And now onto the TRAC! Same deal as my WB6 preview, though first a discussion about the conference realignment likely to come next year. Bureau Valley and Morrison are leaving the conference, with Mercer County joining. That would ostensibly leave seven teams in the West ("Rock") division and five in the East ("Mississipi") division, so someone will have to move from west to east. The simplest answer there is Erie-Prophetstown, though it would leave hem without their next-door rivalry of Riverdale and one would hope they could find a way to protect that game. Anyway, on with the show, starting in the east.

Kewanee - at Sherrard, vs. E-P, vs. Mendota, at Bureau Valley, vs. Hall, at Princeton, at Monmouth-Roseville, vs. Newman, vs. Aurora Central Catholic
Tough draw for the Boilers, who start the year at an invigorated Sherrard group and get a difficult four-game stretch from weeks 5-8. Just as well, as they return a lot of starters from a 4-5 team that was 9-2 in 2021 and they look like they've got a shot to do some big things. They have a reasonable shot at the playoffs, possibly more likely than not, as 7-2 or even 8-1 doesn't look impossible, but if they get some bad momentum things could go south in a big hurry.

Bureau Valley - at E-P, vs. Monmouth-Roseville, at Hall, vs. Kewanee, vs. Mendota, at Newman, vs. Princeton, vs. Aurora Central Catholic, at Morrison
I think the writing may be on the wall for BV, who went 1-8 last year and is now going to leave for the Lincoln Trail next year. I have a lot of respect for this program but I do not see the Storm making huge improvements. The trip to the playoffs would probably need to involve several teams on their schedule performing well below expectations.

Mendota - at Morrison, vs. Orion, at Kewanee, vs. Hall, at Bureau Valley, vs. Riverdale, at Geneseo, at Princeton, vs. Newman
Is this the Trojans' year to make a jump? That is a rough last three games, and thre is a lot of youth, but I think I see improvements on the radar for Mendota. The path to the payoffs will require some luck, as going to Geneseo and Princeton in consecutive weeks is a painful process. They'd probably need to upset two of Kewanee, Hall, and Newman, but it all seems possible.

Princeton - at Monmouth-Roseville, vs. Morrison, at Newman, at Orion, vs. Sterling, vs. Kewanee, at Bureau Valley, vs. Mendota, vs. Hall
Princeton's last year was magical, and they graduated a ton of talent, but this is a program with bona fides, and they have every chance to repeat their TRAC dominance. Having four of their last five at home (and the other of those in the county) will ease the difficulties of consecutive games against Sterling and Kewanee. The path to the playoffs for the Tigers feels almost certain, and I give them a good shot against Sterling.

Hall - at Orion, vs. Riverdale, vs. Bureau Valley, at Mendota, at Kewanee, vs. IVC, at Newman, vs. Rockridge, at Princeton
Hall's co-op with Putnam County paid immediate dividends, getting the Red Devils back to the playoffs (where they were rudely shown the door by state champions SHG). This edition of this team, keeping the co-op, looks like they could be very good again. Their path to the playoffs will need to be paved early, as the last three games would challenge any team in the state, but I feel like Hall will make it.

Newman - at Rockridge, vs. Sherrard, vs. Princeton, at Rock Island, at E-P, vs. Bureau Valley, vs. Hall, at Kewanee, at Mendota
This was a team that faced some adversity last year, and their low enrollment showed as they slumped to a disappointing (for the Comets) 5-5 record. This year they will be back in 1A. They graduated some kids, but again this is a program that will always produce. The question for this year will be character, as that 4-game stretch to start the year includes four very difficult games and they'll need to find wins later in the year to get into the playoffs. (And then hopefully avoid the NUIC in the north half of the bracket!)

And now with the west.
Erie-Prophetstown - vs. Bureau Valley, at Kewanee, at Monmouth-Roseville, vs. Morrison, vs. Newman, at Orion, at Riverdale, vs. Sherrard, at Rockridge
The Panthers are still reeling from losing what amounted to a playoff game in Week 9 last year at Morrison. They've switched around coaches (their HFC and an assistant traded roles), which will hopefully allow them to produce more. Thankfully for them, they avoid Princeton and Hall, and will be able to minimize their trips on the season. The path to the playoffs is absolutely helped by their crossover opponents, but they'll need to scratch and claw for five wins.

Monmouth-Roseville - vs. Princeton, at Bureau Valley, vs. E-P, at Riverdale, vs. Morrison, at Rockridge, vs. Kewanee, at Orion, at Sherrard
This team always feels to me like they should be better than they end up being. Again, I see no reason that they shouldn't be quite good this year, but the schedule does them no favors, as their trip to the playoffs will need to rebound from a game against Princeton to start and a very rough five-week stretch at the end.

Morrison - vs. Mendota, at Princeton, vs. Orion, at E-P, at Monmouth-Roseville, vs. Sherrard, vs. Rockridge, at Riverdale, vs. Bureau Valley
So this is the swan song for the Mustangs in the TRAC, and it's shaping up to be good. This young team rallied at the end of the year to get to the playoffs and they are riding a serious high to start this season. Their path to the playoffs will basically require them to beat the teams they should beat, but they have most of their tough games at home, and I feel strongly about them.

