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Coach Martin leaves the Tigers with an elite winning percentage and Edwardsville has no easy task in replacing him. Seems like a lot of big names have stepped down this offseason.

Does anyone know how the CCL will look next season? I believe the way it’s set up is on a 2 year cycle, skipping the Covid year and moving 1 team up and down from each conference.

All.... Their top 20. Ratsy

Bloomington Purple Raiders

Head Coach: Scott Godfrey

Assistant Coaches:

David Godfrey Niall Mulcahy Carson Leiner Lamarea Tyra Nate Myers Chip Mosely Eric Tapley Tyler Noonan James Haffener Ian Sweeney Cory Evans


School Nickname/Mascot: Purple Raiders

Conference: Big Twelve

Team Twitter: @BHSRaiderFB

2023 Regular Season schedule (if known):

vs Richwoods
@ Normal West
vs. Peoria ND
vs. Danville
@ Normal
@ Centennial
vs. Peoria
@ Champaign Central
vs. Decatur MacArthur



Returning Offensive Starters for 2023:

A.J. Codron - QB - 6'1 205 - 2025
Garrick Dickerson - WR - 5'9 150 - 2024
Andrew McCullough - Wr - 5'11 180 - 2024
Jalen Harris - OL - 5'11 240 - 2024
Miguel Espindola - OL - 5'8 210 - 2024
Chet Swank - OL - 5'11 210 - 2024
Stephen Carr - OL - 6'3 240 - 2024
Gurvir Singh - OL - 5'10 240 - 2025


Returning Defensive Starters for 2023:

Caiden Walls - DL - 6'0 345 - 2025
Miguel Espindola - DL - 5'8 210 - 2024
Stephen Carr - DL - 6'3 240 - 2024
Justin Robinson - DL - 6'0 245 - 2025
Kenner Bye - LB - 6'0 190 - 2025
Cameron Smith - LB - 5'8 190 - 2024
Dayquan Vanleer - DB - 6'1 160 - 2024
Surya Signh - DB - 5'7 150 - 2024


Newcomers to Watch

Mike Kimmell - LB - 5'10 190 - 2025
J.R. Beasley - OL/DL - 6'1 255 - 2025
Chance French - OL - 5'11 220 - 2025
Noah Moss - DL - 5'8 235 - 2025
Carter Tindall - WR/DB - 6'1 170 - 2026
Keyontae Hamilton - WR/DB - 5'8 135 - 2026
Jordan Norton - QB/WR/DB - 5'9 150 - 2026

2023 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?

Washington 7on7/Lineman


Impact Player for Bloomington:

Bloomington junior QB AJ Codron is a name to watch this fall for the Purple Raiders. Codron, who started for the Purple Raiders in 2022 made progress as the season wore on and will be asked to ramp up his game again this coming fall.

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EDGY's Quick Take on the 2023 Bloomington Purple Raiders:

Bloomington and head coach Scott Godfrey in 2022 posted a 3-6 record and missed the IHSA state playoff field. Godfrey is entering his 6th season in charge of the Purple Raiders program and has posted a 19-22 record.

The biggest question facing Bloomington in 2023? Can the Purple Raiders ramp up it's game this fall and take advantage of a roster that welcomes back a ton of varsity experience in 16 returning starters (8 offense 8 defense). I'm looking for the Purple Raiders to find a way to get to say a 5-4 record and get back into the IHSA post-season for the first time since 2018.

As someone who is just getting back into high school football, I have consistently heard the issues with referees and the shortage of them. Where is this most prevalent outside of city limits?

