’8-185-2025, Cole Winterrowd OL 6’2-240-2026


Returning Defensive Starters for 2024:

Cole Winterrowd LB 6’2-240-2026, Liam Martin DE 6’5-225-2025, Isaiah Weibel SS 6’0-190-2025, Jordan Lukes SS 5’8-185-2025

Newcomers to Watch:

Tristen Finley 6’1-210 RB/DE -2025, Kam Magana 5’11-200 RB/LB-2026, David Harcharik 6’2-220 OL/DL-2025, Nolan Lukach- 6’4 -220 TE/DE-2025, Jake Isermann 5’10-200 OL/LB-2026, Jorrick Black 6’1-220 OL/DL-2026, Jax Puetz 6’2-225 OL/DL, Jarred Clark-5’10-185 QB/DB-2027, Sharonn Morton-6’2-205 RB/DE-2027, Joey Grako 6’0-230 OL/DL-2027, Anthony Mohr-WR/DB- 6’1-185-2025, Leodies Jordan 6’0 220 OL/LB-2026, Aiden Ferris 6’1-250 OL/DL-2026, LA Moton 5’11-190 RB/SS-2026, Devin Thompson 6’1 -210 RB/DE-2025, TJ Horton 6’0 -195 RB/LB-2027, Aiiden Wilkinson 6’1-190 DE -2026, Keiran Liesure-5’11-200 DT-2025

2024 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?


July 11th @ New Lenox Providence Catholic,
July 13th @ Streator vs LaSalle-Peru and Lincoln
July 19th @ Carterville
July 20th @ Mount Vernon


Impact Player for Streator

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Streator senior QB/S Isaiah Weibel (6-foot-0, 190 pounds) is a multi-positional player and a good overall athlete to watch this fall for the Bulldogs. Weibel has been an effective dual threat quarterback and running back in the Streator offense along with also playing safety for the Bulldogs this coming season.

Looking or a sleeper name to watch this fall for Streator? Streator senior OL/DE Liam Martin (6-foot-5, 220 pounds) has impressive size, length and physical tools and is a name that will get more recruiting traction this fall.

EDGY's Preseason Thoughts on the 2024 Streator Bulldogs

Streator and first year head coach Matt Coe will look to get this program on the winning track starting this fall. Streator is looking to build upon it's 2-7 record in 2023 as Coe will look to get the Bulldogs back into the IHSA state playoff field fir the first time since the 2017. New Streator head coach Matt Coe has been a long time assistant coach for many years and will now be a head coach for the first time in his coaching career.

The biggest question facing Streator this summer?

Can Streator begin to make a move up in the conference standings starting this fall? Streator plays in the always tough Interstate Central 8 which includes several top small enrollment programs including Wilmington, Coal City and several others. With 13 returning starters back this summer for the Bulldogs, that is a great place to begin to turn this program's fate around this fall.

Preseason Ranking? Not yet.
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2024 Team Preview: Sycamore

EdgyTim
Sycamore Spartans

Head Coach: Joe Ryan

Assistant Coaches:

Rob Stover, Jake Countryman, Brian Koehne, Randy Zeiter, Kevin Crandall, Alex Nelson, Matt Gehrig, Daniel Coovert, Ryan Storto, Teyun Curtis, Curt Countryman

Conference: Interstate 8

Team Twitter:

@SycoFootball


2024 Regular Season schedule (if known)


Week 1 - DeKalb @ NIU
Week 2 - Oswego East (H)
Week 3 - Mahomet Seymour (A)
Week 4 - Rochelle (A)
Week 5 - Ottawa (H)
Week 6 - Kaneland (A)
Week 7 - LaSalle-Peru (H)
Week 8 - Morris (H)
Week 9 - Cahokia (H)

Returning Offensive Starters for 2024

Burke Gautcher/QB/6-3/215/2025
Carter York/WR/6-1/190/2025
Colton Sharpness/WR/5-9/165/2025
Aidan Wyzard/WR/6-1/6-1/175/2025
Dylan Hodges/RB/6-2/180/2025
Kyle Prebil/TE/6-3/215/2025
Thatcher Friedrichs/K/6-3/195/2025
Owen DePauw/T/6-2/235/2026
Dawson Gurley/C/5-10/205/2026