Orion - vs. Hall, at Mendota, at Morrison, vs. Princeton, at Rockridge, vs. E-P, at Sherrard, vs. Monmouth-Roseville, vs. Riverdale
Orion was a young team last year and it felt like the Chargers failed to live up to their potential. Hard to tell what will happen this year but anything from 3-6 wins seems appropriate. The playoff path seems there - 7-2 is by no means out of the question - but it will mean getting serious improvement from a lot of players.

Riverdale - vs. Dupo, at Hall, at Rockridge, vs. Monmouth-Roseville, vs. Sherrard, at Mendota, vs. E-P, vs. Morrison, at Orion
The Rams are just happy to be back after not playing last season. Maybe the JV year will allow them to fix the issues that plagued them. Maybe not, but after Dupo, the schedule sure gets tough quickly. A playoff birth seems pretty far-fetched, but even a win or two will make the fans between Hillsdale and Port Byron very happy.

Sherrard - vs. Kewanee, at Newman, at Warrensburg-Latham, vs. Rockridge, at Riverdale, at Morrison, vs. Orion, at E-P, vs. Monmouth-Roseville
Do I have any real reason to say that this team will improve? No. But the Tigers seem to have some momentum and I just feel like good things are brewing out here. A trip to the playoffs is tough to see but I suspect that these boys get a few wins under their belts.

Rockridge - vs. Newman, at Ridgeview/Lexington, vs. Riverdale, at Sherrard, vs. Orion, vs. Monmouth-Roseville, at Morrison, at Hall, vs. E-P
And now the defending champs of this division. This program just continues to go from strength to strength, and the athletes out on the west side of Rock Island County keep coming. A playoff spot isn't inevitable if they fall off - all three nonconference games are tough - but I think these boys will be just fine.

Now Week 1 previews!
Newman at Rockridge - this is a sneaky-long drive for Newman. I know it's a new season, but I suspect Rockridge has just too much firepower. Comets normally beat Rockets; I suspect not this time.

Kewanee at Sherrard - I really want to pick Sherrard, I really do, and I think they will improve, but not yet. Kewanee in a close game.

Dupo at Riverdale - A very long trip for Dupo is the start of a tough stretch for them; I think Riverdale celebrates their first game back with a win on Saturday.

Hall at Orion - This is tough. On paper, Hall should be better, but I think that they are going to have some growing pains replacing Mac Resetich, while Orion knows who they are and may be better at home.

Mendota at Morrison - Another tough game. Based purely on momentum and vibes, Morrison at home.

Princeton at Monmouth-Roseville - the matchup of the big boys. Monmouth-Roseville may well be a good team, but right now I have to pick Princeton until someone beats them and I do not think this is the week.

Bureau Valley at Erie-Prophetstown - I don't know how good E-P will be this year, but I suspect the Panthers can find their way past the Storm.

This looks like one of the best opening games of week 1. Who do you guys like here?

I like LT 38-24

What are some of the interesting story lines in the CCL/ESCC for 2023? Here's a few:

How will realignment play out? Since it's based on past results, there could be some inequities. Will JCA and Ignatius be able to sustain the success of some of their previous teams that placed them in the Green? Provi and Naz seem primed for nice runs and don't have to deal with getting moved up in division class. Will Montini be able to get to 5 wins after two 3-6 seasons?

How will IC and St. Francis fare this year? This will be a vastly different experience for both schools. Gone are the days of cruising through the regular season. Attrition will now be a concern like it is for other lower enrollment schools in the conference.

How will the two new head coaches in the Blue (Hopkins at Rita and Desherow at LA) fare? Jordan Lynch is now the longest tenured HC in the Blue.

Is this the year Jason McKie and Carmel step up? The schedule is tough with Crete, Lake Forest, MC, Provi and ND. But, the Corsairs have some nice talent.

And I don't even have a clue what's going on.

A year of change for the CS8. One team (Lincoln) returns to the conference after having been in the Apollo for a while and another (QND) will be joining next year. Two new coaches, John Allison at SHG and Micheal Kinkade at Southeast. Both new coaches have been promoted from within their programs. The top 5 producing QB's from last year (Lott/SHG, Reiss/Rochester, Knudson/Chatham, Owens/Jacksonville, and Cunningham/U HIgh) all have graduated. After winning the 4A state title with a Senior dominated team, the rest of the conference is hoping that SHG's rebuild will take some time. Don't bet on it. I believe the gap between teams 1-5 will be much less this year than the last two, where SHG dominated the regular season in 2022 and Rochester and SHG were at the top in 2021.

Sports Radio 1450 has team previews up for all of the schools. Thanks to Ratsy for posting the previews on another thread.

