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MC 64 Batavia 26 FINAL

Score in title for those in France.

11 plays, 64 yards, several flags. 8 yard pass for TD.

Over/under on head ref’s waistline: 68 inches.

Elliott to Gilliam 44 yards TD.

Both teams are just really well coached.

Batavia really needs a score here.

Jump pass TD for Caravan. Throwback play there.

Flag against MC.

Batavia hasn’t limited explosive plays.

Lynch had a baby Thursday. Looks great.

Halftime Stats:
Batavia MC
131 passing yards. 296
9. rushing yards 88
9/15 comp/att. 17/19
2. penalties. 8
14:35 TOP 9:25

New: 2024 Team Preview Columbia Eagles

Columbia Eagles

Head Coach:
Scott Horner

Assistant Coaches:

Scott Germain, Matt Kendall, Kyle Stumpf, Mark Stuart, Travis Amsden

School Nickname/Mascot: Eagles

Conference: Cahokia

Team Twitter Handle: @bluepridefb1

2024 Regular Season schedule (if known):

8/30 @ Breese Mater Dei
9/6 Waterloo
9/13 @ Taylorville
9/20 Roxana
9/27 Freeburg
10/4 @East Alton Wood River
10/11 Salem
10/18 @ Breese Central
10/25 Jerseyville


Returning Offensive Starters for 2024:


Mason Voegele QB 5-11 160 2025
Jase Nelson RB 5-9 170 2026
Owen Menke OT 6-2 265 2026
Bordy Furlow C 5-10 190 2026
Kason Muskop G 5-10 185 2027
Cameron Janik FB 5-10 185 2026
Logan Hicks RB/WR 5-11 170 2026


Returning Defensive Starters for 2024:


Mason Voegele S 5-11 160 2025
Owen Menke DT 6-2 265 2026
Bordy Furlow DE 5-10 190 2026
Kason Muskop DE 5-10 185 2027
Cameron Janik LB 5-10 185 2026
Logan Hicks LB 5-11 170 2026
Keegan Thompson LB 5-9 175 2027


Newcomers to Watch

Cooper Weik WR
Ricky Prater WR



2024 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?

July 10 v Dupo 5pm @Columbia
July 16 v Red Bud 9am @Columbia
August 23 v Wesclin time TBD @Columbia


Impact Player for Columbia

The Eagles and head coach Scott Horner as mentioned welcome back a strong core of returning starters for 2024. Yet I would keep an eye on both junior OL/DL Owen Menke (6-foot-2, 265 pounds) along with junior RB Jase Nelson as keys this fall for Columbia. Menke will be asked to again play full time on both sides of the line while Nelson will be the headline running back this season.

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EDGY's Preseason Thoughts on the 2024 Columbia Eagles

Columbia and head coach Scott Horner are looking to rebound this coming season from a 2-7 finish in 2023. The Eagles started the season with ab 0-5 record and despite the final record the Eagles battled several teams for four quarters last season. The positive this summer is that Columbia welcomes back a strong core of experienced returning starters and will look to make a move up in the Cahokia conference this fall.

The biggest question for Columbia in 2024? Can the Eagles get out of the gates stronger this coming season nd avoid last season's slow start? The Columbia non conference schedule remains tough and will again be a strong early test and indicator for this Eagles program. If the Eagles plan to get back towards the top of the Cahokia conference getting a win or two against it's non conference opponents will be paramount in 2024.


Preseason Ranking? Possible 2024 Preseason Class 4A Top 10 "others".

Monday Night: 2024 Silver Showcase Downers Grove North

So DGN is one of a handful of high schools this spring who is trying to be proactive and trying to attract more colleges coaches to see kids in person in one location, so DGN hosted this event which also included kids from DGN/DGS/York/Lyons/Hinsdale Central and 2025 QB Jackson Alcorn from Burlington Central (again not sure why just one kid but ok). The showcase had the kids do some testing then also did some various positional work. This started at 6PM and was pretty much wrapped up at 8PM.

Overall? Each school had some solid kids who I'll mention below (again the positional work was limited so I didn't get to see a ton of work here). Unfortunately very few college coaches attended this event (again welcome to the new weird world of recruiting post portal) but hopefully these events will continue to happen.