Returning Defensive Starters for 2024:

Burke Gautcher/S/6-3/215/2025
Carter York/S/6-1/190/2025
Colton Sharpness/CB/5-9/165/2025
Kyle Prebil/LB/6-3/215/2025
Ethan Keicher/DL/5-10/210/2025
Caden O'Donnell/LB/6-0/185/2025
Thatcher Friedrichs/P/6-3/195/2025
Cooper Bode/LB/6-0/190/2026

Newcomers to Watch:

RJ Calfa/OL/6-1/235/2025
Michael Chami/TE/6-5/255
Christian Spartz/DL/OL/5-11/215/2026
Will Rosenow/OL/6-2/215/2027


2024 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?

June 12th - UofI 7 on 7
June 19th - Naz 7 on 7
July 18th - Joint Practice w/Geneva (H)
Aug. 1st - Joint Practice w/Byron/LeWin (@Byron)

Impact Player for Sycamore

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Sycamore senior 3 star ranked LB Burke Gautcher (6-foot-3, 215 pounds) is a talented and very versatile player for the Spartans. Gautcher, who is already verbally committed to Iowa this summer will play quarterback again this fall for Sycamore along with also playing linebacker/safety as well this season. Also do not be fooled here....Gautcher is a very good quarterback with all the tools to lead the Spartans to several wins in 2024.

Looking or a sleeper name to watch this fall for Sycamore? Sycamore senior WR/DB Carter York is a speedy and versatile player and athlete for the Spartans. York is also a multi-year varsity starter for Sycamore who will continue to draw more recruiting looks and attention this summer and fall.

EDGY's Preseason Thoughts on the 2024 Sycamore Spartans

Sycamore and veteran head coach Joe Ryan has built the Spartans program into a Class 5A power over the past few decades. Sycamore head coach Joe Ryan has posted an impressive 140-74 record in 20 seasons and this program has made the IHSA state playoffs in 13 out of the last 14 seasons. Sycamore is looking to improve upon it's 9-2 record in 2023 as the Spartans made the Class 5A state playoff field and lost to Morgan Park in second round action.

The biggest question facing Sycamore this summer?

Can the Spartans make a deep post-season run in 2024? The Spartans and head coach Joe Ryan have been a consistent winner now for several years....and in more years than not this team is a factor in the Class 5A state playoff field. The 2024 team welcomes back a ton of experience this fall, and several of those kids will be multi-year varsity starters as well. I've been saying for some time now that one of these years this program is going to win a state title and while it's still too early to make that call right now for this 2024 Sycamore team....this team will have a chance to make some serious noise this fall.

Preseason Ranking? 2024 EDGYTIM Preseason Chicagoland Top 30 and Class 5A Preseason Top 10 poll consideration.
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2024 Team Preview: Jacobs Golden Eagles

EdgyTim
Metamora Redbirds

Head Coach: Brian Zimmerman

Assistant Coaches:

Tom Domenz: Defensive Coordinator/Secondary
Ed Haugens: Offensive Line: Run Game Coordinator
Brendan Baker: Defensive Line
Sam Baker: Secondary/Pass Game Coordinator
Zach Nelsen: OLB's
Shane Leifeld: Head Frosh/Soph coach
Jim Foote
Ian Langley


Conference: Fox Valley Conference

Team Twitter:

@HDJacobsFBall


2024 Regular Season schedule (if known)

Week 1: Home Vs. Prairie Ridge
Week 2: Away Vs. Hampshire
Week 3: Home Vs. Huntley
Week 4: Away Vs. Cary-Grove
Week 5: Home Vs. Dundee-Crown
Week 6: Away Vs. Burlington Central
Week 7: Home Vs. Crystal Lake Central
Week 8: Away Vs. McHenry
Week 9: Home Vs Crystal Lake South