1-Rochester (11-2 last season, lost to SHG in 4A semi's)
The small Senior class of 16 last season gave more playing time to a lot of Juniors and some Sophomores. Look for a bigger Senior class this year, at least 21. I'll find out the exact number before Week 1. The Seniors do not want to be the first class since 2009 to never play in a state title game. The Rockets have several options at QB, multiple experienced Receivers, and return three starters at OL. On defense, they return six starters, including DE Lance Ingold who has committed to NIU and S Henry Buecker who is starting for a 3rd year. The Rocket defense will be critical in how far they advance in the playoffs. In losses to SHG the last two semi-finals, the Defense started well but faded in the second half. I'm not thrilled with having to face Peoria Week 1 on their field. If nothing else, however, it will be a clear early marker of where the Rockets stand. Critical game: Week 1 at Peoria. A tough road game against the 5A runner up.

2-SHG (14-0 last season, won 4A state title. Will be 5A this season)
Long-time assistant John Allison takes over the program. Returning only 3 starters, some might be tempted to think that SHG will be vulnerable to much of the conference this year. I'm not sure that will be the case. They will be an underdog on the road Week 1 against 7A playoff qualifier Normal Community. After that game, I think the Cyclones have a fairly favorable schedule. They don't face a likely top tier conference team until Week 5 at home against Springfield. The Cyclones also don't face Rochester until Week 9 and that game will be at Ken Leonard Stadium. This is the best possible scenario for SHG. Extremely painful memories for Rocket fans of last year's epic playoff collapse. Critical game: Week 3 at Jacksonville. This game will be a good test of how the young Cyclones are progressing. Jacksonville gave them some trouble in the first half last season with a ball control running attack.

3-Springfield (4-5 last season, last in playoffs in 2021. Should be in 6A)
2nd-year Coach Jon Hebb should get the Senators back in the playoffs this season. They surrendered a two-score 4th Quarter lead to MacArthur last year and ended up losing on the game's last play. That loss kept them from the playoffs. The Senators return a good number of starters on both sides and seem set to move Paul Hartman from QB to WR/TE. He is about 6'5" and 200 pounds and is extremely athletic. He will be a match up problem for any opponent. If they can get consistent QB play and tighten up their defense, the Senators will challenge any team in the CS8. They do have a tough non-conference game, on the road against 7A Normal West in Week 7. Critical game: Week 4 at home against Chatham. Last year, Springfield was out of the game early against the best teams in the conference. Historically, they also have not done well against Chatham. A win against the Titans would be a huge boost.

4-Chatham (7-3 last season, lost in 1st round of 6A playoffs)
Chatham should contend for the conference title in '24 and may be the favorite in '25. What about this year? Chatham started out very well in 2022, putting up a ton of points in Weeks 1 and 2 against 5A playoff qualifiers Jacksonville and MacArthur and not using any 2-way starters. In later season losses to Rochester and SHG, their numbers advantage was not helpful as expected, and injuries took their toll. They had a home playoff game against Quincy but couldn't get stops on defense and played from behind most of the contest. The Titans have the largest roster in the conference by far and seem to be making a concerted effort to become faster and stronger. They lose a 2-year starting QB and most of their skill players. Coach Hay has to decide at QB between a Junior and a Sophomore. Perhaps both will play in certain situations as they have different styles. The defense should be better. Critical game: Week 6 at home versus SHG. The last two times Chatham beat SHG they either won the CS8 or shared the title. Since the 2019 win, they have been thumped three times by SHG. This is an opportunity to play a rebuilding SHG at home.

5-MacArthur (5-5 last season, lost in 1st round of 5A playoffs)
Mac is hard to judge because it's difficult to get a lot of info about their program. At their best, they have athletes on offense and will hit you on defense. They made the playoffs last year but were not close in games against SHG, Rochester, and Chatham and lost for the 2nd year in a row to Jacksonville. Mac does return a QB who has some playing experience and have a 6'3" 200-pound Freshman RB who already has an offer from the U of I. They should get at least 5 wins. Critical game: Week 9 at Bloomington. This is a possible win 5 or 6 for Mac and should be a close contest. 6 wins could get them a home playoff game.

6-Lincoln (4-5 last season in the Apollo, last in the playoffs in 1984. Should be in 4A)
Lincoln returns to the CS8. Wouldn't it be something if they make the playoffs for the first time since 1984 in their first year back in the conference? Head-to-head, I favor Jacksonville over Lincoln but the Railers schedule is more favorable to getting to 5 wins than the Crimsons. Lincoln plays 4 1-8 teams from last year, one of which is their non-conference opponent Peoria Manual. 4 of their first 5 games are against 1-8 teams from last season. They can't afford to have a let down against any of these teams but could be sitting at 4-3 in Week 8 traveling to U High. Critical game: Week 8 at U High. Could be their chance at 5 wins and a playoff berth.

7-Jacksonville (6-4 last season, lost in 1st round of 5A playoffs. Likely to be in 4A this season)
Jacksonville returns 3 or 4 starting OL and have the top returning rusher in the conference in Cam'Ron Mitchell. However, they have to replace 3 -year starting QB Elijah Owens and the school has experienced a substantial enrollment decline which has impacted their football numbers. The Crimsons will likely drop from 5A to 4A this season. With a new QB, they may be more run heavy than most of the top CS8 teams, and QB development will be very important. Their number of 2-way starters will also be an issue. Critical game: Week 2 at home versus MacArthur. Jacksonville has won the last two meetings of these teams, and clinched a playoff spot in 2021 in Week 9 with a come from behind win against Mac. If the Crimsons get to 5 wins this year, they probably need this one.

