I'll be heading down to Central Missouri to spend the weekend with my son and daughter in law and I'll have very limited web access.

Thanks

I like the hiring of Blackmon, would be interesting to schedule St Laurence.

Just having some offseason fun here.

If there was one, either defunct or since consolidated, program that you could revive to take the field as an 11man program in the fall of 2024, who would it be and why?

Rivals is in the middle of updating it's Class of 2026 State of Illinois rankings this week. I wanted to start a running thread/get my thoughts out there on which currently unranked names in the 2026 class I feel deserve another closer look at earning a star ranking. And again to be fair to Rivals and the mothership we have a recent change in personnel with Greg Smith joining us as a Midwest analysis.....and he will get up to speed sooner rather than later.

Today let's kick things off with my State of Illinois Class of 2026 Best of the Best in need of a ranking.

Making a Case: State of Illinois Class of 2026 Unranked 2026 Best of the Best

DE Braeden Jones Chicago Mount Carmel 6-foot-4. 235 pounds- Braeden Jones has been on my radar screen since last summer and before Week 1 of the IHSA football season. Jones, who has eyeball passing sixe and physical tools was moving up the depth chart in the summer at Mount Carmel, one of the top overall programs in Illinois and a feat that very few sophomores are able to accomplish. Jones saw some limited reps in Week 1 but did see the field as part of a very talented Caravan defensive line rotation. Jones nhas impressive strength, quickness and the frame that will allow him to get much bigger and stronger at the Power 4 level. Jones, who added his latest offer on Saturday from Notre Dame is now holding a handful of Power 4 offers. His overall strength is improved this spring and I'm fully expecting more and mopre Power 4 offers to follow. Jones is one of a handful of defensive linemen who will challenge to become the state's top ranked prospect in the Class of 2026. Jones is a strong student in the class room and is also a hard working and humble kid with a tremendous amount of talent and upside. My Ranking: Mid 4 Star

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DE McHale Blade Hillcrest 6-foot-5, 230 pounds - McHale Blade has been on my radar since last season and he has impressive length, reach and is also a kid who's frame will allow him to add much more strength and good weight. Blade film is also fun to watch and the handful of willing blocker who try to slow him down usually have issues just getting a glove on him let along being able to lock him up. Blade no question still has work to do but he is another nation name here waiting to break out in a big big way this spring. I'm fully expecting several major Power 4 schools to get him in a camp this summer and see how well he does against similar talent. Again I just see a ton of things to like here in Blade now and down the line in a few years as well. My Grade: Mid 4 Star


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TE Mack Sutter Dunlap 6-foot-6, 215 pounds I was able to see Mack Sutter live this past season in a thrilling state playoff Round 1 game at Blue Island Eisenhower. Sutter basically plays all over the field for the Eagles the past two seasons and after a few series I saw some very similar physical tools and ball skill to anotehr State of Illinois TE at the same age in former Highland/Iowa and Detroit Lions TE Sam Laporta (who I also scouted and evaluated and saw live as a sophomore). Sutter has impressive bloodlines. plays with just a very high level of overall athletic ability, possesses some twitch and has a really high level of ball skills, hands and good speed/quickness. His overall versatility along with his understanding of his position/high Football IQ mixed in with his impressive physical tools adds up to another major dude at tight end coming from the Land of Lincoln. In many regards I feel Sutter is somewhat already physically ready for the next level and his impressive work ethic will just help him get better every day. My Ranking: Mid to High 4 Star

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TE JC Anderson Mt. Zion 6-foot-7, 230 pounds Another no brainer when it comes to assigning a high star ranking in my humble opinion. I was able to watch JC Anderson in person this summer at the Glenwood/IHSFCA 7on7 and Anderson is one of a handful of college prospects coming from the Indians program. Anderson, who mainly played at receiver inn 2023 was a main target in the passing attack and his impressive size, length, wingspan, reach and enormous ball catching radius was pretty evident. Anderson also runs well for a big guy, was able to outmuscle opposing defenders and also understands how to use his body and frame to his advantage in jump ball situations. Anderson, who was also an All State basketball player this winter for the state ranked Indians basketball team ism another very versatile athlete and who's athletic skills and tools translate really well. In many regards....I can also see schools look at Anderson as a potential OT recruit and he looks to be physically capable of adding much more weight and strength if needed. As a tight end Anderson still has some work to do such as improving his overall speed. footwork and quickness yet his overall upside and potential is bordering on the ridiculous to be honest. My Ranking: Upper 4 Star