Returning Offensive Starters for 2024

P.J. Barnes: TE, 6'3", 243 lbs, 2025
Lucas Retzler: OL: 6' 0", 230 lbs, 2026
Connor Uhler: OL, 5'11", 240 lbs, 2026
Jake Sindles: C, 6'0", 215 lbs, 2025
Caden Dumelle: RB, 5'11", 203 lbs, 2026
T.O. Boddie: RB, 5'10", 178 lbs, 2025
Matthew Scardina: RB, 6'1" 195 lbs, 2025


Returning Defensive Starters for 2024:

Luke Gormsen: OLB/S, 5'11", 183 lbs, 2025
Owen Hoffman: CB, 5'11", 180 lbs, 2025
Andrii Tymoshchuk: DE, 6'4", 230 lbs, 2025
Matthew Scardina: S/OLB, 6'1", 195 lbs, 2025
Justin Gonzalez: C, 5'10", 171 lbs, 2026
Tyler Genger: LB, 6'0", 212 lbs, 2026
Cooper Gulgren: S, 2026, 6'0", 180 lbs
P.J. Barnes: TE, 6'3", 243 lbs, 2025


Newcomers to Watch:
Carson Goehring: TE/WR/C, 6'3", 180 lbs
Connor Goehring: QB, 6'4", 200 lbs
Michael Cannady: FB/RB, 5'9", 175 lbs, 2026
Landon Carlson: OL, 6'1, 250 lbs, 2025
Eleuterio Almeida: LB, 5'10, 195 lbs, 2025
Johnny Strauss: LB, 5'11", 185 lbs, 2026

2024 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?


Camp Augustana: 7 on 7 with Moline: TBD
Team Camp with Lincoln-Way Central: June 18th, 9:00 AM
Team Camp with Prospect: July 11th, 9:00 AM
Team Camp with South Elgin: July 8th, 9:00 AM
West Aurora 7 on 7: June 28th, 9:00 AM
7 on 7 at Hoffman Estates:June 12, 5:00 PM

Impact Player for Jacobs

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Jacobs senior TE/DE PJ Barnes (6-foot-3, 243 pounds) is an impressive all around athlete and also an impact player on both sides of the football over the past few season for Jacobs, Barnes on offense runs well, shows good hands and can also easily play as say an H Back/Fullback along with being a very effective hand on the groiund blocking tight end with solid ball skills.

Looking or a sleeper name to watch this fall for Jacobs? Jacobs senior OLB/S Luke Gormson is a speedy impact defender for the Golden Eagles. Gormson shows to have a very good feel and impressive instinct while also being very capable of going sideline to sideline to make plays. I also like Gormson's overall motor and is a strong finisher and a fundamentally strong tackler.

EDGY's Preseason Thoughts on the 2024 Jacobs Golden Eagles

Jacobs and head coach Brian Zimmerman are looking to improve upon a 6-4 season in 2023 as the Golden Eagles starter the season with a 1-3 record, but then fired off 5 straight wins and locked up an at large bid in the IHSA Class 7A state playoff field. Jacobs then faced Lincoln Way Central and lost to the Knights in the opening round of the 7A playoffs to end the season. Jacobs head coach Brian Zimmerman has posted a solid 24-12 record in 4 seasons and has led the Golden Eagles to the IHSA state playoffs in every season as the programs head coach.

The biggest question facing Jacobs this summer?

Can the Golden Eagles reload this summer in a few key spots (QB/DL) and find a way to beat the higher profile teams in the Fox Valley Conference this season? Jacobs again is a program that continues to make progress and the future looks to be pretty bright in my opinion. Sure, the FVC is always stacked especially at the very top of the conference (PR/CG/Huntley) but in more years than n ot this Jacobs team will continue to have a place at the very top and continue to win a ton of games.