DGN Trojans

QB Owen Lansu 2026- Lansu is already adding Power 4 offers and he has no question done a ton of work this off season on adding good weight and size. I joked with Owen that her's no longer a "kid" but looks more like a "grown ass man". Lansu has added a good 15-20 pounds since last season and is also no question much stronger and just much more impressive on ther hoof. Lansu's overall arm talent and ability has really never been in question and this could end up being a very good late spring for him from a recruiting/offer standpoint. The more schools that see him in person the more school that I feel will offer him.

LB/DE Joe Edwards 2025- The younger brother of former DGN/Wisconsin and now NFL OT David Edwards....Joe is a bit of a tweener positionally to me but also a prospect with some upside for sure. Edwards is 6-footr-3, 200 pounds and I can see him playing either as a rush end/OLB ot maybe as an ILB at the college level. Has an early offer from Akron and interest from various FCS schools this spring.

WR/LB/DB Charlie Cruse 2025- Very strong player who had a very good 2o23 season for the 7A state runner up Trojans. Cruse also added some good weight and strength this off season and is gearing up to play on both sides of the football in 2024. Cruse has really good hands and ball skills, runs strong routes and has impressive body control and overlal strong instincts. I can see various higher academic schools (Ivy/Pioneer) getting more and more involved here.

RB/LB Jack Gregorio 2025- I also liked Jack's overall game last season and he's a two way player who as a linebacker is a big time hitter and finisher while also having some skill and ability as a running back.

OL Anthony Bertachi 2026 Good sized younger kid here who checks in at 6-foot-3, 250 pounds who also has the frame to add even more good weight and strength over the next year plus.

OL Omar Duran 2026- See above. Duran is at 6-foot-2, 235 pounds who moves pretty well and who will also get much bigger and stronger from here.

York Dukes

QB Bruno Massel 2025- Solid passer who checks in at 5-foot-11, 185 pounds. made some good throws and showed some good overall athletic ability in the testing phase.

DL Joe Reiff 2025 (Notre Dame commit)- The Notre Dame commit is now up to 245 pounds and is already looking like a man among boys. Reiff has impressive speed and quickness and now also has much more strength, power and punch behind him this spring. Reiff physically looks much, much different compared to a season ago and he has a chance to develop in to a big time player for Notre Dame.

OL Camden Silverwright 2026 Checks in at 6-foot-5, 235 pounds and and this is yet another younger linemen to watch here, Has the look. frame and potential to get much stronger and much bigger. Moves pretty well, showwes gsome bend and good feet and balance.

TE/DE Hunter Stepanich 2026Measures in at 6-foot-7, 200 pounds and played TE here....but Hunter has the frame and look of a potential big time OT in hiding. Stepanich moves pretty well for his size...and also has impressive reach and length and also possesses a frame that will allow him to add much more size and strength. I can see him staying at tight end but as far as a longer term/college development standpoint....OT could also be in his future in my early opinion.

OL Constantine Kampas 2026- Yet another big body kid here (6-foot-5, 250 pounds) and another name to watch over the next two years.

DGS Mustangs

QB Dominic West 2025 Throws a nice ball and has continued to develop and improve each time I see him. Still has work to do in the weight room and needs much needed weight and more strength for the college level.

S Coen Godenschwager 2025 Just a very nice all around player here. Showed some speed and is an athletic player to watch here.

TE/DE James Pieropolous 2025- Measures in at 6-foot-2, 225 pounds and moves well and has the look of a player who could draw more recruiting looks this spring and summer.

Hinsdale Central Red Devils- Red Devils unfortunately didn't really wear a jersey here so I will go back and try to figure out a few additional names I liked here....especially from a skills standpoint I saw a handful of speedy/twitchy kids who stood out.


OL/DL Ryan McGarry 2025- Big, strong kid who also showed some decent bend and feet. Has the size and frame/build to play OC at the high college level. Physically is pretty much college ready right now and his combination of strength, power and quickness really was impressive here.

OL Eugene Riordan 2026- Younger guy who has good size and length and who also moves pretty well for a kid his size. Has the frame and build to add more good weight and strength over the next few years and he has a chance to play at a pretty high level. A name to watch out for here.