8-U High (3-6 last season, last in playoffs in 2015. Should be in 4A)
U High was 3-6 last year and played Mac and Springfield fairly close. They appear to have increased their program numbers and may have attracted some multi-sport athletes. This had been a weak point as U High is very good in Basketball and Baseball but struggled to get many of those kids out for football. U High is losing a 2-year starting QB in Colin Cunningham, who was responsible for most of their offense last season. Replacing him will take time, and the Pioneers start out against Springfield and SHG. Critical game: Week 9 at home against Jacksonville. The Crimsons should be favored in this but it could be a close game if the Pioneers continue to make strides.

9-Southeast (1-8 last season, last in playoffs in 2014. Should be in 5A)
New coach Micheal Kinkade takes over for the Spartans. Southeast was hurt badly by injuries last season and couldn't keep a QB healthy. They have the talent to be better than 1-8 and get to play three 1-8 teams from last year and also face Lincoln and U High, which could be competitive games. Critical game: Week 2 at home versus Peoria Richwoods. The Spartans will be underdogs Week 1 against Mac but this is a chance to get an early win against a 1-8 team from last year.

10-Lanphier (1-8 last season, last in playoffs in 2004. Should be in 5A)
Will playing at the renovated Memorial stadium give a boost to the Lions who have not been very competitive recently? Possibly. Coach Goff sounded enthusiastic in a radio interview about the team and credited getting the new turf field and getting to practice there this summer instead of going to a nearby park. It's still going to be a challenge for the Lions to compete with much of the conference. Critical game: Week 1 at home against Lincoln. Can the excitement of playing at the renovated Memorial carry Lanphier to an upset victory?

11-Eisenhower (1-8 last season, last in playoffs in 2016. Should be in 5A)
Eisenhower was shut out last season 5 weeks in a row from Weeks 2-6. However, they never quit and got their lone win in Week 8 against Southeast. They can hopefully improve their program numbers and make some incremental improvements this year, but more than 1-2 wins is unlikely. Critical game: Week 4 at home versus Lanphier. This is a chance for the Panthers to get a win at home fairly early in the season.

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This is a clever ploy! Commit to Mizzou and get the green during your prep career.

Drink just got a commitment from a 2024 DE out of Lee's Summit - the overall #3, per Rivals. They are hot on the tail of #19, Ryan Wingo.

Week 1 (Non-Conference Teams in Italics)
SHG at Normal Community
Lincoln at Lanphier
Southeast at MacArthur
Rochester at Peoria
Danville at Chatham Glenwood
Jacksonville at Eisenhower
UHIgh at Springfield (Saturday)

Week 2
UHigh at SHG
Springfield at Rochester
Richwoods at Southeast
Chatham Glenwood at Lanphier
Eisenhower at Lincoln
MacArthur at Jacksonville

Week 3
SHG at Jacksonville
Rochester at MacArthur
Lincoln at Springfield
Southeast at UHigh
Lanphier at Champaign Central
Eisenhower at Chatham Glenwood

Week 4
Southeast at SHG
Jacksonville at Rochester
Chatham Glenwood at Springfield
Lanphier at Eisenhower
Peoria Manual at Lincoln
MacArthur at UHigh

Week 5
Springfield at SHG
Eisenhower at Rochester
Lincoln at Southeast
UHigh at Lanphier
Chatham Glenwood at MacArthur
Peoria ND at Jacksonville

Week 6
SHG at Chatham Glenwood
Jacksonville at Lincoln
Urbana at UHigh
MacArthur at Eisenhower
Southeast at Springfield (Saturday)
Rochester at Lanphier (Saturday)

Week 7
Eisenhower at SHG
Rochester at Lincoln
Normal West at Springfield
Jacksonville at Southeast
Lanphier at MacArthur
UHigh at Chatham Glenwood

Week 8
SHG at MacArthur
Chatham Glenwood at Rochester
Springfield at Jacksonville
Lincoln at UHigh
Champaign Centennial at Eisenhower
Southeast at Lanphier (Saturday)

Week 9
Rochester at SHG
Lanphier at Springfield
Eisenhower at Southeast
Lincoln at Chatham Glenwood
MacArthur at Bloomington
Jacksonville at UHigh

Conference games of particular interest
Week 2- MacArthur at Jacksonville. The winner has a much better chance of getting in the playoffs than the loser.
Week 4- Chatham Glenwood at Springfield. This should be a good marker of where each team is at. A chance for Springfield to show they belong in the Top 3 of the conference. Chatham historically has dominated this series.
Week 6- SHG at Chatham Glenwood. After back-to back wins in 2018 and 2019, Chatham has been beaten soundly by SHG the last three contests. A fairly inexperienced SHG team Week 1 will definitely be rounding into form by Week 6.
Week 8- Springfield at Jacksonville. Can Springfield get an important road win? How will Jacksonville's offense perform after losing 3-year starting QB Elijah Owens?
Week 9- Rochester at SHG. SHG gets their best-case scenario for this match up, a home game in Week 9. Can Rochester get its first win at Ken Leonard Stadium and forget the memory of last year's playoff implosion?