South Elgin Storm

Head Coach: Dragan Teonic

Assistant Coaches:

Chris Capps - DL/ST Steve Szpejnowski - DC/LB/WR Terry Schabert - OLB/RB Scott Smith - OL/OLB Dan Sanders - TE/DE Don Guindon - WR/DB Sergio Avina - OL/DL David Zimmerman - RB/LB


School Nickname/Mascot: Storm

Conference: Upstate 8

Team Twitter: @SouthElginFB

2023 Regular Season schedule (if known):

Week 1 - West Chicago
Week 2 - @ Glenbard East (BIG GAME)
Week 3 - Fenton
Week 4 - @ Larkin (Elgin Memorial Stadium)
Week 5 - @ East Aurora
Week 6 - Glenbard South
Week 7 - Elgin
Week 8 - @ Bartlett
Week 9 - Streamwood



Returning Offensive Starters for 2023:

RB - Ari Kravis (SR, 5'10" 200)
OL - Tommy Roath (SR, 5'11" 265)
OL - Aaron Ayares (JR, 6'0" 250)
OL - Mo Hanif (Part-time starter, 5'11" 255)
TE - Ishmael George (JR, 6'2" 210)
WR - Lucas Noworol (SR, 5'11" 185)
WR - Kyle Corbin (SR, 5'10" 175)


Returning Defensive Starters for 2023:

FS - Shawn Clausen (SR, 6'0" 180)
OLB - Lucas Noworol (Part-time starter, SR, 5'11" 185)
DL - Jayden Hartley (JR, 5'10" 245)
DL - Chris Griffin (Part-time starter, 6'3" 205)


Newcomers to Watch

OL/DL - Joey Cronin (SR, 6'1" 230)
QB - Jack Ginnan (JR, 6'0" 175)
WR - Brandon Berrios (JR, 6'0" 185)
WR - Nick Sietmann (JR, 6'1" 195)
TE/DE - Frank Macaluso (SO, 6'2" 200)
WR/DB - DeAngelo McCullough (JR, 5'9" 155)
LB - Mike Urso (SR, 5'11" 195)
WR/DB - Stewart Williams (JR, 5'10" 160)
RB/LB - London LeFlore (JR, 6'0" 190)
LB -D'Andre Bartee (JR, 5'10" 185)
DB/WR - Nico Barkho (JR, 5'10" 165)
DE - Carter Beucler (JR, 6'1" 190)
OL - Nemesio Cortez (SO, 6'2" 265)


2023 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?

Lake Zurich (June)
Hersey (July)
Brownsburg, IN (July)
St. Charles North (July)


Impact Player for South Elgin:

South Elgin and veteran head coach Dragan Teonic will look towards senior TE Ishmael George as a leader for the Storm both on and off the field in 2023. George, who will most likely see playing time at defensive end this coming season is a high level athlete who will continue to draw recruiting attention this fall.

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EDGY's Quick Take on the 2023 South Elgin Storm:

South Elgin and veteran head coach Dragan Teonic in 2022 was able to lead the Storm to the Upstate 8 conference title and an undefeated 9-0 regular season. South Elgin The Storm made the Class 8A state playoff field as a top seed, defeated Belleville East then lost to Maine South in second round action (which wound up being a 1-0 forfeit win over Maine South due to an IHSA violation) to finish the 2022 season. South Elgin has made the IHSA state playoff field in four stright seasons and has also won 10 or more games in back to back seasons in 2021 and 2022 under Dragan Teonic.

The biggest question facing South Elgin in 2023? Can the Storm once again run the table in the Upstate 8, get back into the post-season and make a deeper run in 8A? South Elgin welcomes back a really nice core of 10 returning starters (6 offense 4 defense) but they also have some key positions to fill most importantly under center at quarterback. Loom for the Storm to again battle conference rival Glenbard South for the Upstate 8 conference title and to again get back into Class 8A state playoff field.

I know schools like SHG and MC have invested heavily in getting home fields on campus in recent years and moving away from longstanding, larger publicly owned rental facilities.

I see the nursing home adjacent to JCA is set to be demolished in the near future. The Herald News mentioned that since the Sisters of St. Francis own both JCA and the retirement home that JCA would have right of first refusal to purchase the property. It is a large property with lots of possibility. I have no inside knowledge and am merely speculating, but if the school could fundraise and find the capital, then that could be the property that allows the construction of a home facility for football, soccer, etc.

Memorial Stadium has been home for over 70 years and the big game atmosphere there with 10,000 in the stands is hard to give up. But high school crowds are fractions of what they used to be and a home facility would certainly be tempting. Partnering with youth football, soccer, or baseball organizations or even the park district could help offset the cost if there is mutual interest. If not, I am sure there would be rental interest once built.