Lyons Township Lions

WR/DB Travis Stamm 2025- Good sized athlete who I felt played really well in 2023 for the Lions. Stamm has good length, runs well and showed to have very good hands and is simply a steady and very reliable receiver. Schools at theFBS/high FCS level will look harder into Stamm this summer.

Burlington Central Rockets

QB Jackson Alcorn 2025- Been aware of Jackson for some time now. Alcorn is physically advanced (6-foot-1, 200 pounds) and in many ways seems to be ready for the next level. Did pretty well overall in the testing phase....has good overall strength and ran pretty well. Didn't get to see him throw as much as I would have liked but I get the feeling Alcorn will be very active in the college one day camp circuit this summer.

New: 2024 Team Preview Arcola Purple Raiders

Arcola Purple Riders

Head Coach:
Steve Snider

Assistant Coaches:

Adam Reel, Tommy Eddleman, Steven Franco, Ronny Olvera

School Nickname/Mascot: Purple Raiders

Conference: Lincoln Prairie

Team Twitter Handle: @ArcolaFootball

2024 Regular Season schedule (if known):


August 30th @Nokomis 7:00pm
September 6th vs Sullivan 7:00pm
September 13th vs Argenta-Oreana 7:00pm
September 20th @Oakland 7:00pm
September 27th @Villa Grove
October 4th vs Cumberland 7:00pm
October 11th @Sangamon Valley 7:00pm
October 18th @A-L-A-H 7:00pm
October 25 vs Cerro Gordo-Bement 7:00pm

Returning Offensive Starters for 2024:

Jayden Henson-Stice/Running Back/5'10/170/2025
Brevyn Whisman/Tight End/6'2/180/2026
Braden Phillips/Wide Receiver/6'3/170/2025
Brody Phillips/Quarterback/5'10/160/2027
Gael Elizondo/Guard/5'10/195/2025
Jackson Griffith/Guard/6'1/205/2026
Orlando Marcos/Tackle/6'0/270/2025
Ryder Rich-Wilcox/Fullback-Offensive Line/5'10/215/2025

Returning Defensive Starters for 2023:

Jayden Henson-Stice/Defensive Back/5'10/170/2025
Brevyn Whisman/Defensive Line-OLB/6'2/180/2026
Braden Phillips/Defensive Back/6'3/170/2025
Gael Elizondo/Defensive Line/5'10/195/2025
Jackson Griffith/Defensive Line/6'1/205/2026
Orlando Marcos/Defensive Line/6'0/270/2025
Ryder Rich-Wilcox/Linebacker/5'10/215/2025

Newcomers to Watch

Carson Jewell/OL-LB/ 6'1/180/2027
Remington Roberts McGeehon/WR-RB-DB/6'0/150/2027
Anthony Burgos/RB-LB/5'7/160/2027


2024 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?


7on7 July 17th @Tolono @5:00pm
Joint Practice/7on7 July 23rd @East Peoria @6:00pm
Joint Practice/7on7 July 24th @Maroa-Forsyth @6:00pm
Joint Practice Home with LeRoy @8:00am
Scrimmage August 23rd @LeRoy @6:00pm

Impact Player for Arcola

The Purple Riders and head coach Steve Snider welcome back a strong core of experienced starters for the 2024 season. Keep an eye on senior OL/DL Orlando Marcos (6-foot-0, 270 pounds) who is a valuable two way starter and leader for Arcola this coming season.

EDGY's Preseason Thoughts on the 2024 Arcola Purple Riders

Arcola is simply one of the most historic high school football programs in Illinois having played organized football since 1894. The Purple Riders posted 4-5 record in 2023 and just missed the IHSA state playoff field that included close losses to both Argenta Oreana (21-20) and also Villa Grove (21-14). Look for the Purple Riders to rely on it's experience on both sides of the football as a strength this coming season.

The biggest question for Arcola in 2024? Can the Purple Riders improve it's overall numbers this coming season and also avoid the injury bug? With a bit of good luck and a break here and there...look for the Arcola Purple Riders to make a move towards the IHSA state playoff field in 2024.

Preseason Ranking? Class 1A Top 10 ranking consideration
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2024 NFL Draft hopefuls from the State of Illinois?