This post will age well! The kid is a proto-type NFL QB, a great kid, and a great story....

We all know and expect that at least some teams will cancel their seasons over the course of the year. Wanted a thread to keep track of them.

At this point I know of one school having cancelled, Al Raby. Keep us informed of whenever this unfortunately happens again.

My sources have gone dry. I need some field/turf updates, stadium delays because of quarry strikes, something, anything. Thursday afternoon ball is almost upon us!

One Big Question: Morris
One Big Question: Wheaton St Francis
One Big Question: St. Ignatius Wolfpack
One Big Question: Sycamore Spartans
One Big Question: Nazareth Academy Road Runners
One Big Question: Providence Catholic Celtics
One Big Question: IC Catholic Prep
One Big Question: Neuqua Valley Wildcats

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

Today it's the 2022 Final Chicagoland Top 30 ranked #22 ranked Prospect Knights.

My One Big Question for Prospect? Can the Knights reload on offense and especially under center this summer?

You'll be hard pressed to find a suburban football program that has been as consistent of a winner over the past several seasons as Prospect under head coach Dan DeBoeuf. DeBoeuf, who was a standout quarterback in his playing days at Lemont has consistently been able to develop strong quarterback play and offense that just seem to find it's way to 40 plus points week in and week out.

So can the Knights reload at a few key spots including quarterback and continue to win big?

My Answer? Yes.....the track record for Prospect under Dan DeBoeuf in particular tells us to keep the Knights at the top of the MSL teams again.

Prospect will insert junior QB Jack Skoog into the starting lineup this season and Skoog is already starting to show up on various early Class if 2025 recruiting lists. Skoog, who checks in at 6-foot-3, 185 pounds will no question get a great opportunity to run a Knights offense that's pretty wide open, will mix in play action passing game and shotgun spread as well as anyone in the Mid Suburban. The Knights also have some solid returning starters back starting with 3 starting offensive linemen, senior RB Noah Easter and WR Nick Carlucci and that should help get Jack Skoog a bit more of a comfort level in getting up to speed in the Knights offense this summer.

Most "experts" and observers will more than likely roll with Hersey as the favorite to win the Mid Suburban East this season and I will do the same. Yet Prospect will end up once again being a much better team in Week 9 versus Week 1 and the sooner the Knights can get the offense clicking the better this Knights team will be in 2023.

Next Up? #21 Lyons Township

One Big Question: Morris
One Big Question: Wheaton St Francis
One Big Question: St. Ignatius Wolfpack
One Big Question: Sycamore Spartans
One Big Question: Nazareth Academy Road Runners
One Big Question: Providence Catholic Celtics
One Big Question: IC Catholic Prep

Welcome to the latest feature simply called My One Big Question. I use the EDGYTIM/Marquee Sports 2022 Final Chicagoland Top 30 poll as my guide ansd break down all 30 teams and provide you My One Big Question for all 30 teams.....I will also come up with the same One Big Question for several state wide programs as well.
Today it's the 2022 Final Chicagoland Top 30 ranked #23 ranked Neuqua Valley Wildcats.

My One Big Question for Neuqua Valley? Can the Wildcats survive a rough non conference/front loaded regular season schedule?

Neuqua Valley and veteran head coach Bill Ellinghaus has always scheduled "up" when it comes to non conference games, and the 2023 schedule might be one of the toughest they've faced in years, especially the first five games of the regular season. Below is the 2023 Neuqua Valley regular season schedule

2023 Neuqua Valley schedule

vs Oswego
vs Minooka
@ Lincoln Way East
@ Naperville North
vs Naperville Central
@ Metea Valley
@ Waubonsie Valley
vs DeKalb
DVC championship games TBA

So can the Wildcats survive a rough non conference/front loaded regular season schedule?

My Answer? Yes.....but the Wildcats will definitely get tested this fall.

The Wildcats are back this season after posting a 8-3 record in 2022 and welcome back a nice core of returning starters, especially on offense with 7 starters back this fall. The Neuqua Valley defense will be a bit greener with just 4 starters back, but the overall numbers, talent and depth of this program is always in place. The schedule? No question the Wildcats have solid opening games in hosting Oswego and Minooka.....two of the better Southwest Prairie conference yet games where I would pick Neuqua Valley to come away with wins. However, both Oswego and Minooka are solid programs and both could wind up being state playoff teams this fall. Lincoln Way East in Week 23 in Frankfort? You'll be hard pressed to find a better supported team at home the the Griffins and winning at LW East is a huge ask. Yet the Wildcats also gave East a rough ride in last seasons Class 8A Round 2 17-14 loss to East, and I'm also expecting another close, well played game this time around. Neuqua Valley also starts conference play in Week 4 hosting rival Naperville North then plays at Naperville Central in Week 5.