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DT Gabriel Hill Naperville North 6-foot-2, 250 pounds I was able to see Hill play live in 2023 agaisnt Class 8A state champion Loyola Academy and even back in Week 2 of the season.....Gabreil Hill played like an upperclassmen and made an impact on the Huskies defense. Hill has a terrific combination of strength, power and quickness and his ability to beat his opposing man with either his strength and/or speed and quickness is high level. Hill physically still has a ton of room to add additional weight and strength and while his initial star ranking is maybe slightly lower here than a few others....his down the line growth and potential might be as high or higher than most others here. Hill is a somewhat quiet kid off the field, but his play and mentality on the field is loud, confident and high energy. My Ranking: High 3 Star to Low 4 Star

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OT Rico Schreiber Chicago Marist 6-foot-7, 330 pounds Gianatic kid who continues to improver his overall game and he also continues to get in better and better shape every time I've seen him in person. Rico attended my MLK Camp after his freshman season and even back then he showed better than you'd think technique and bend, moved better than you'd think for a kid his size and Rico was able to hang and compete really well against older kids. Schreiber no question still has work to do including improving his overall quickness and footwork, improving and working on his overall hand usage and technique. Yet if Rico can show progress this spring in those areas I can see more and more Power 4 schools watching and potentially offering him. Basically every Power 4 school has Schreiber on it's recruiting radar screen this early spring. My Ranking: High Three Star

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QB Owen Lansu Downers Grove North 6-foot-2, 185 pounds Owen Lansu has truly been on recruiting radar screens since he was in 7th grade and to his credit he has lived up to the very early hype so far in his high school career. Lansu is coming off a strong sophomore season leading the Trojans to the Class 7A state title game. Lansu has good size and frame and will continue to get stronger and fill out his already good sized frame. Lansu is a very patient pocket passer who also has the ability to run with the football when needed. Lansu has a very compact, smooth throwing motion and the football just seems to jump out of his hands while also throwing the ball with a very fluid release. I'm fully expecting Lansu to be a stronger, more confident and more dangerous passer in 2024 and look for more higher Power 4 level schools to look hard at him this spring. Lansu, who is also just a non stop worker is also a very likable/well mannered kid and personality on and off the field. My Ranking: High Three Star to Low 4 Star

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DE Jacob Alexander Lincoln Way East 6-foot-4, 225 pounds Jacob Alexander was able to crack the Griffins defensive line rotation in 2023, a task that's not easy to do at 8A power LW East as a sophomore. Alexander, who is also a basketball standout for the Griffins has a ton of physical tools and upside and his overall growth and physical potential is still really high in my opinion. Alexander has eyeball passing height, length and reach and his overall strength will just continue to improve this off season. Alexander also has a great size frame that will allow him to get much bigger at the highest college level. Alexander will need to continue to work on his overall footwork and technique along with improving his read and react ability. Yet overall this kid has a ton of upside and he is also another name who might potentially raise his recruiting stock quicker and higher than several others listed here. My Ranking: Mid to High 3 Star

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Looks like Morris still has an opening for week 9.

Week 1, Friday 8/30 - Coal City
Week 2, Friday 9/6 - @ Joliet West
Week 3, Friday 9/13 - Peoria
Week 4, Friday 9/20 - @ Lasalle Peru
Week 5, Friday 9/27 - Kaneland
Week 6, Friday 10/4 - @ Rochelle
Week 7, Friday 10/11 - Ottawa
Week 8, Friday 10/18 - @Sycamore
Week 9 - TBD

Glenwood HC David Hay....Titans welcome back a ton of starters for 2024 and out later this week

Rivals is in the middle of updating it's Class of 2025 State of Illinois rankings this week. I wanted to start a running thread/get my thoughts out there on which currently unranked names in the 2025 class I feel deserve another closer look at earning a star ranking.

Today let's kick things off with the 2025 unranked Defensive Backs

Making a Case: State of Illinois Class of 2025 Unranked Defensive Backs

S/OLB Loyola Academy Donovan Robinson 6-foot-3. 200 pounds Highly impressive kid on the hoof who is already adding multiple Power 4 and FBS offers this winter. Robinson has the overall size/frame and length to develop into say an OLB and even say a Rush DE at the high college level. Robinson runs well for his size, will add more good weight and strength down the line and he has the overall pedigree and potential to become a big time player at the highest level. My Ranking: High 3 Star/Low 4 Star

S/OLB Jack Paris Fenwick 6-foot-3, 215 pounds Paris is listed here as a safety (the position he played for the Friars in 2023) but I feel he's another kid who will end up playing say ILB/OLB at the higher college level. Paris has already added offers from the FBS and a few Power 4 schools and his impressive height/length will no question continue to draw more serious looks this spring. Paris looks to have good overall instincts, finishes well and his upside and potential is no question exciting to watch and develop this spring and summer. My Ranking: Low to Mid 3 Star