Once again, there is no news here other than that the property adjacent to JCA will be demolished and it sounds like the school has dibs on the property if it has interest. To buy or not to buy will certainly be an interesting decision. The school also owns lots of property behind the school which is largely open space for lower level practices/open space but it is pretty far off the beaten path. The nursing home property would offer a closer walk from the school and a more prominent location to house a sports facility.

Oak Lawn Richards Bulldogs

Head Coach: Anthony Sheehan

Assistant Coaches:

Jim Bolhuis, Rick Pratl, Jeff Kortz, Adam Ziemba, Kris Korhonen, Tommy Makuch, Justin Harris, Chris Elliott, Austin O'Leary, Joe Bailey, Ryan Russell, Eric Schultz, Nick Grabarek, Jeff Kopf, Jake Moran and Matt Royce


School Nickname/Mascot: Bulldogs

Conference: South Suburban Red

Team Twitter: @HLR_Football

2023 Regular Season schedule (if known):

8/25 vs Morgan Park
9/1 @ Libertyville
9/8 vs Eisenhower
9/15 @ Oak Lawn
9/22 @ Evergreen Park
9/29 vs Shepard
10/6 vs Argo
10/13 vs Lemont
10/19 @ Reavis



Returning Offensive Starters for 2023:

Quinn Hunt OL 6' 220 24
Xavier Bush OL 6'1 220 24
Paul Parker TE 6'3 215 24
Myles Mitchell RB 5'11 185 25.
Riley Lamphere WR 6' 185 24
Ryan Goldsmith OL 6'4 295 25


Returning Defensive Starters for 2023:

Neil Glynn LB/DL 6'2 210 24
Ricky Pratl LB 5'9 185 24
Shaun Reynolds DB 5'9 170 24
Philip Robinson DL 6'3 210 24


Newcomers to Watch

Ahmad Buchanan DB/WR 6' 178 26.
AJ Pawlecki WR 5'9 165 24
Seamus Doyle DB/WR 6' 175 25
Chase Dyrier LB 6'1 185 25
DJ Newman QB 5'10 175 24
Luis Perez DL/K 5'11 190 24


2023 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?

7 on 7
@ Crown Point June 8
@ HLR v Marist, Lyons and Lockport June 15
@ LWE vs all LW schools July 18
Team Joint
@HLR vs Sandburg June 21
@ Lockport July 13
@ LWC July 19


Impact Player for Oak Lawn Richards:

Oak Lawn Richards junior RB Myles Mitchell (5-foot-11, 185 pounds) is a name on a serious rise this past spring snd summer in recruiting circles. Mitchell has an impressive combination of size, speed and athleticism and is an every down back with good hands, speed and burst. Mitchell is already drawing recruiting looks from multiple schools this summer.

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EDGY's Quick Take on the 2023 Oak Lawn Richards Bulldogs:

Oak Lawn Richards and veteran head coach Anthony Sheehan was able to lead the Bulldogs to the 2022 Class 6A state playoff field along with winning the South Suburban Red conference title. Richards posted a 6-3 regular season record in 2022 then lost to eventual Class 6A champion East St. Louis in opening round action. Richards head coach Anthony Sheehan has posted a 115-42 record in 14 seasons and has led the Bulldogs to the IHSA state playoffs in every season he's been in charge except in his first season as head coach in 2008.

The biggest question facing Richards in 2023? Can the Bulldogs reload a bit on both sides of the football especially in a few key spots (QB/DL) and keep up it's winning ways. Look for the Bulldogs to once again be one of the favorites to win the South Suburban Red conference in 2023 and for the Bulldogs tyo again make the Class 6A state playoff field. Richards has been eliminated from the post-season in three straight playoff seasons (2022/2021/2019) ane can hopefully avoid the Flyers this fall.