Preseason Ranking? 2024 EDGYTIM Preseason Chicagoland Top 30 and Class 7A Preseason Top 10 poll consideration.
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2024 Team Preview: Roxana Shells

EdgyTim
Roxana Shells

Head Coach: Wade Devries

Assistant Coaches:

Jeff Ogle
Jon Lawrence
Al DeVries
Quinn Hellmann
Robert Rahn
Dayton Grizzle

Conference: Cahokia Conference (Mississippi)

Team Twitter:

@RoxanaShells

2024 Regular Season schedule (if known)

@ Jerseyville
Red Bud
Civic Memorial
@ Columbia
Salem
Freeburg
@ Breese Central
@ East Alton Wood River
Alton Marquette

Returning Offensive Starters for 2024:

Andruw Ellis, RB, 6'1", 185, 2025
Kael Hester, TE/WR, 6'1, 205, 2025
Caiden Davis, G, 5'10, 180, 2025
Cooper Harris, C, 5/10, 185, 2025
Logan Prater, G, 5'11, 200, 2026

Returning Defensive Starters for 2024:

Mason Forsythe, DL, 5'9, 285, 2025
Jake Newton, DL, 6'4, 195, 2025
Jayden Hooper, DL, 6'1, 245, 2025
Kegan Bailey, DL, 5'9, 185, 2025
Zeb Katzmarek, DB, 5'9, 160, 2025
Andruw Ellis, DB, 6'1, 185, 2025


Newcomers to Watch:

Mason Crump, RB/LB
Max Autery, RB/LB
Sean Maberry, QB/LB
Dalton Carriker, DB/WR


2024 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?

Team live scrimmage at Triad HS on Wednesday, July 24

Impact Player for Roxana

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Roxana head coach Wade DeVries welcomes back a nice core of 11 experienced starters (5 offense 6 defense) this summer. Roxana senior RB/DB Andruw Ellis (6-foot-1, 185 pounds) is a headliner for the Shells this summer and also a name to watch in recruiting circles. Ellis has a chance to develop into an impact ball carrier this fall along with drawing moire recruiting looks.


EDGY's Preseason Thoughts on the 2024 Roxana Shells

Roxana head coach Wayne Devries is looking to maintain the momentum the Shells gained in 2023 posting an impressive 12-1 record, only the second time in school history the Shells made it to the IHSA state semifinal round. The Shells also welcome back several key starters back from last season's playoff team and this program looks to be on the upswing again this fall.

The biggest question facing Roxana this summer?

Can the Shells reload at a handful of key positions (QB/LB) along with developing a bit mote depth this summer and contend for another deep playoff run? The Shells will also need to be ready to go right out of the gates this season taking on some quality non conference opponents in 2024.

Preseason Ranking? 2024 Class 3A Preseason Top 10 poll consideration.
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2024 Team Preview: Metamora Redbirds

EdgyTim
Metamora Redbirds

Head Coach: Jared Grebner

Assistant Coaches:

Nick Delinski
Jeff Herring
Ryan Otto
Steve Kiesewetter
Sam Elbert
Jim Kasap
Curt Ryan
Andy Symmonds
Kyle Weyeneth
Mike Warner
Chet Hammond
Chris Urban


Conference: Mid Illini

Team Twitter:

@MTHSFootball

2024 Regular Season schedule (if known)

Date Opponent Place Time
8/23 Glenwood Home 7:00 p.m.
8/30 Sterling Away 7:30 p.m.
9/6 LaSalle-Peru Home 7:00 p.m.
9/13 Washington Away 7:30 p.m.
9/20 Morton Home 7:30 p.m.
9/27 Canton Home 7:30 p.m.
10/4 Pekin Away 7:30 p.m.
10/11 Limestone Away 7:30 p.m.
10/18 East Peoria Home 7:30 p.m.
10/25 Dunlap Away 7:30 p.m.