QB JJ McCarthy Nazareth Academy/IMG Academy Michigan 6-foot-2, 219 pounds (Minnesota Vikings)

S Tyler Nubin St Charles North/Minnesota 6-foot-2, 210 pounds (New York Giants)
OT Kiran Amegadjie Hinsdale Central/Yale 6-foot-5, 305 pounds (Chicago Bears)
RB Bucky Irving Hillcrest/Oregon 5-foot-9, 194 pounds (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
OT Kiran Amegadije Yale 6-foot-5. 302 pounds (Chicago Bears)
DL Keith Randolph Jr. Belleville West/Illinois 6-foot-3, 296 pounds
DE Logan Lee Orion/Iowa 6-foot-5, 281 pounds (Pittsburgh Steelers)
OG Trevor Keegan Crystal Lake South/Michigan 6-foot-6, 324 pounds (Philadelphia Eagles)
OT Julian Pearl Danville/Illinois 6-foot6, 315 pounds
OG Will Putnam Glenwood/Clemson 6-foot-4, 301 pounds (Las Vegas Raiders)
OT Marcellus Johnson Normal Community/EMU/Missouri 6-foot-4, 307 pounds
S Clayton Isbell St Charels East/Illinois State/Coastal Carolina 6-foot-2, 220 pounds (FA Carolina Panthers)
DL Jordyn Slaughter Althoff/Illinois 6-foot-3, 330 pounds
WR Chris Autman-Bell Bishop McNamara/Minnesota
DB Loren Strickland Jacobs/Ball State 5-foot-10, 200 pounds (FA Detroit Lions)
DB Chau Smith-Wade Simeon/Washington State (Carolina Panthers)
DT Noah Shannon Oswego/Iowa (FA Las Vegas Raiders)

Feel feee to post anyone missing on this list thanks

New: 2024 Team Preview St. Laurence Vikings

St. Laurence Vikings

Head Coach:
Adam Nissen

Assistant Coaches:

Frank Lenti, Chris Accetto, Jeremy Cooper, Tony Decarlo, Kevin Blake, Nick Urso, Mike Sterna, Dominic Riccordino

School Nickname/Mascot: Vikings

Conference: Chicago Catholic League White

Team Twitter Handle: @STLVikingFB

2024 Regular Season schedule (if known):


Von Steuben
@ Evanston
@ Niles ND
@ Carmel Mundelein
Leo
Fenwick
@ St. Patrick
Brother Rice
@ Montini


Returning Offensive Starters for 2024:

Julian Garcia - OL - 5'11 245 2025
Kyle Richardson - H - 6'0 215 2025

Returning Defensive Starters for 2023:


Gary Coleman - DL - 5'10 255 2025
Jace Chamberlain - DL - 6'0 240 2025
Ja'Sean Mays - OLB 6'0 215 2025
Jacob Bylina - LB - 6'0 225

Newcomers to Watch

Harley Rizzs - 2025 - RB
Sean Rice - 2027 - DE
Brian Killen - 2026 - LB
Cory Les - 2026- RB/LB
Ayden Ginn - 2026 - WR
Jahlen Williams - 2026 - OL
Joey Spano - 2025 - WR

2024 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?

July 18 with Bishop Mac
July 24 at Eisenhower

Impact Player for St. Laurence

The Vikings will need to reload at several key positions this summer, yet the Vikings defense features some key names none as impactful as senior DL Jace Chamberlain. Chamberlain was a big time impact player and hitter for the Vikings in it's 2023 Class 4A state playoff run and look for Chamberlain to again lead a very strong Vikings defense in 2024.

Looking for a potential sleeper name for St. Laurence this coming fall? Both senior linebackers Jacob Bylina and Ja'Sean Mays are also big time playmakers for the Vikings defense this coming season and both will also draw additional recruiting attention.

EDGY's Preseason Thoughts on the 2024 St. Laurence Vikings

St. Laurence and head coach Adam Nissen led the Vikings to a 10-4 season and the 2023 Class 4A state title game and that has been the Vikings best finish in IHSA state playoffs since the Vikings second place finish in 1978 under Hall of Fame head coach Mike O'Neill (St Laurence won the 5A state title in 1976 under Tom Kavanagh). The Vikings graduated a very deep and talented senior class this spring and look for St Laurence to reload especially on the offensive side of the football with just two returning starters back this fall.