CB /S Erimus Wright Hillcrest 6-foot-0, 186 pounds Good sized player here who played on both side of the football in 2023 for the Hawks. Wright also has impressive length and reach, can play corner/safety and also linebacker and his higher level athletic tools plus his physical upside and down the line development and potential is really high here. My Ranking: Mid Three Star

S Myles Green Chicago DeLaSalle 6-foot-1, 178 pounds Slick player and athlete who was an impact player in all three phases for the Meteors over the past few seasons. Green is just an impressive overall athlete and player who has the ability to play corner/safety along with receiver and pretty much anywhere on the field. Green has impressive ball skills, is a willing a sure tackler and his game again is just high level. My Ranking: Mid Three Star

S Tavarez Edwards Bolingbrook 6-foot-2, 190 pounds Great sized athlete here who I feel still has ton to offer now and down the road at the higher college level. Edwards played safety for the Raiders in 2023 and his combination of ball skills, twitchy play making ability and room to add a bit more size and strength will just continue to boost his overall stock at the higher level. Has the frme nd the look if a player who can wind up playing at a few different spots at the high college level. My Ranking: Low to Mid Three Star


Others Worthy of Your Consideration (in no particular order)

S Gavin Hagen Providence Catholic 6-foot-1, 180 pounds Really like what I've seen from Hagen on video and his ball hawking ability along with being a plus tacklers ion run support along with just playing very fast and physical just impresses. I still need to see Hagen in person but once I do look for his ranking to rise here.

S Luke Zook Yorkville 6-foot-1, 185 pounds Another steady player who has just been strong over the past few seasons for the Foxes. Good size, plays phyical and is just a good all around player and athlete here.

S Wyatt Mueller Quincy ND 6-foot-2, 196 pounds Impressive kid in workouts who seems to be making more and more strides in his overall game. Looks to have S/OLB size and tools and I'm hoping to see him in person this spring/summer.

S OLB Grant Gensler Rochelle 6-foot-0, 180 pounds

DB Coen Godenschwalwer Downers Grove South 5-foot-11, 170 pounds

DB Carter York Sycamore 6-foot-0, 185 pounds

DB Jackson Torkelson Prairie Ridge 6-foot-2, 185 pounds

DB Ahmad Buchanan Oak Lawn Richards 5-foot-11, 170 pounds

DB Jackson Mansker LW West 6-foot-1, 185 pounds

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Full story coming shortly

It's gotten a bit too hostile here, not at all due to anything I've said of course, so let's lighten things up.

You get one...

-Best school for concessions
-Best visitors accommodations
-Best gameday atmosphere
-Best tradition
-Best rivalry
-Best stadium
-Best player you've seen live
-Best team you've seen live

Ready, go!

Great guy and Tony followed in the huge footsteps of legend Gary Korhonen and has kept the Bulldogs at the top of the South Sub Red for years.

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Rivals is in the middle of updating it's Class of 2025 State of Illinois rankings this week. I wanted to start a running thread/get my thoughts out there on which currently unranked names in the 2025 class I feel deserve another closer look at earning a star ranking.

Today let's kick things off with the 2025 unranked Linebackers

Making a Case: State of Illinois Class of 2025 Unranked Linebackers

OLB Nathan Cleveland Hoffman Estates 6-foot-2, 200 pounds Nate Cleveland has been a varsity starter for thew Hawks sicne his freshman year and he;s a very speedy, twitchy athlete who can and will play multiple positions. Cleveland, who's older brother Dante Cleveland was a standout DL at SIU has a lot to offer and again I can see schools looking at playing him at say OLB/S along with say WR as well. Cleveland on defense has impressive instinct and a nose for the football, can and will close with authority and has the tools to cover all comers down in and down out. Physically Cleveland stilkl has room to grow and add more good weight and strength. My Ranking: Low to Mid 3 Star

ILB Kennyan Chandler Kankakee 6-foot-1, 220 pounds Kennyan Chandler, along with his older brother and Northern Michigan bound LB Kennarius were two of the more impressive linebackers I saw live in 2023. Kennyan Chandler has good size and strength, is a major hitter who plays with an old school smash mouth mentality. Chandler's ability to make good reads and his reaction time is top notch, and then finishing those reads is another big time strength. Chandler will need to improve his overall speed along with improving his ability to drop into coverage and cover backs out of the backfield....yet everything else here is high level in my opinion. My Ranking: Low to Mid 3 Star


Others Worthy of Your Consideration (in no particular order)

ILB James Kingsbury St Rita 6-foot-1, 215 pounds Very strong overall player and impact performer here. Kingsbury has very good instincts, makes great reads and is a strong finisher. Kingsbury in particular was impressive in 2023 against the run and his ability to cut through initial blocks and get to the linebacker is top notch. Can improve a bit on his speed/quickness and cover skills....but like the rest of this group I don't see a lot I don't like here.