Returning Offensive Starters for 2024

Landon Cowper OL 6’3 285 2025
Mark Frederick WR 5’11 160 2025
Avery Grebner WR 5’9 160 2025
Evan Keil RB 5’10 180 2025
Jaiduan Cranford RB 5’10 180 2026

Returning Defensive Starters for 2024:

Eden Cote DB 5’9 160 2025
Avery Grebner DB 5’9 160 2025 (3 year starter)
Cameron Nickel LB 6’3 210 2025 (3 year starter)
Brad Schalk LB 5’11 165 2025
Shae Seals LB 5’10 180 2025
Stephen Petri DB 5’10 200 2026
Jaiduan Cranford DB 5’10 180 2026


Newcomers to Watch:

TBA

2024 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?
June 19: 7-on-7 at Metamora vs. Mt. Zion, Peoria High, and U-High
July 11: 11-on-11 at Metamora vs. United Township
July 20: 7-on-7 at Princeton
July 24: 11-on-11 at Eureka
August 23: Scrimmage at Metamora vs. Glenwood


Impact Player for Metamora

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Metamora welcomes back a healthy amount of returning starters with experience for the 2024 season. Metamora junior RB/DB Jaiduan Cranford has been drawing increased recruiting attention this spring and summer. Look for Cranford to have several D1 level schools take a much closer look at his early 2024 junior season video and Cranford possesses impressive speed and break away speed on both sides of the football for the Redbirds.

Looking or a sleeper name to watch this fall for Metamora? Metamora senior LB Cam Nickel has impressive size and tools and will also draw closer looks this fall.

EDGY's Preseason Thoughts on the 2024 Metamora Mustangs

Metamora and head coach Jared Grebner are looking to build upon it's 2023 8-3 season. The Redbirds made the 2023 Class 5A state playoff field, defeated Drecatur MacArthur then lost to Highland in second round action to end the season. Metamora has remained one of the state's top mid sized enrollment football programs in the State of Illinois for decades now. Metamora head coach Jared Grebner has posted a 23-13 record in his 4 seasons at Metamora and the Redbirds have made the IHSA state playoffs in every season so far under Grebner.

The biggest question facing Metamora this summer?

Can the Redbirds reload at both the offensive and defensive lines this summer and continue to make a deep push in the Mid Illini and beyond this fall? Metamora will no question need to reload on the lines, but the remaining talent is strong including the offensive skills is strong. The early portion of the schedule will tell us a lot about the Redbirds who take on several big name programs in both Glenwood, Sterling and LaSalle Peru, and if the Redbirds can get a win or two early they should be in line for another post-season appearance this fall.

Preseason Ranking? 2024 Class 5A Preseason Top 10 poll consideration.
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Let's Talk: EDGYTIM Class 5A Preliminary Top 10 poll

EdgyTim
Please note.....I'm using Steve Soucie's Preseason Playoff Projections with his permission. Please DO NOT share this anywhere on social media including Steve's projections along with my thoughts. Any violation of this simple rule will immediately void your subscription status with no questions asked. Any questions please refer to the Message Board rules and Yahoo Terms and Conditions pinned at the top of this board or email me edgytim@edgytim.com I will re-release this for free a little bit down the road and again this is NOT a final poll.

Thanks

2024 EDGYTIM Preliminary Class 5A Top 10 poll

1. Nazareth Academy - It's pretty hard to ignore the Road Runners especially this coming season. The Naz senior class has been legendary to say the least and with a ridiculous 19 returning starters back, many of who have won multiple state rings you pretty much can't go against the Road Runners here.

2. Wheaton St Francis - The Spartans also welcome back a stacked roster and starting lineup for this fall. St Francis and head coach Bob McMillen has a potential Power 4 quarterback in the making in junior Brady Palmer, an unknown to Power 4 offers in junior TE Gavin Mueller plus a ridiculous amount of speedy and talented offensive skill position players this season and might have the state's best wide receiver group with WR Ian Willis (Illinois State), junior 3 star WR Zachary Washington (another Power 4 name) plus junior WR Dario Milivojevic and senior RB Ty Ransom.

3. Joliet Catholic Academy - The Hilltoppers also graduated some key names this past spring, but with 15 returning starters back in the fold including 4 starters on the offensive line.....everything looks just fine on the Hill this summer. The JCA offense will be led by junior QB Lucas Similuck who is a speedy and talented speedy dual threat and a deep backfield as senior RB Keenan Faranus as the lead back. Gone this season is standout DT Dillan Johnson (Wisconsin) yet the Hilltoppers defense will lean on an experience linebacker corp this summer.