The biggest question for St. Laurence in 2024? Can the Vikings reload on offense and find a way to post 5 wins and get into the state playoff field? The 2024 schedule is again stacked for St. Laurence and includes games against Niles Notre Dame, Carmel, Fenwick, Brother Rice and Montini Catholic. Just getting to 5 wins is no given and if the Vikings can make it into the post-season....they will again be a potentially dangerous, battle tested team in Class 4A.

Preseason Ranking? Class 4A possible Top 10 ranked

New: 2024 Team Preview DePaul College Prep Rams

Chicago DePaul College Prep Rams

Head Coach:
Michael Pasarella

Assistant Coaches:


Kyle Petros - OC, Grant Brosch - QBs, Nick Bizzieri - OL, Joe Dixon - WRs, Bob DeLeonardis - ILBs, Adam Galvez - OLBs, Tony Minestra - DBs

School Nickname/Mascot: Rams

Conference:
Chicago Catholic League Red

Team Twitter Handle:


2024 Regular Season schedule (if known):


vs Deerfield
@ Marian Central Catholic
@ Marian Catholic
vs St Pat's
vs Loyola
@ St Viator
vs Carmel
@ St Francis
@ Benet

Returning Offensive Starters for 2024:


Juju Rodriguez - QB - 5'10 - 175 - '25
Nick Martinez - RB - 5'10 - 170 - '25
Jack West - WR - 6'1 - 175 - '25
Braden Peevy - WR - 6' - 180 - '25
Justin Sterner - WR - 6'3 - 165 - '25
Nick Hathcoat - WR - 6' - 195 - '25
Alex Kim - OT - 6'2 - 205 - '25
Dom Bitz - C - 6' - 275 - '25

Returning Defensive Starters for 2023:

Michael Casper - DL - 6'2 - 210 - '25
Max Pettinger - OLB - 5'10 - 190 - '25
Jett Reese - ILB - 6'3 - 225 - '25
Aidan Castette - ILB - 6'2 - 210 - '25
Gianni Giunta - OLB - 6' - 185 - '25
Shae Griffith - CB - 5'9 - 165 - '25
Nick Paredes - CB - 5'10 - 160 - '25
Avry Bellis - S - 5'9 - 155 - '25

Newcomers to Watch

Carlos Rios - OL - '27
Hunter Wahtola - DL - '27
Hayes McGuire - ILB - '27
Carter Jurecko - DT - '26
Luke Possinger - DT - '26
Matt Osterman - WR - '26
Michael Barreda - OL - '25
Graham Schuitema - OL - '26

2024 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?

@ Nazareth - 7/10 - 4 team scrimmage
@ Evanston - 7/17 - scrimmage
vs Chicago Chrsitian - 7/23 - scrimmage

Impact Player for DePaul Prep

DePaul Prep is a school and program that has been continuing to improve it's teams and this school continues to grow in enrollment along with seeing the football team improve. The Rams have a roster loaded with experience and the name to watch here is senior to be QB JuJu Rodriguez. Rodriguez led the Rams with 16 touchdowns in 2023 (5 rushing 11 passing) and his overall speed and quickness along with his ability to throw the football is impressive.

Looking for a potential sleeper name for DePaul Prep this coming fall? Keep an eye on senior to be ILB Jett Reese (6-foot-3, 225 pounds) who has the look and ther physical tools to draw higher level recruiting attention this season.

EDGY's Preseason Thoughts on the 2024 DePaul Prep Rams

DePaul Prep and head coach Michael Passarella ended the 2023 season with a 4-5 record and just missed out landing a possible at large IHSA state playoff bid. The Rams dropped close losses in 2023 to Providence Catholic, Marian Catholic and DeLaSalle in Week 9 and this team was within a big play or two of making the state playoff field. Look for the Rams to bounce back this fall led by an experience team including 16 returning starters (8 offense 8 defense) and a starting lineup that has a ton of varsity experience.

The biggest question for DePaul Prep in 2024? Can the Rams survive once again a very strong regular season schedule which includes games against powerhouse CCL programs in Loyola, Carmel Catholic St Francis. Getting to 5 wins will be again a big challenge this fall for the Rams....but this team is also more experienced and has a real chance of getting back into the IHSA state playoff field for just the second time since 2015.