OLB Micah McNair Joliet West 6-foot-2, 200 pounds Can also play safety and is a speedy, twitchy athlete who runs well and can also play at multiple spots on the field when needed. McNair's ball skills and ability to cover sideline to sideline was very evident in 2023 and he's a quiet but effective lead by example guy for the Tigers. McNait still needs to add a bit more good weight and strength, but he has a real chance at opening up some eyes this spring and summer.

OLB Joe Edwards Downers Grove North 6-foot-3, 215 pounds Joe Edwards, who is the younger brother of former DGN/Wisconsin and NFL OT David Edwards has good size and strength who IO have listed here for now as an OLB but in my opinion Edwards has the physical tools and ability to play as a rush end or say even a DT in college. Edwards also played some tight end in 2023 and he's just a very solid all around athlete who again has good bloodlines. I'm very interested to see how Edwards spring goes and which position he winds up playing in college. Very intriguing kid here.

ILB Gavin Burt Marmion Academy 6-foot-1, 220 pounds Yet another very solid inside linebacker here who just looks really strong on film. Burt does a great job in run support, reads and react well and is a strong finisher. Burt is also pretty solid dropping back in coverage and is always around the football. Burt can use to improve his overall speed and back peddle a bit but again I don't see really any negatives in his game.

OLB Trevon Hall Champaign Centennial 6-foot-3, 230 pounds Much like Joe Edwards I can see Trevon Hall getting moved from LB to say DE/DT. Hall has very good size and a big frame and length which should allow him to add a bit more weight and strength. Hall is a bit raw at times but his overall physical tools and play making ability no question will have several schools looking harder at him this spring and summer.

Swagger goes to Frankfort week one. Brutal first four for the Hawks.

Week 1 @ Beast
Week 2 Six Flags
Week 3 @ Hersey
Week 4 Barrington

I''l be talking to Oak Lawn Richards HC Tony Sheehan today....and hoping to connect with Glenwood HC David Hay for early next week

Rivals is in the middle of updating it's Class of 2025 State of Illinois rankings this week. I wanted to start a running thread/get my thoughts out there on which currently unranked names in the 2025 class I feel deserve another closer look at earning a star ranking.

Today let's kick things off with the 2025 unranked Defensive Linemen

Making a Case: State of Illinois Class of 2025 Unranked Defensive Linemen

DE Chuck Lanier Sacred Heart Griffin 6-foot-6. 240 pounds (NIU commit)- Commited to NIU a while ago. Big, tall and athletic big kid who I can see playing either at DE and looks to have the frame and length to also play say OT at the higher college level. On defense Lanier has a good nose for the football , can just maul opposing ball carriers in run defense while also having impressive length and reach in disturbing the opponents passing game. Lanier is still raw in some aspects and can continue to add more good strength and quickness....Yet NIU always recruits athletic stools and ability first and Lanier no question has that potential for the Huskies. My Ranking: Low Three Star

DT/DE Connor Sullivan Loyola Academy 6-foot-4, 245 pounds Can play either outside or inside and be equally effective. Sullivan has good size and strength, gets after the ball carrier hard on every play and goes full motor on every down. Sullivan makes good reads, has enough quickness to beat opposing linemen to the corner yet also has enough strength to beat double teams inside on a consistent basis. Sullivan has added several FBS offers and look for his stock to continue to climb. My Ranking: Low Three Star

DE Achillies Anderson Chicago Marsit 6-foot-4, 230 pounds- Another impressive defensive end who will conti nue to add more good weight and strength while also having very good overall speed and quickness. Anderson, who has played only one season of organized football was able to learn his position pretty quickly and really came on last in 2023, Anderson has the frame to get bigger and stronger and no question could see his overall stock skyrocket this spring and summer. My Ranking: Low to Mid Three Star

DE Bryce Griffin Yorkville 6-foot-4, 210 pounds- Could easily play either DE or at OLB at the higher level in college. Griffin was able to make some noise in 2023 and has really impressive off the edge speed and quickness. Griffin was also an impact defender against the run and his overall quick twitch and sheer athletic skills really set him apart from the crowd in 2023. Will be interesting to see how much additional recruiting looks Griffin gets this spring and he could also see his recruiting stock take off this spring andf summer. My Ranking: Low to Mid Three Star