In my eyes the big games to watch here for NV will be Weeks 1 and 2 against the Southwest Prairie teams in Oswego and Minooka. If the Wildcats can get out of the gates well with say a 2-0 start.....this should set up the Wildcats for a strong regular season. Worst case scenario no question would be an 0-2 Wildcats team having to travel to Lincoln Way East in what then could be pretty close to a must win in Week 3.

Next Up? #22 ranked Prospect

Schaumburg Saxons

Head Coach: Mark Stilling

Assistant Coaches:

Matt Zimolzak, Kyle Evert, Fran Cassidy, Chris Rafaj, Norman Perez, Ryan Davenport, Billy Matzek


School Nickname/Mascot: Saxons

Conference: Mid Suburban West

Team Twitter: @SaxonPrideFBall

2023 Regular Season schedule (if known):

Antioch
@Rolling Meadows
@Maine West
Maine East
Conant
Barrington
@ Fremd
Hoffman Estates
@ Palatine

Returning Offensive Starters for 2023:

Anthony Digioia, RB
Marcus Stewart, WR
Andrew Kula, WR
Daniel Uczarczyk, WR



Returning Defensive Starters for 2023:

Jimmy Zinchuk, DL
Brandon Carver, DL
Jimmy Frejd, LB
Frankie Urso, LB
Javonte McCoy, DB
Marcus Stewart, DB
Anthony Digioia, DB


Newcomers to Watch

Tre Teschner, LB, Junior
Rafael Medeiros, DB, Soph
Tre Thomas, DB, Soph
Kile Gough, WR, Soph
Ray Black, WR, Soph


2023 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?

NA

Impact Player for the Schaumburg Saxons

Schaumburg senior RB/DB Anthony Digioia will be a three tear varsity starter for the Saxons in 2023. Look for the Saxons to get the running game started with Digioia leading the way this season while he will also be asked to provide leadership and production on both sides of the football in 2023.

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EDGY's Quick Take on the 2023 Schaumburg Saxons

Schaumburg and veteran head coach Mark Stilling led the Saxons to a 3-6 record in 2022 and Schaumburg was in the hunt for a state playoff spot until they hit a rough patch at the end of the regular season and dropped it's last three games (all state playoff teams). Stilling will be entering his 19th season as the Saxons head coach in 2023 and has posted a record of 85-91 in 18 seasons.

The biggest question facing Schaumburg in 2023? Can the Saxons reload at several key spots on the offensive side of the football this summer (QB/OL) and get back to winning ways? Look for Schaumburg to get into the mix in the MSL West and to challenge to get to the 5-4 mark this fall. I will predict that the Saxons wind up at say the 4-5/3-6 regular season record in 2023.

Naperville North Huskies

Head Coach: Sean Drendel

Assistant Coaches:

Chris Arthurs Kevin Benages Brian Peyerson Craig Arthurs Pete Gabrione Anthony Silvestri Jeff Bassett Nick Salerno Jim Hess Nathan Gray Bill Korosec Benny Graham Justin Hunniford


School Nickname/Mascot: Huskies

Conference: DuPage Valley

Team Twitter: @HuskieFB


2023 Regular Season schedule (if known):

HF
LOYOLA
AT BOLINGBROOK
NEUQUA VALLEY
AT DEKALB
NAPERVILLE CENTRAL AT NORTH CENTRAL COLLEGE
METEA VALLEY
WAUBONSIE VALLEY
DVC BOWL-TBD



Returning Offensive Starters for 2023:

WR Luke Williams 2024 6-foot-1, 180 pounds
RB Cole Arl 2024 5-foot-10, 185 pounds
WR Brock Pettiway 2025 5-foot-10, 175 pounds
OL Andrew Jennings 2024 6-foot-3, 250 pounds
OL Daniel Jurjevec 2025 6-foot-3, 260 pounds
OL Jack Provenzano 2024 6-foot-3, 240 pounds
OL Zion Lee 2024 5-foot-10, 210 pounds
OL Steve Harvey 2024 6-foot-4, 210 pounds



Returning Defensive Starters for 2023:

DL Lawson Grier 2024 6-foot-2, 245 pounds
DB William Korosec 2024 5-foot-11, 165 pounds
LB Sam Gehrs 2024 6-foot-0, 185 pounds
DL Blake Robinson 2024 6-foot-1, 220 pounds
DL Alex Kushenbach 2024 5-foot-11, 220 pounds
LB Matt Murphy 2024 6-foot-0, 210 pounds
LB Josh Lovick 2024 6-foot-0, 220 pounds
DB Kaiser Williams 2025 6-foot-4, 195 pounds


Newcomers to Watch

QB Jacob Bell 6-foot-2, 215 pounds 2025
OL Austin Roush 6-foot-3, 265 pounds 2025
WR Carson Marlar 5-foot-11, 175 pounds 2024
WR Ian Macconnachie 6-foot-0, 185 pounds 2024
TE Garrett Kristle 6-foot-2, 210 pounds 2025
DL Gabe Hill 6-foot-3, 240 pounds 2025
DL Justin Vavara 5-foot-11, 220 pounds 2024
LB Jimmy Lezza 5-foot-11, 220 pounds 2024
DB Griffin Fiore 5-foot-10, 175 pounds 2024
DB Jaden Parker 5-foot-11, 180 pounds 2024


2023 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?