Preseason Ranking? Class 4A/5A Top 10 possible consideration

New: 2024 Team Preview Dunlap Eagles

Dunlap Eagles

Head Coach: Brett Cazalett

Assistant Coaches:

Logan Willits Kevin Dulin Tim Green Dave Combs Jett Schmidt Justin Miller Mark Hoagland Clint Huber Felipe Obrero

School Nickname/Mascot: Eagles

Conference:
Mid Illini Conference

Team Twitter Handle:
@DunlapFootball


2024 Regular Season schedule (if known):

1. Vs Galesburg
2. @ Rock Island
3. Vs Pekin
4. @ Limestone
5. Vs East Peoria
6. Vs Canton
7. @ Washington
8. @ Morton
9. Vs Metamora

Returning Offensive Starters for 2024:


John Bargen QB 6’4 180 2026
Mack Sutter QB/TE/WR 6’5 220 2026
Jackson Oldham RB 5’8 195 2025
Dawson Marmion WR 6’1 195 2025
Colton Barlow 6’3 280 OL 2026
Ethan Chen 6’2 270 OL 2025
Isaac Foster 6’5 295 OL 2025

Returning Defensive Starters for 2023:

Dawson Marmion DB 6’1 195 2025
Mack Sutter OLB 6’5 220 2026
Joe Weeks LB 5’11 190 2025
Hunter Wahrenburg DL 6’0 210 2025

Newcomers to Watch

Jack Steffan DB/WR 5’11 165 2026
Blake Dietz LB 5’10 190 2026
Jacob Allen DB 5’10 175 2025
Ryder Christensen WR/DB 6’1 175 2025

2024 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?


7 on 7
At Chatham 7/12
At Washington 7/20

Joint practice
@ Sterling 7/22
@ Illinois College 7/30


Impact Player for Dunlap

Dunlap has one of the state's and the Midwest top recruits in 2026 four star ranked ATH Mack Sutter (6-foot-5, 220 pounds). Sutter, who is a multi-positional and multi-sport athlete has the overall size. frame, physical tools and potential to develop into a high Power 4 player at the next level. Sutter, who already has a list of scholarship offers from a who's who in college football royalty will continue to add more offers and draw national recruiting attention this summer and beyond. Look for Dunlap to have Sutter play all over the field in 2024 on both sides of the football including time at QB/WR/TE along with playing DE/ILB for the Eagles.

Looking for a potential sleeper name for Dunlap this coming fall? Keep an eye on junior QB John Bargen who has impressive size (6-foot-4, 180 pounds) and who's overall game improved each week in 2023. The development and growth of John Bargen has allowed the Eagles to take the pressure of playing quarterback full time on Mack Sutter, allowing Sutter to be utilized in several different ways.

EDGY's Preseason Thoughts on the 2024 Dunlap Eagles

Dunlap and head coach Brett Cazalett led the Eagles to the 2023 Class 6A state playoff field. Dunlap lost in opening round action to Blue Island Eisenhower 42-41 in overtime to end the season with a 6-4 record. Dunlap has made the IHSA state playoff field for the past 8 straight seasons under Brett Cazalett (who has an overall 87-59 record in 15 seasons). Dunlap is always battle tested coming from the Mid Illini conference and look for the Eagles to again be a top tier team in boith the Mid Illini and the Class 6A state playoff field.

The biggest question for Dunlap in 2024? Can the Eagles finish stronger this fall compared to the 2023 season? Dunlap started out of the gates hot and posted a 6-0 record.then lost four straight games to end the season with a 6-4 record. Look for the Eagles to lean on an experienced offense with 7 starters back led buy 3 starters returning on the Dunlap offensive line.

Preseason Ranking? A potential Class 6A Top 10 caliber team.