DE Jake Stanish Naperville Central 6-foot-4, 230 pounds- Interesting player and athlete here who has a great get off and quickness, and is a terrific finisher who plays very fast and physical. Stanish is already holding a handful of MAC offers and I can see more and more schools take a closer look at him this spring. I ghet the feeling bigger schools will want to eyeball Stanish in person this spring and if he can pass the eyeball test look for many more schools to get involved this spring. My Ranking: Low Three Star

DT/DE Tyler Fortis Maine South 6-foot-3, 270 pounds Easily one of the most active and hardest working kids in the DL class in 2025. Fortis camps everywhere and is always one of the better overall performers. Fortis has very good speed and quickness, has an oversized bag of moves and just always seems to cause havoc. Fortis is a tweener positionally and it seems like schools are still trying to figure out where he wiull play positionally at the next level....also will he get bigger, add more size/weight etc. Spring and early summer will be huge for Fortis and I can see him playing at say the FBS/high FCS level. Lots to like here. My Ranking: High Two Star/Low Three Star

DT Gavin Tinch Prairie Ridge 6-foot-4, 305 pounds Big, strong and active two way linemen for Prairie Ridge who has been a varsity starter and impact player since his freshman season. Tinch in my opinion is being a bit overlooked these days. Tinch as mentioned has impressive sixe and strength, shows to have very good hands and power and is a down in and down out grinder who will make a ton of tackles. Tinch could use a bit more twitch, bend and quickness but I truly think schools are missing out here. I can see Tinch playing well at say the MAC/FBS level. My Ranking: Low 3 Star

DT Jarve Bey Homewood Flossmoor 6-foot-3, 290 pounds- Strong kid impressive lower body power and a player who is just always in the mix play in and play out. Bey has added quite a bit of strength and his overall instincts are a key along with his ability to just fight off multiple blocker and find the ball carrier. Bey also is a plus pass rusher at the defensive tackle position and his game continues to improve each time I see him live. My Ranking: High Two Star/Low 3 Star


Others Worthy of Your Consideration (in no particular order)


DE/DT Barron Sholl Rockford Boylan 6-foot-4, 245 pounds - Is a tweener right now positionally but also has good physical tools and has a chance to raise his stock this spring.

DE Saif Kokoszak Glenbard South 6-foot-3. 230 pounds- Veteran two way starter for the Raiders who's a non stop hard nosed kid and worker. Will need to keep adding more good size and strength this winter but he's improved his game each year. I can see several FCS/D2 schools getting involved here.

DE Jack Burzynski Barrington 6-foot-4, 215 pounds- Twitchy, speedy athlete who is another tweener positionally for now but who also has a reallly high ceiling. Can play either OLB/DE and if Jack can add some good weight and additional strength this off season he can definitely raise his overall stock considerably. Plays fast at all times and causes some real havoc.

DT/DE Tommy Ghislandi Loyola Academy 6-foot-5, 225 pounds Another big strong athlete from Loyola here. Tommy is another name who has the ability to play either inside or outside, is physically ready now for the college level. Plays with a high motor and is just a difficult defensive linemen to take on one on one. Love Tommy's overall versatility on the line here.

DT Nate Snep Lake Zurich 6-foot-3, 240 pounds Could be one of the bigger sleeper names here. Has some length, also has some impressive strength and is a strong, strong player and finisher. I haven't seen him live yet but his tape is legit and if he can pass ther all important eyeball test this spring his stock will climb.

DE Charlie Stec Brother Rice 6-foot-3, 220 pounds- Speedy player and athlete here who's just a pain in the ass to block. Is always around the football and always seems to make play after play. Is a bit of a tweener positionally in my opinion for now but his junior video is legit.

DE Declan Walsh Benet Academy 6-foot-3, 230 pounds Good size and very active athlete here for the Redwings. Had good bloodlines (older brother is Minnesota TE Pierce Walsh) and looks very capable of either playing inside or outside.

DT Mason High Monticello 6-foot-3, 230 pounds Strong DT type who was a force during the 2023 season for small enrollment power Monticello. Interested to see how his recruiting stock goes this spring and I can see Mason become a pretty nice potential steal for say the FCS level.

DT Tony Galloway Romeoville 6-foot-2, 255 pounds Big strong kid, raw player who has a ways to go but also has a lot to offer physically as well. Could draw looks on both sides of the football in my opinion.

Next: LInebackers

I've thought about this for a long time based on all the debates on this site and I 100% acknowlege that mentioning this topic is like touching the third rail on this board, so I completely expect to get roasted on this almost equally by both the public and private sides. (Yeah unity lol!)

Having said that, it is the season of giving and I am happy to share what I think could be a very interesting twist on how to handle the Public/Private debate here in Illinois so here I go.