Lyons Township Lions

Head Coach: Jon Beutjer

Assistant Coaches:

Bryan Bergman Mark Kropke Kevin Diete Jason Kurey Jason Brauer Brennan Quick Jerry Rigo Kyle Simms


School Nickname/Mascot: Lions

Conference: West Suburban Silver

Team Twitter: @LyonsTwpFball

2023 Regular Season schedule (if known):

8-25 - Prospect
9-1 - Wheaton Warrenville South
9-8 - Hinsdale Central
9-16 - Glenbard West
9-22 - Proviso West
9-29 - OPRF
10-6 - Downers Grove North
10-14 - York
10-20 - Proviso East

Returning Offensive Starters for 2023:

QB - Ryan Jackson 2024
RB - Jack Cheney 2024
WR - Travis Stamm 2025
WR - Noah Pfafflin 2024
WR - Jack McQueeney 2024
OT - Eddie Tuerk 2024
C - Cooper Komsthoeft 2025

Returning Defensive Starters for 2023:

DL - Eddie Tuerk 2024
DL - Luke Wehling 2024
LB - Noah Pfafflin 2024
DB - Caleb Greer 2024
DB - Danny Montesano 2024


Newcomers to Watch

Danny Zarco - OL/DL - 2024
Thomas Townsend - LB - 2024
Ian Gamino - LB - 2024
Kale Atterberry - DL - 2024
Charlie Vilk - LB - 2024
Dylan Rickman - RB - 2024
Tommy Newcomb - K - 2024
Tyler Chambers OL/DL - 2025
Brady Ryan - OL/DL - 2025
Tucker King - LB/TE - 2025

2023 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?

June 15th - 7 on 7 @ Richards
June 23rd - 7 on 7 @ West Aurora
June 27th - WSC 7 on 7
July 13th - Joint practice with Glenbard South
July 15th - 7 on 7 @ DGS


Impact Player for Lyons Township:

Lyons Township senior 4 star ranked OL/DL Eddie Tuerk is already verbally committed to Illinois, and Tuerk had offers from multiple Power 5 programs from across the country. Tuerk, who will play full time on both sides of the football again this fall for Lyons is truly an impact player on both sides of the football and will alsp be one of the top linemen in the State of Illinois for the 2023 season.

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EDGY's Quick Take on the 2023 Lyons Township Lions:

Lyons Township and head coach Jon Beutjer led the Lions to a 7-2 regular season record in 2022. Lyons made the 2022 Class 8A state playoff field, defeated Naperville Central and Plainfield North before losing to eventual Class 8A state champion Loyola Academy in the quarterfinal round.

The biggest question facing Lyons Township in 2023? Can the Lions reload in a handful of key spots, develop a bit more depth this summer and make a deep run in the West Suburban Silver and also in Class 8A? I really like what Lyons welcomes back in 2023 including an experienced quarterback and offensive skills, Eddie Tuerk plus good remaining talent on the roster. The West Suburban Silver is always stacked and I look for Lyons to wind uyp again as say a 7-2 regular season record and to again challnenge all comers in the Class 8A field this fall.

This is an article and I do think a healthy debate can be has. This is one of the first articles I've seen in awhile that touches on the transfer merry-go-round.

But I think Millar could have gone deeper and raised the overall issue of the transfer era. Yes, I know it's basketball articles but we are also seeing it affect football.

Millar had an opportunity to at least scrutinize the issue with IHSA. Don't have to say your opinion, right or wrong, whatever side you're on. But wish it at least went more on the increase lately, how it's affecting HS sports, what IHSA thinks, etc

I have no problem w AJ Hinch and think he’s the front runner. But why isn’t Alex Cora or Joey Cora getting any mention? W as many foreign players on the roster, you would think a manger w their make up would be of interests to them. Maybe they are interviewing them.

I know Hinch and Alex Cora played a role in cheating but that is the only way they’d have a shot at a manager w World Series experience.

they wouldn’t do it again - you’d hope.