New: 2024 Team Preview: Chicago Morgan Park Mustangs

Chicago Morgan Park Mustangs

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Head Coach: Chris James

Assistant Coaches:


Debo Olaleye Jareem Flemming Kenneth Smith Matt Bryant Demetrius Cooper Tyler Tucker Darren Brady Demarion Hampton Brandon Brooks Ryan Binion



School Nickname/Mascot: Mustangs

Conference:
Chicago Public League Red



Team Twitter Handle: @_MP_Football


2024 Regular Season schedule (if known):

Week 1 Marist
Week 2 OPRF
Week 3 Westinghouse
Week 4 Kenwood
Week 5 Johnson college prep
Week 6 lane tech
Week 7 Phillips
Week 8 Brooks
Week 9 Simeon

Returning Offensive Starters for 2024:


Roman Wellington center 5’11 230 2025
Marcus Enoch Guard/Tackle 6’1 230 2025
Logan Drakeford Guard 5’11 230 2025
Langston Waithe Guard 6’0 260 2027
Marcus Thaxton QB 6’0 190 2025
Terrance Gurley ATH 5’10 180 2025
Stanley Thompson WR 6’0 175 2025

Returning Defensive Starters for 2023:


Ahmad Grayer DB 5’11 175 2025
Jovan Clark ATH 5’11 200 2025
Jahmare Washington ATH 6’2 170 2025
Quince Shearer DB 5’8 165 2025
Jermaine Erving DB 5’11 165 2025
Jacob Ware LB 5’11 185 2025
Andre Smith DL 6’1 220 2025
Geordan Pettie DL 6’0 260 2025
Nigel Waller DL 6’0 215 2025

Newcomers to Watch

Demetrius Rule LB 6’1 224 2025
Nasir Rankin ATH 6’0 180 2026
Kendall Griffin DB 5’11 170 2026
Daijon DT 6’2 305 2027
RJ Smtih Jr. QB 5’11 175 2028


2024 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?

U of I 7v7
Eisenhower 7v7 (MC, LWE)
Batavia Dual practice
Week 0 vs Sandburg

Impact Player for Morgan Park

Morgan Park head coach Chris James has done a tremendous job of developing talent along with keeping the Mustangs at the top of the Chicago Public League and beyond. While the Mustangs no question have some key losses to replace including the loss of standout RB/DB Tysean Griffin (Illinois) plus WR Chris Durr (Wyoming)...the Mustangs for the 2024 season still have a handful of major dudes to watch this fall. Senior QB Marcus Thaxton has been a starter for Morgan Parl since his sophomore season and his overall game and ability to make plays continues to get better each season. Senior S/OLB Jovan Clark is a major hitter, ball hawk and impact player for the Mustangs again this season. Clark has several D1 level offers this spring. Senior ATH Jahmare Washington is truly an impact player on either side of the football. Washington already has several major Power 4/D1 offers and has ther physical size, potential and upside to become a maonster at the high college level and Washington can and will play S/WR/CB/OLB and DE this fall.

Looking for a potential sleeper names for Morgan Park this coming fall? Incoming transfer 2026 ATH Nasir Rankin (6-foot-0, 180 pounds) comes in from Whitney Young and is one of the top overall two sport athletes (football/basketball) in the Chicagoland area. Senior DB Ahmad Grayer is another speedy and athletic defender and is another name to watch this summer and fall.

EDGY's Preseason Thoughts on the 2024 Chicago Morgan Park Mustangs

Morgan Park and alum and head coach Chris James has continued to build up the football program into not just a city power but also a Class 5A power. Morgan Park under James has made the IHSA state playoffs in four straight seasons and James has posted a record of 39-18 in his 6 seasons in charge. The Mustangs made it to the Cl;ass 5A state quarterfinal round in the last two seasons posting losses in the quarterfinals in 2023 to St Francis and in 2022 to Nazareth Academy.

The biggest question for Morgan Park in 2024? Can the Mustangs get past the awaiting Catholic suburban school powers in Class 5A and win a state title this fall? The Mustangs no question have some question marks, but I also like some of the answers here this preseason. Can the Mustangs can establish a handful of new weapons in the offensive skills while getting a big season from QB Marcus Thaxton along with the veteran Mustangs offensive line? The Morgan Park defense brings back experience, speed and toughness and will be a definite strength this fall. If the offense finds those early questions on offense along with the kicking game/special teams....this squad has a very real chance of making a potential deep run in 2024.

Preseason Ranking? Top 30 Chicagoland/Class 5A Top 10 caliber team.
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