What if as a concession to the continued excellence of the private schools specifically with regards to the CCL/ESCC that it is agreed to grant 20 automatic qualifiers to the Top 20 CCL/ESCC programs? Divide them into 5 divisions with classes ranging from 8A-4A. As automatic qualifiers these schools can schedule Weeks 3-9 games amongst themselves however they want in order to create good competition knowing they will ultimately qualify for the 8A-4A playoffs whether their final record is 2-7 or 9-0.

28 out of 32 teams outside of the CCL/ESCC still qualify for the playoffs in 8A-4A so maybe it knocks out a few 4-5 teams and low playoff point 5-4 teams but for the most part everyone making the playoffs now is still making it.

Here is the part that the public schools would be intrigued by. No matter the record, the Top 2 private schools in each 8A-4A division get a 1-4 seed in the playoffs and the Bottom 2 private schools in each 8A-4A division regardless of record get a 17-20 seed in the playoffs. Why would the public schools like this? Watch as the brackets play out and you will see that it balances the classes a lot better which is what the public schools are asking for in all of these different playoff modification proposals. When you see the matchups there now become plausible scenarios where public schools could sweep 8A-4A and yet private schools could also sweep 8A-4A. Hence your competitive balance. The main advantage though is those brackets will be more competitive which is what everyone wants.

We are going to exempt non Chicagoloand area private schools from this so Rockford Boylan and Springfield Sacred-Heart Griffin qualify like anyone else for the playoffs with none of these unique rules. Just no way to include them with travel considerations and honestly they aren't the ones really getting the hate about winning championships from public schools outside of some 4A-5A groaning about SHG once in awhile.

What I propose is that the Top 4 teams in the entire CCL/ESCC would be in a separate 8A Division.

Call it the Blue. In this case I'm putting Loyola, Mt. Carmel, St. Ignatius and Marist in there. Mt. Carmel is the only one that gets bumped up a class from where they are now. Again CCL/ESCC guys could do it differently however they want. Doesn't matter they are all in the playoffs regardless.

7A would be the Green. Brother Rice and St. Rita who already are in 7A would reside there. While it would be the decision of the CCL/ESCC ultimately to set these divisions just for this exercise I'm bumping up Joliet Catholic and Nazareth based off of past success. (This is the part where I expect to get all of the JCA and Naz fans hate lol...good luck to both of your teams this weekend and lets hope for an awesome final. Tons of respect to you both.)

6A would be the White. Providence, Fenwick, Niles Notre Dame and Benet would be here since I'm going mostly off of enrollment.

5A would be the Orange. St. Francis, St. Laurence, Carmel, and St. Patrick would be here.

Finally 4A would be the Purple. IC, Montini, St. Viator, and Marmion would be this division.

Marian, De La Salle, DePaul Prep, Leo, and maybe Aurora Catholic if they join would be in the Red and treated like how they are now with playoff qualification but minus the multiplier and success factor since it is not necessary anymore under this model. They'd be 3A-1A most certainly.

3A-5A is usually the biggest complaint area from the public schools like when an Montini or IC drops down to these classes. Now 3A-1A is wide open to mostly public schools outside of the occasional private school outside of the CCL/ESCC like Chicago Hope or Decatur St. Teresa. But again those types of schools aren't the ones getting the pushback from the public schools for winning state titles.

Remember all 20 of the CCL/ESCC teams in the Blue, Green, White, Orange, and Purple now qualify for the IHSA playoffs regardless of record. They play each other and then when Week 10 comes it is playoff time.

As an example of how this would work here is the new 8A playoff bracket. This is what that would look like under this new model. I'll post 7A-4A separately since it gets more complicated and takes more time to calculate as you go down in classes.

Again I know this is not anything anyone would go for outside of maybe a few of us on this message board to create more competitive matchups, but looking at this 8A bracket the small adjustments made make this quite intriguing for me to see how it plays out the rest of the way from 7A-4A.

Here is my rationale and 8A bracket played out until the Finals based off of my predictions on what would happen. Enjoy or hate. Either way enjoy the long holiday weekend!

CCL/ESCC BLUE (8A) AUTOMATIC QUALIFIERS
LOYOLA (1-2 seed and a 1st round home game)
MT. CARMEL (3-4 seed and a 1st round home game)
ST. IGNATIUS (17-18 seed and a 1st round road game)
MARIST (19-20 and a 1st round road game)

8A Field: Add Mt. Carmel and Marist and drop Edwardsville and Glenbard West based on enrollment