4. Carmel Catholic The Corsairs are coming off a stroing 2023 season and expectations for this season in Mundelein is very high. Carmel sophomore QB Trae Taylor will finally get to show his ability at the varsity level and Taylor has a ton of weapons to use in RB Donovan Dey plus senior TE Jack Greiber while the coaches son (S Jordan McKie) is a key to watch on the Corairs defense this fall. Also The Wall of Carmel offensive line has massive size and talent in senior OT Tommy Lamberti plus senior Jailn Strowder.

5. Morgan Park The Mustangs ansd head coach Chris James have been building up the Mustangs program into a Class 6A state title contender, and is 2024 the year? Morgan park offensively begin with senior QB Marcus Thaxton who is primed for a huge 2024 season while the Mustangs have a ton of talent in senior 3 star ATH Jahmare Washington along with senior 3 star S Jovan Clark along with a veteran offensive line with 4 starters back this season.


6. Prairie Ridge The Wolves will have a new coach in Matt Frericks who was a long time assistant coach under former head coach Chris Schremp (who's now the PR AD) so expect a smooth transition. The Wolves welcome back several key faces from a season ago led by 4 starters on the offensive line led by senior OL/DL Gavin Tinch while the offense will be anchored by junior QB Joe Vanderweil. senior FB Jack Finn and junior RB Luke Vanderweil.

7. Sycamore The Spartans will also welcome back several key returning starters this summer but none have as much of an impact as senior QB/LB Burke Gautcher (Iowa). This program under veteran head coach Joe Ryan is due for a big breakout season and this year looks as promising as any in recent memory.

8. Sacred Heart Griffin After it's up and down 7-4 2023 season under then first year head coach John Allison, I'm expecting bigger things for the Cyclones this fall.

9. Sterling The Golden Warriors are always a name to watch in 5A and have been for decades. 2023 wasn't a great Golden Warriors team (5-6) and well... neither was the Western Big 6. Look in for Sterling to build upon 12 returning starters back this summer and to again challenge for the WB6 title and a potential deeper run this coming postseason in Class 5A.

10. Hillcrest The Hawks also bring back quite a bit of talent including 14 returning starters including 9 back on the offensive side of the football. Hillcrest senior QB Gary Bradley is a very capable dial threat along with standout senior RB/DB Erimus Wright (SD State) and also keep an eye on the development of junior DE Max Carmickle (6-foot-6, 225 pounds) a talented hoops player with high level DE skill set and physical tools.


My 5 Class 5A Teams Who Just Missed:

Peoria The Lions will look to continue it's winning ways minus head coach Tim Thornton who's now in Florida as an assistant coach for former Rock Island HC Ben Hammer at Lely High School in Naples. The Lions and new HC Aaron Montgomery takes over this successful program and Peoria looks to stay on top of the Big 12 conference this fall.

Highland The Bulldogs and head coach Jim Warnecke welcomes back 15 starters including 8 on offense for a 10-2 team in 2023. The Bulldogs are always in the mix for the Mississippi Valley conference crown.

Rochelle The Hubs and former Rochelle QB and now HC Kyle Kissack welcomes back basically his entire starting lineup back on both sides of the football for the 2024 season. The Hubs posted a 7-3 season in 2023 and won the Kishwaukee River/Interstate 8 Blue conference. If the Hubs can get a bit friendlier open round game in 5A compared to 2023 (Wheaton St Francis) tbey can makes some noise.

Triad The Men of Troy also welcome back a ton of starters from 2023 including several on the defensive side of the football. Triad is coming off a 7-4 season in 2023 and will also challenge in the Mississippi Valley conference and beyond in 2024.

Metamora The Redbirds and head coach Jared Grebner welcomes back 12 returning starters from a 2023 8-2 team. Look for the Redbirds to again challenge for the Mid Illini conference title with the usual suspects (Washington/Dunlap/Morton) this fall.

Next? My 2024 Preseason Class 4A Top 10 and 5 Who Just Missed.
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