NA

Impact Player for the Naperville North Huskies:

Naperville North senior WR/DB Luke Williams who is already committed to Purdue has been an impact player for the Huskies for the past two seasons. Williams will again be asked to provide leadership on and off the field along with .also providing a high level of production on both sids of the football again this fall.

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EDGY's Quick Take on the 2023 Naperville North Huskies

Naperville North and head coach Sean Drendel led the Huskies to the Class 8A state playoff field in 2022. Naperville North finished the regular season with a 7-2 regular season record The Huskies made the Class 8A state playoff field and lost to Marist in opening round action.

The biggest question facing Naperville North in 2023? Can the Huskies reload and go after graduating standout QB Aidan Gray (Northwestern). Look for Naperville North to give junior QB Jacob Bell the football. Bell. who is already drawing recruiting interest from multiple Power 5 programs already this summer has the tools and ability to become the next high D1 quarterback from Naperville North. The Huskies also have a nice stable of young talent on the way up and look for this team to finish in the 7-2/6-3 range and get back into the 8A post-season.

Make sure to come on out tonight starting at 6PM to Double J's Sports bar on Essington Road in Joliet for the annual WJOL Preseason Coaches Show. Details are linked in the story and you can ONLY listen to the show either over the air or streaming audio at WJOL.com......we will not have our Live You Tube channel video streaming starting next Thursday for our first in studio show

Live on Location: WJOL Preseason Coaches Show Thursday August 17th 2023 6PM

Danville Vikings

Head Coach: Marcus Forrest

Assistant Coaches:

Mori Williams Mitch Thomas D'lando Carter Dan Hile Tyler Arnholt John Pendleton Mike Franey Carl Long


School Nickname/Mascot: Vikings

Conference: Big Twelve

Team Twitter: @CoachForrest5


2023 Regular Season schedule (if known):

8/25 Chatham Glenwood 6:00pm Away
9/2 Peoria High 6:00pm Away
9/8 Peoria Manual Home 7:00pm
9/15 Bloomington Away 7:00pm
9/22 Champaign Centennial Home 7:00pm
9/29 Normal Community Home
10/7 Champaign Central Away 1pm
10/13 Peoria Richwoods Home 7:00pm
10/20 Urbana 7:00pm Away


Returning Offensive Starters for 2023:

Kaden Young: WR 5'7 150 "24
Phillip Shaw IV: RB 5'8 185 "24"
Caleb Robinson: RB 6'1 215
Curtis Beasley: TE
Alex Doe: OL/ 5'8 220 "25
Javaughn Robinson: WR/QB 6'1 170 "25


Returning Defensive Starters for 2023:

Caleb Robinson LB 6'1 215 "24
Phillip Shaw IV LB 5'8 185 "24
Evan Yates DE 5'10 195 "24
Kaden Young CB 5'7 150 "24
Demarion Forman DE 6'1 195 "24
Javaughn Robinson FS 6'1 175 "25


Newcomers to Watch


Darius Jay QB/CB 5'10 175 "25
Jerry Reed III WR/FS 6'2 150 "25


2023 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?

June 15: University Of Illinois
July 14: Mahomet Seymour
July 22: Washington High School

Impact Player for the Danville Vikings:

Danville senior RB/LB Caleb Robinson is a multi-year multi-positional starter for the Vikings Robinson will again be asked to provide a high level of production and leadership on both sides of the football for the 2023 season.

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EDGY's Quick Take on the 2023 Danville Vikings

Danville and head coach Marcus Forrest posted a 6-4 record in 2022 and lost in opening round action to Big 12 rival Normal West to end the season. Danville under Marcus Forrest has posted a 31-23 record in six seasons in leading the Vikings football program as Danville has also made the IHSA state playoff field three times in those six seasons.

The biggest question facing Danville in 2023? Can theVikings develop enough overall numbers and depth to have success in the always rugged Big Twelve conference in 2023? Danville always has talent and hard nosed kids, but the line between winning in the conference and not in many cases are overall numbers and depth. If the Vikings can build up some depth this summer they will be in the upper tier of the conference race this fall. I'll predict that Danville will go 5-4 in 2023 and makes the IHSA state playoff field.

The FREE Board fans have nominated some great games for Week 1. Make sure and vote today.

Not being a smart a$$ but has BG been successful since their no tackle/contact has been enforced. I understand where they are coming from but don’t forget football is a contact sport and if you don’t practice something/tackling/hitting you won’t be good at it. This is football not pickleball!

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

Welcome to the latest feature simply called My One Big Question. I use the EDGYTIM/Marquee Sports 2022 Final Chicagoland Top 30 poll as my guide ansd break down all 30 teams and provide you My One Big Question for all 30 teams.....I will also come up with the same One Big Question for several state wide programs as well.
Today it's the 2022 Final Chicagoland Top 30 ranked and Class 3A 2022 state champion IC Catholic Prep Knights.

My One Big Question for IC Catholic Prep? Can IC Prep survive the loaded regular season schedule and still win a state title in 2023?