Eureka Hornets

Head Coach: Jason Bachman

Assistant Coaches:

Kyle Johnson -Offensive Coordinator Eric Seim- Defensive Coordinator Doug Ferguson- Special Teams Coordinator Josh Harper- F/S Defensive Coordinator Craig Hibbard -F/S Offensive Coordinator


School Nickname/Mascot: Hornets

Conference: Heart of Illinois Conference Large

Team Twitter:

2023 Regular Season schedule (if known):

08/18/2023* Fri vs. Green and White Scrimmage H 7:00 PM McCollum Field -
08/25/2023* Fri @ Canton A 7:30 PM Canton -
09/01/2023* Fri @ Shelbyville A 7:00 PM Shelbyville -
09/08/2023* Fri vs. Clinton H 7:00 PM McCollum Field -
09/15/2023* Fri vs. GCMS H 7:00 PM McCollum Field -
09/22/2023* Fri vs. Dee Mack H 7:00 PM McCollum Field -
09/29/2023* Fri @ Tremont A 7:00 PM Tremont -
10/06/2023* Fri vs. El Paso-Gridley H 7:00 PM McCollum Field -
10/13/2023* Fri @ Ridgeview/Lexington A 7:00 PM Ridgeview/Lexington -
10/20/2023* Fri vs. Tri Valley H 7:00 PM McCollum Field


Returning Offensive Starters for 2023:

Mason Boles- RB 5-10 200 2024
John McDonald- TE 6-2 210 2024
Dax Marvin- C 5-10 185 2024
Ryan Fuller-T 6-2 270 2025
Adam Evans- G 5-10 200 2024
Mason Stoller- TE 5-10 185 2025


Returning Defensive Starters for 2023:

Mason Boles- LB 5-10 200 2024
John McDonald- OLB 6-2 210 2024
Garret Smith- NG 5-11 175 2024

Newcomers to Watch

Dawson Dorn- QB 5-11 170 2024
Gabe Schmidt- WR 6-0 160 2024
Tanner Wiegand-RB/LB 5-11 175 2025
Tory Kupferschmid- WR/S 5-11 170 2025
Ben Lapp- RB/LB- 5-11 170 2025

2023 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?

IHSFCA 7 on 7 Tournament 3a division
Princeton 7 on 7
Washington 7 on 7
Team Camp at Millikin University


Impact Player for Eureka:

Eureka senior TE/LB John McDonald (6-foot-2, 210 pounds) is a talented two way full time player for the Hornets who is also a multi-sport athlete. Look for McDonald to draw increased recruiting looks and attention this summer and fall.

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EDGY's Quick Take on the 2023 Eureka Hornets:

Eureka and head coach Jason Bachman posted a 7-2 regular season record and won the Herat of Illinois Large conference title in 2022. Eureka made the 2022 Class 3A state playoff field, defeated Beardstown then lost to Williamsville in second round action to finish the season with an 8-3 record. Eureka under Jason Bachman has made the IHSA state playoffs for 6 straight seasons and Bachman has a 52-42 record in 10 seasons as the Eureka head coach.

The biggest question facing Eureka in 2023? Can the Hornets reload in several key positions and make another run in the IHSA state playoff and defend it's HOIC large title this fall? Eureka has been on a nice roll over the past handfulof season and I'll say the Hornets end up again with say a 7=2 record in 2023 and makes another state playoff appearance in 2023.

Hi guys,

I've been chatting lately with some of the "powers that be" that can make some things happen on the IHSA TV telecast for football (and hoops too). I figured I'd ask you guys for some ideas that make sense for the broadcast and overall coverage of IHSA football throughout the season, during the postseason and ending at the State Finals.

What we know:

*Pairings Show set up stays the same for 2023
*Finals at ISU create an interesting production challenge for the moment. (Remember: It's been 25 years, a whole new generation trying to make that work.)

So what would you like to see when it comes to IHSA Football coverage at the state level? (Please keep in mind the realities of television in today's economy).

I have a few grand ideas I'm already working on (would be happy to share if you'd like) but curious about the big and small stuff. Graphics need to be better, pronunciations, etc. Forget the "talent" aspect of it or who you want on the broadcast. What would make yours and student-athlete experiences better?

Hope you're all having a great summer!

-Matt Rodewald

Just a place to break down the 2023 SWS Blue conference race.