8A:
1st Round: #1 Loyola vs. #32 Plainfield North, #2 LWE vs. #31 Taft, #3 Mt. Carmel vs. #30 Glenbrook South, #4 Barrington vs. #29 West Aurora, #5 York vs. #28 Homewood Flossmoor, #6 Maine South vs. #27 Lockport, #7 South Elgin vs. #26 Lane, #8 Huntley vs. #25 Niles West, #9 Joliet West vs. #24 Oswego, #10 Warren vs. #23 Aurora East, #11 Belleville East vs. #22 Lyons, #12 Stevenson vs. #21 Naperville North, #13 Naperville Central vs. #20 Marist, #14 Minooka vs. #19 St. Ignatius, #15 Neuqua Valley vs. #18 Downers Grove South, #16 Palatine vs. #17 Sandburg

2nd Round: #1 Loyola vs. #16 Palatine, #8 Huntley vs. #24 Oswego, #4 Barrington vs. #20 Marist, #5 York vs. #21 Naperville North, #2 Lincoln-Way East vs. #15 Neuqua Valley, #7 South Elgin vs. #10 Warren, #3 Mt. Carmel vs. #19 St. Ignatius, #6 Maine South vs. #22 Lyons

Quarterfinals: #1 Loyola vs. #8 Huntley, #4 Barrington vs. #5 York, #2 Lincoln Way East vs. #10 Warren, #3 Mt. Carmel vs. #6 Maine South

Semifinals: #1 Loyola vs. #5 York, #2 Lincoln Way East vs. #3 Mt. Carmel

Finals: #1 Loyola vs. #2 Lincoln Way East

That Lincoln-Way East-Mt. Carmel semifinal would be absolutely epic by the way. I took LWE here just because I'm trying to show how this model would almost certainly create 8A-4A public vs. private finals which I think would be so much fun to watch and ultimately create a put up or shut up scenario that would absolutely light this message board on fire even more so than it already is during Finals Week

I'll work on sharing 7A-4A as I go through the rest of the adjustments here later. Enjoy!

Rivals is in the middle of updating it's Class of 2025 State of Illinois rankings this week. I wanted to start a running thread/get my thoughts out there on which currently unranked names in the 2025 class I feel deserve another closer look at earning a star ranking.

Today let's kick things off with the 2025 unranked Offensive Linemen

Making a Case: State of Illinois Class of 2025 Unranked Offensive Linemen


Jake Sultzberger Lemont 6-foot-5, 260 pounds- Big time inside mauler who has a great combination of strength, punch, quickness and plays with a nasty chip on his shoulders. Lemont is a program that has been turning out impressive offensive linemen for years and Sulzberger has chance to raise his recruiting stock considerably this spring. Sulzberger is already holding a handful of FBS offers and I feel that he has the tools and ability to also play at a higher level in college. I can see Sulzberger improve his overall footwork and quickness/first step. Overall I just like a lot of Jake's overall game and I really don't see any real glaring issues in his game. My Ranking: Mid to High 3 Star


Samuel Paich Glenbrook North 6-foot-6, 285 pounds - Samuel Paich has started to draw serious college attention and has added a handful of FBS and FCS offers so far this winter. Paich has great size and good strength. On video he's a locked on blocker who also runs his feet well, shows decent power and moves well here. Paich no question still has workk to do including staying off the ground, improving his overall quickness and hands/hand fighting ability. Yet in a linemen class short on tackle length and size look for Samuel to continue to draw more and more looks and offers this spring. My Ranking: Low to Mid 3 star

Jacob Wilk Lake Zurich 6-foot-6, 290 pounds Great sized player here who I feel has a ton of upside and potential over the next few seasons. No question has the overall length and size to become a tackle at the college level. Wilk has only played football for as few years now and at time that shows in his game. However, Wilk also continues to look better and better each time I see him. Wilk is also far from a college ready player right now and he has room to still grow and get stronger. Wilk also need to improve his overall fundamentals and technique including incorporating his hands into his game. Yet overall this is a name that can become a real steal down the line and a kid I can see making some real noise this spring and summer. Has possible Power 4 ability. My Ranking: Mid to High 3 Star

Parker Brault Palatine 6-foot-4, 275 pounds Great interior linemen who plays with high energy and motor at all times. Brault has good feet and quickness, can pull quickly and just naturally makes his initial block then goes looking for more trouble on every play. Brault is pretty college ready from an overall size/physical standpoint and will be strictly an interior OL at the Division 1 level. Brault can improve his overall bend/flexibility this off season along with continuing to add more good weight and strength. Overall? This is another prospect who's game I like and someone who I don't see a lot of any real glaring issues in his game. My Ranking: Low to Mid Three Star

Ben Konopka St Viator 6-foot-3, 280 pounds Played tackle for the Lions in 2023 but his overall tools and game will translate into being an interior OL at the higher college level. Konopka has good size and feet, runs well for his size and will have no issues adjusting to playing guard and his physical tools will also play well inside. Konopka will need to add more strength and add more power/a heavier punch to his game along with being able to win head to head against opposing DL as opposed to stale mating against them in 2023. Konopka can develop into a very nice FBS player. My Ranking: Low Three Star