The 2022 season was a memorable one for IC Catholic Prep as the Knights posted 13-1 overall record and won the 2022 Class 3A state title in convincing fashion. IC Catholic Prep posted an 8-1 record with it's only loss coming to Joliet Catholic (23-22) in a game quite honestly the Knights would love to have back and a game they had several opportunities to win. Regardless, the Knights have remained one of the top small enrollment programs in the state over the last several seasons under head coach Bill Krefft.

The 2023 season bringa a new conference home for IC Catholic Prep. moving from the Metro Suburban conference to the powerful CCL/ESCC conference this fall along with fellow Metro Suburban outcast St Francis. The move no question will bring much harder games this fall for the Knights. Need proof?

2022 IC Catholic Prep schedule

Vs Montini
@JCA
Vs Elmwood Park
@ Ridgewood
@ Aurora Central Catholic
vs Wheaton Academy
@ Riverside Brookfield
@ Bishop McNamara
vs St Francis

2023 IC Catholic Prep schedule

vs Gary Bowman Prep (Gary Indiana)
vs Chicago Orr
@ Benet
vs Nazareth Academy
vs Marist
@ St Francis
vs Loyola
@ DeLaSalle
vs Fenwick

So can IC Catholic Prep survive a ramped up 2023 schedule and still win a state title? My Answer? Yes.....but it's no question an area of concern as the season wears on.

IC Catholic Prep over the past handful of seasons have proven in my mind without a doubr that in a one off game, then can hang and compete with everyone in the State of Illinois on any given night. The Knights are as well coached and well prepared as any program in Illinois, they have a very good roster and the talent level is also very high and will again be high in 2023. IC Catholic Prep's has a handful of D1 names in senior WR/DB KJ Parker along with senior TE Eric Karner while senior QB Dennis Mandala is a winner and a leader for the Knights.

My biggest area of concern no question are the overall numbers within the ICCP football program and overall numbers to take on a meat grinder of a schedule this season. Injuries happen and the Knights have been somewhat fortunate to avoid the major injury bug and that will no question need to happen this fall as well. If the Knights can first of all find at least 5 wins on the schedule (which they should) to get into the post-season, then stay somewhat healthy can you imagine say a 5-4 IC Catholic Prep team as a lowly seed in say Class 4A? Make this powerhouse program play on the road in Round 1 against any number of 9-0/8-1 Class 4A weaklings?

Next Up? Neuqua Valley

Who are the top 5 QBs coming back?

Wheaton South Tigers

Head Coach: Sean Norris

Assistant Coaches:

Sam VanHeest, DC Nate Weibye, OC Joey Wagner, OL Teo Clark, DL Tim Boecker, DB

School Nickname/Mascot: Tigers

Conference: Dukane

Team Twitter: @WWSFB


2023 Regular Season schedule (if known):

8/26 Home vs. Simeon
9/1 Lyons Township
9/8 At Geneva
9/15 Home vs. Glenbard North
9/22 Home vs. SCN
9/29 Home vs. WN
10/6 Away vs. Lake Park
10/13 Home vs. Batavia
10/20 Away vs. St. Charles East

Returning Offensive Starters for 2023:

Luca Carbonaro, Jr. QB, 6’2 180 -
Matt Crider, Sr. RB/OLB, 6’ 205 -3r
Aaron Vivar, Sr. OT, 6’2 265 -
Russell Styrkowicz, Sr. Center, 6’3 235
Max Schlegel, Sr. RB/DL, 5’10 180 -
Daijion Riley, Sr. WR/DB 5’10 168 -
Aiden Dalby, Sr. WR/DB 5’10 165 -

Returning Defensive Starters for 2023:

Connor Sliwa, Sr. Corner, 5’11 185
John Jensen, Sr. LB, 6’ 190
Lucas Rossini, Sr. LB, 6’1 185

Newcomers to Watch

Brady Goken, Jr., 6’3 220 TE
Amari Williams, Jr. WR, 6’3 170
Josh Pratt, Sr. DE, 5’11 210


2023 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?

NA

Impact Player for the Wheaton South Tigers:

Wheaton South senior RB/LB Matt Crider has been a varsity mainstay and multiple year varsity starter for Wheaton South. Crider, who will again be asked to play full time both ways at running back and linebacker is simply a highly productive playmaker who is also a major leader for the Tigers on and off the field.

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EDGY's Quick Take on the 2023 Wheaton South Tigers

Wheaton South and head coach Sean Norris posted a 3-6 record in 2022, a rare down year for one of the most storied football programs in Illinois. The Tigers welcome back a very strong core of returning starters this fall including 7 starters back on offense.

The biggest question facing Wheaton South in 2023? Can the Tigers reload on defense and find a way to compete in the always strong Dukane conference and get back into the IHSA post-season playoffs. Wheaton South at least offensively looked very solid this summer and did some good things. Matt Crider is a big time play makers and leader and look for a few more names to emerge this summer. I'll say Wheaton South gets to 6-3/5-4 record in 2023.

Not sounding good regarding high school football on TV this season. Can’t say much else except better embrace NFHS like never before sadly

Always good for discussion/debate : )