Top teams to watch? Sleeper team to watch? Player of the Year in the conference? Game of the Year? Lets talk SWSB for 2023 here

Argo Argonauts

Head Coach: Phillip Rossberg

Assistant Coaches:

Varsity: Jason Korkosz - RB/DBs - ST Coordinator - Assistant Head Coach Justin Malec - LBs - Defensive Coordinator Patrick Wertz - OL/DL - Specialist and Defensive Assistant Christian Klotz - WR - Co-Offensive Coordinator Frosh-Soph: Mike Mathieu James Pino Jacques Moses


School Nickname/Mascot: Argonauts

Conference: South Suburban Red

Team Twitter: @argo_football

2023 Regular Season schedule (if known):

08/25/2023 Fri 6:00 PM vs. Muchin College Prep Home Argo Stadium -
09/02/2023 Sat 12:00 PM @ Bloom High School Away Bloom High School -
09/08/2023 Fri 7:00 PM vs. Oak Lawn Community Hs - Homecoming 2023 Home Argo Stadium -
09/16/2023 Sat 1:00 PM @ Reavis High School Away Reavis High School -
09/22/2023 Fri 6:00 PM vs. Shepard High School Home Argo Stadium -
09/29/2023 Fri 6:00 PM vs. Eisenhower High School Home Argo Stadium -
10/06/2023 Fri 6:30 PM @ Richards High School Away Richards High School -
10/13/2023 Fri 7:00 PM @ Evergreen Park High School Away Evergreen Park High School -
10/19/2023 Thu 6:00 PM vs. TF South Home Argo Stadium

Returning Offensive Starters for 2023:

Tadeo Sierra QB 6' 2" 190 2024
Robert Jendral OL/DL 5' 10" 235 2024
Leonardo Marquez OL/DL 6' 2" 270 2024
Tavares Williams WR/LB 5' 10" 175 2024
Daniel Gil WR/DB 6' 2" 175 2024
Maciej jarosz TE/LB 6' 1" 215 2025
Luis Salazar OL/DL 5' 10" 266 2024
Beandre Dugans WR/DB 5' 9" 150 2024

Returning Defensive Starters for 2023:

Maciej jarosz TE/LB 6' 1" 215 2025
Abel Alvarado OL/DL 5' 9" 210 2024
Jakub Jarosz TE/LB 6' 1" 200 2025
Jacob Fries TE/LB 6' 0" 185 2024
Jayce Payne WR/DB 5' 10" 160 2024
Beandre Dugans WR/DB 5' 9" 150 2024

Newcomers to Watch

Steven Holmes RB/DB 5' 10" 175 2025
Kacper Lobas K/P 6'2" 180 2025
Javoris Cotton WR/DB 5' 11" 165 2025
Daniel Choragwicki LB/DL 5' 10" 220 2025
Terryon Taylor WR/LB 6'1" 185 2025
Remy Avalos OL/DL 6'1" 220 2025



2023 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?

Riverside Brookfield - Joint Practice - @Argo High School - July 20th - 3:30pm


Impact Player for Argo:

Argo senior TE/LB Maciej Jarosz is a talented two way starter and multi-year varsity letterman for the Argonauts and Jarosz will be again asked to provide leadership on and off the field in 2023 along with production on both sides of the football.



EDGY's Quick Take on the 2023 Argo Argonauts:

Argo and head coach Phillip Rossberg led the Argonauts to the Class 7A state playoff field for the first time since the 2013 season. Argo finished the regular season with a 5-4 record in 2022 then lost in the Class 7A opening round to Hersey to end the season.

The biggest question facing Argo in 2023? Can the Argonauts repeat and make back to back IHSA state playoff field appearance for the first time in school history? The Atgonauts welcomes back a strong core of 14 returning starters (8 offense 6 defense) and includes several kids who have seen a ton of varsity playing experience. Look for Argo to challenge again in the South Suburban red conference race and I'll say Argo winds up with a 6-3 record in 2023 and makes a return IHSA state playoff appearance.

IMPORTANT: This content is strictly intended for the EDGY Nation subscribers ONLY and you do NOT have my permission to share anywhere on social media. Please respect my authority and copyright please!

Preseason Top 30 Chicagoland Poll: The Conference Dive

So see the above link for my first step towards getting my Preseason Top 30 poll completed for the preseason. Next Up? Which teams fit at which level>

Which Level? It's pretty simple I feel.....I sort out the conference winners and runner ups who made the Step 1 and then place them into a few different levels.