Tommy Lamberti Carmel Catholic 6-foot-8, 330 pounds Tommy Lamberti might just be the state's most intriguing offensive tackle prospect in this class. Lamberti is maybe physically the biggest individual I've ever covered at the high school level at a legit 6-foot-8 and nearly 330 pounds. Lamberti has tremendous length and reach, has a great motor and he's a hard working kid who also plays with a chip on his shoulders. Lamberti also has better than you'd think bend and agility for hi size and at times shows good feet. No question Lamberti has work to do and remains a bit of a project for D1 schools, and while he's started to pick up some FBS and FCS offers.... this spring and summer will be big for him. Lamberti will need to get his weight down while also adding more strength and power. Lamberti will also need to work on his overall footwork, hands, agility and bend and also become just more athletic in general. Lamberti's overall game is decent, has a ton of room and the potential to develop into something much better at the college level. I'm definitely rooting for this kid and hope he's able to blow college coaches away this spring and summer and this is a kid who's a project who could become a late bloomer. My Ranking: Low to High 3 star (depending upon his overall development this summer)

Others Worthy of Your Consideration

Dayne Schellenger Greenville 6-foot-6, 290 pounds

Owen Lee Carbondale 6-foot-4, 295 pounds

Petar Strbac Maine South 6-foot-5, 275 pounds

Dyllan Richmond Rich Township 6-foot-3, 280 pounds

Ryan McGarry Hinsdale Central 6-foot-3, 275 pounds

Rhett Van Boening Liberrtyville 6-foot-3, 265 pounds

OL Tyler Chambers Lyons Township 6-foot-5, 265 pounds

Next: Defensive Linemen

I know a significant number of coaches (and others who are well-connected to coaching staffs) frequent this Board, so I am hoping to widen our candidate pool should someone reading this potentially be looking to make the jump from assistant to HC, or perhaps know a coach with Central Illinois ties that is looking to get back to the area.

The head coaching vacancy is at Heyworth High School, which is 10 miles south of Bloomington-Normal.

Heyworth is a 1A school with approximately 260 students. Our football team ended a 10-year playoff drought this fall and finished 7-3 (schedule below) behind a sophomore class that has created a bright future for our program.

Our varsity team in 2023 had three sophomores start both ways, two freshmen start both ways, and several other sophomores start. All told, we could have as many 17 starting positions back from 2023, 19 if you count specialists.

We have a very nice stadium/facility for a 1A school that includes significant lockerroom/meeting space and a new weight room and gym.

Our athletic culture has continued to improve, as not only did football return to the playoffs ahead of schedule, but our boys basketball team played in a Super-Sectional last night, our baseball team reached its first Sectional Championship game in school history last season with eight underclass starters, and our relatively young wrestling program has produced two state champions thus far. Additionally, in the past two years, we have added three coaches who have taken other sport programs to state as head coaches at their previous schools.

We currently have a PE teacher position open, match all years or service, and are very competitive in our area from a salary standpoint.

COACHING APPLICATION: https://www.applitrack.com/husd4/onlineapp/default.aspx?Category=Athletics+&+Extra-Curricular+Activities

OPEN POSITIONS: https://www.applitrack.com/husd4/onlineapp/

Should anyone have additional questions about the school, district, community, or open positions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at troham@husd4.org


HEYWORTH 2023 RECORD (7-3)
vs. West Hancock (W, 34-8)
at Stockton (L, 47-13)
vs. Tremont (W, 28-8)
at Deer Creek-Mackinaw (W, 41-14)
at Fieldcrest (W, 29-28)
vs. Rushville-Industry (W, 42-22)
at LeRoy (L, 40-19)
at Fisher (W, 54-12)
vs. GCMS (W, 16-6)
Round 1: vs. Calhoun (L, 42-14)

HEYWORTH 2024 SCHEDULE (’23 Record)
vs. Fisher (0-9)
at Meridian (2-7)
vs. Warrensburg-Latham (3-6)
vs. LeRoy (9-2)
at GCMS (6-4)
at Rushville-Industry (3-6)
vs Tuscola (5-5)
at Central A&M (4-5)
vs. Fieldcrest (4-5)

The U will be televising Monday night's supersectional from UIC. Mt Carmel plays St Patrick at 6 in 3A; while in 4A Homewood Floosmoor takes on Curie at 7:30.

Bless the U!

https://www.wciu.com/cw26/stories/g...e-ihsa-boys-basketball-3a-4a-super-sectionals