High Level- Teams I feel have the potential to be a Top 10-12 ranked team in Chicagoland for the 20-23 season. I won't go too deep into each teams but if you wish ask me questions and I'm always happy to try to answer.

Mid Level: Teams I feel who could be ranked 13-25 range.

Knocking on the Door Level Teams: Teams ranked 25 to 40 range.

High Level (in no order):
Lyons Township- strong senior class returning tons of varsity game experience in 2023/has some key play makers

Warren Township- Kings of the North (Suburban) defense always keeps them in games, playoff/battle tested

Providence Catholic- Year 1 under Tyler Plantz was no fluke. Lots of returning starters back in 2023/schedule is good but not overwhelming

Lockport- Young team in 2022 will be back with lots of numbers and depth in 2023. Schedule is also manageable.

Marist- Always talented always well prepared and always in the hunt.

Nazareth Academy- maybe the youngest and most experienced team in Illinois in 2023. Lots of play makers here. Schedule is a big challenge.

Batavia- Maybe not the star power of 2022 but this is also a very deep team in 2023. Ryan Boe is a potential MVP candidate

Maine South- regardsless of the off the field issues, the Hawks have a lot back and talent on both sides of the football.

Mount Carmel- Deeper than the 2022 team and truly has depth at every position this summer. Tons of star power and talent returns.

Loyola- new coach same talent, same overall numbers and same winning Loyola tradition.

LW East- Lots to like again from East including experience in key spots, depth and overall numbers. Also this team is hungry after last year's 8A loss to Loyola.

York- The Dukes seem to be the next big program on the rise. The Dukes have talent back and lots of increased numbers in the program.

Mid Level (in no order):

Palatine- The Pirates have some big time talent back led by RB Dominik Ball (Tulane) and junior DE Jaylen Williams and seem to be ready for a big season in 2023.

Hersey- Lots to like here led by an offense that will score points in bunches and keep an eye on junior TE Logan Farrell, junior QB Colton Gumino along with senior WR Carson Grove while Iowa commit OL/DL Will Nolan is an impact player up front in 2023.

Prairie Ridge-The Wolves welcome back a ton on both the offensive and defensive lines in 2023 including junior OL Gavin Tisch, and whenever PR has experience and talent up front look out! FYI this team will also be in 5A in 2023.

Glenbard West- The Ellens brothers (senior RB Julius Ellens and junior DB Mason Ellens) are explosive athletes to watch and the Hilltoppers jiust always seem to find a way.

IC Catholic Prep The Knights are no question one of the top programs in Chicagoland regardless of class size and can and will battle all comers in 2023. The regular season schedule is brutal but the talent level has never been higher as well.

Brother Rice- The Crusaders are looking for a better season in 2023 and have some key kids back in the fold including QB Marcus Brown, OL Conor Kinzinger along with RB Randall Nauden and junior LB Christian Pierce is already a Power 5 recruit.

Neuqua Valley- The DVC has been just ok over the past handful of years....but NV looks strong again this summer. Keep an eye on senior QB Ryan Mohler and senior WR/DB Miles Miskel plus junior TE Ryan Mascariand senior WQR Carter Stare are all key names to watch.

St. Charles North- The North Stars always have talent and always have
numbers....and sophomore QB Ethan Plumb I feel is on the verge of a huge breakout season sooner rather than later. Senior TE/LB Jake Furtney is easily one of the best two way players in Illinois this fall. The overall talent level is strong here.

Kenwood- The Broncos already have a ton of talent already on hand, then add in former Bolingbrook WR I'marion Stewart and wow. Senior 4 star DE Marquise Lightfoot (Miami Fla) is truly an impact/game changer and the roster is just stacked with talent on bioth sides of the football.

Kankakee The Kays have a new head coach in Miles Osei who is already making a positive impact on this already strong program. OL Marques Easley (Georgia) is a monster and the Kays are also loaded with speed and skills again in 2023. Senior RB/WR Tony Phillips is a D1 talent along with senior DB Tyrone Kennedy Jr. and junior LB Kennarius Chandler.

St Rita- The Mustangs lost a lot to graduation but still have a nice core remaining to work around. Senior QB Jett Hilding has varsity experience under his belt and also keep an eye on big back senior DJ Stewart while juniorLB James Kingsbury is another experienced name to watch this season.

Morgan Park- Kenwood might get more3 of the headlines out of the CPL...but do not overlook the Mustangsa. Head coach Chris James is building a program at his alma matter and this team is also loaded with a ton of varsity experience kids led by senior 4 star ATH Tysean Griffin (Illinois) senior ATH Jovan Clark plus senior WR/DB Chris "Slim Reaper" Durr Jr. and junior QB Marcus Thaxton continues to develop and impress.

Lockport Porters

Head Coach: George Czart

Assistant Coaches:

Bret Kooi Mark Carmen Dave Pammer Ryan Russell Jimmy Fox Robb Schultz Pete Kishline Mike Taylor Derek Freiberg Erik Carlson Zach Vargas Bo Starkey Kevin Bolling Ron Kulwinski Kyle Cook Mike Schroeder Troy Holder Rotell Calmes Jason Frieri Ken Ferry Colton Burdette Jon Ryan Joe Dunlap

School Nickname/Mascot: Porters

Conference: Southwest Suburban Blue

Team Twitter:

2023 Regular Season schedule (if known):

@ Plainfield North
@ Wheaton North
vs Naperville Central
@ Sandburg
@ Bradley Bourbonnais
vs Lincoln-Way East
vs Andrew
@ Bolingbrook
vs Homewood-Flossmoor

Returning Offensive Starters for 2023:


*Started at either QB or DB *Drew Gallagher/QB or LB/6’2/185/24
**Started because of injuries **Eli Beltran/RB/5’5/165/24
**Aiden Preciado/RB/5’4/170/24
Christos Alexandros/OL/6’1/300/24
***Starters that had season ending injuries as juniors
***Tanner Benaitis/WR/5’10/175/24
***Kevin Holland/WR/6’1/185/24



Returning Defensive Starters for 2023:

Nathan Blazewski/K/5’9/160/24
Jameson Clark/LB/6’/
Chase Creed/LB/6’1/220/24
Mateas Foltys/DE/6’2/185/24
Dallas Gorski/DE/6’/250/24
Shane Kozak/DB/5’8/150/24
Danny Stevens/DB/5’11/170/24
John Sherrod/LB/6’/195/25



Newcomers to Watch

Johnny Wesolowski/RB/5'10/170/25
Mike Pratt/DL/6'3/270/26
Josh Ahrens/WR/6'1/170/24


2023 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?

We will go to Naperville North on 6/20.
We will also do a day with L-Way West on 6/22.
We will practice with Richards on 7/13.


Impact Player for Lockport:

Lockport senior LB Jameson Clark is a multi-year starter who will again be asked to provide leadership along with a high level of production for the Porters this fall.

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EDGY's Quick Take on the 2023 Lockport Porters:

Lockport and head coach George Czart posted a 5-5overall record in 2022. The Porters finished the regular season with a 5-4 record, made the Class 8A state playoff field and lost to Glenbard West in opening round action. Lockport has made back to back IHSA state playoff field under George Czart who has posted a 26-13 record in 4 seasons.

The biggest question facing Lockport in 2023? Can the Porters reload a bit on offense and catch a break or two in the health department and make a deeper run in Class 8A for 2023? Lockport will again have a rsoter filled with impressive talent along with plenty of overall numbers and depth. The offense will be a bit green in spots, but the defense welcomes back 8 returning starters this summer. Look for Lockport to be a contender in the SW Suburban Blue and I sat the Porters wind up with a 7-2 regular season record in 2023. Lockport could also wind up being a very nice preseason sleeper team to watch.

The former Ohio State wide receiver announced Thursday that he is transferring to Iowa, choosing to become a Hawkeye just four days after he entered his name into the transfer portal

Junior and Senior Legain used to be huge down here - now Belleville Hillgards are in the past. Very few Legion Halls have teams anymore. The teams feed into a national tournament at the end of the summer. It was free too. What happened?