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2023 Team Preview: Rochelle Hubs

Rochelle Hubs

Head Coach:
Kyle Kissack

Assistant Coaches:

Brett Zick Erick Olson Adrian Smith Justin Otte Brian Worthington Max Basler John Gonzales Mike Dale Rich Harvey Kent Lodico


School Nickname/Mascot: Hubs

Conference: Kishwaukee River/Interstate 8

Twitter: @RTHS_Football

2023 Regular Season schedule (if known):

8/25 @ Woodstock
9/1 Morton
9/8 Johnsburg
9/15 @ Harvard
9/22 @ Sycamore
9/29 Marengo
10/6 @ Sandwich
10/13 Plano
10/20 @ Richmond-Burton

Returning Offensive Starters for 2023:

Kaiden Morris - - RG - - 6'1 - - 225 - - 2025
Landon Mickley - - RT - - 6'7 - - 370 - - 2024
Jack Pavlak - - TE - - 6'1 - - 190 - - 2025
Erich Metzger - - FB - - 5'10 - - 185 - - 2025

Returning Defensive Starters for 2023:

Kaiden Morris - - DT - - 6'1 - - 225 - - 2025
Alex Pemberton - - DT - - 6'0 - - 250 - - 2025
Jack Pavlak - - DE - - 6'1 - - 190 - - 2025
Brock Metzger - - ILB - - 6'1 - - 195 - - 2024
Erich Metzger - - ILB - - 5'10 - - 185 - - 2025
Tommy Tourdot - - C - - 5'6 - - 135 - - 2024
Xavier Villalobos - - C - - 5'5 - - 135 - - 2025
Grant Gensler - - FS - - 6'0 - - 170 - - 2025


Newcomers to Watch

Brode Metzger - - RB/OLB - - 6'3 - - 205 - - 2026
Carson Lewis - - QB - - 5'10 - - 175 - - 2025
Jack Carmichael - - LT - - 5'10 - - 230 - - 2025
Elijah Harley - - RB/OLB/SS - - 6'0 - - 180 - - 2025
Ethan Goodwin - - RB/OLB/SS - - 5'11 - - 185 - - 2025



2023 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?

TBA


Impact Player for Rochelle:

Rochelle senior RB/FS Grant Gensler is a talented, speedy and athletic two way starter for the Hubs. Gensler is one of a handful of Hubs who has been a varsity srarter since his sophomore season. Gensler, who is the younger brother of former Rochelle and current NIU S Grant Gensler has impressive film and is in line for a big 2023 season on both sides of the football.


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EDGY's Quick Take on the 2023 Rochelle Hubs:

Rochelle has been a rock solid and highly successful football program for decades now first under Hall of Fame head coach Kevin Crandall and now under his former starting quarterback in Kyle Kissack. The Hubs in 2022 posted 7-2 regular season record and then was a playoff qualifier in Class 4A. The Hubs defeated Dixon and Johnsburg in the first two rounds, then lost to St. Francis in the Class 4A quarterfinal round.

My biggest question for Rochelle this summer? Can the Hubs once again reload and get it's overall numbers and depth up this summer? Rochelle is a proud football community that always seems to reload better than most programs. I look for Rochelle to post say a 7-2/6-3 record this fall then to get back into the Class 5A state playoff field. This program is always capable of making a run in the post-season.
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Video: Session 3 Thursday NCC Camp OL vs DL 1on1's

DO NOT SHARE these random clips from last night's North Central College camp OL vs DL One on Ones please....I will re-release a few days down the rod for free...and a reminder this is copywritten material that you need my permission to release on any social media etc.

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Below are several names/numbers in the video. Please take note...the roster includes several multiple kids using the same number so I did my best to sort out the correct one. If I'm missing any just please post it and I will add/correct it. Thanks

R = 2024
B = 2025
W = 2026/2027

74 R Arnold Walker West Aurora
91 R Simeon Zarling Kettle Moraine Wisc
68 R Jackson Metzdorff Bloomington Central Catholic
76 R Jeremiah Gwin Glenbard North
47 R Danny Zarco Lyons Township
65 R Carter Kadow Middleton HS Wisc
67 R Chib Ibegbulem Bartlett
62 R Eliot Van DerMale Minooka
72 R Aiden Gomez St Patrick
98 R ?????
70 R Gus Dammann Hersey
63 R Gabe Terstriep Quincy ND
71 R Jacob Rueckert Glenbrook South
96 R Dan Theiss St Francis
93 R Cody Heeringa Batavia
79 R Ethan Sather Hersey
90 R DeLaurence Ross Hope Academy
77 R Pavle Jovanovic Hersey
64 R Jack Prairie Bradley
51 R Trevor Schuetz Lake Zurich
66 R Trenton Mason Fairfield
73 R Darryol Lee Kankakee
56 R Jacob Melody Glenbard North
52 R Luke Becker Marist
58 R Nick Esposito College of DuPage
99 R Alexander Poholik Mount Carmel

74 B Joshua Crandall Oregon
57 B Dominik Bitz DePaul Prep
68 B Tyler Fortis Maine South
71 B Briggs Sellers Oregon
86 B Peter Strbac Maine South
64 B Michael Nolan Marquette U High Wisc
75 B Robert Grant Wheaton Academy
77 B Vinny Knudtson Montini Catholic
70 B Okiki Oyekanmi Metea Valley
69 B Fredrick Finnegan Hinsdale South
73 B Tristan Thomas Yorkville

70 W King Liggins Brother Rice
74 W Gabriel Hill Naperville North

2023 Team Preview: East Moline United Panthers

East Moline United Panthers

Head Coach:
Nick Welsh

Assistant Coaches:


Tom Howe Doug Williams Matt Martin Sean Kane Travon Aldridge Matthew McCarthy Omar Hernandez Brian Petersen Otto Linderman Ethan Pearson Loyd Hubbard

School Nickname/Mascot: Panthers

Conference:
Western Big Six

Twitter: @uthsfootball

2023 Regular Season schedule (if known):

1: v. LaSalle Peru
2: v. Muchin College Prep
3: v. Sterling
4: @ Geneseo
5: v. Quincy
6: @ Rock Island
7: v. Moline
8: Open (Alleman forfeit)
9: @ Galesburg


Returning Offensive Starters for 2023:

QB - Matthew Kelley (5'11"/175#/2024)
RB - Carlitos Manso (5'6"/165#/2024)
TE - Grayson Anderson (6'1"/230#/2024)
TE - Evan Santilli (6'1"/228#/2024)
WR - Korey Randle (5'11"/175#/2024)
OL - Jacob VandeWiele (6'4"/280#/2024)
OL - Mike Kpomassy (5'11"/245#/2025)
OL - Nik McBride (5'6"/256#/2025)
OL - Aaron Clifford (5'11"/225/2024)
OL - Andy Adame (5'11"/195/2024)



Returning Defensive Starters for 2023:

DB - Korey Randle (5'11"/175#/2024)
DB - Anass Issifou (5'10"/165#/2024)
Safety - Gabriel Kpomassy (6'1"/195#/2024)
Safety - Isaiah Navarrete (5'9"/160#/2026)
Safety - :Leroy Coleman (5'10"/175#/2024)
LB - Grayson Anderson (6'1"/230#/2024)
LB - Evan Santilli (6'1"/228#/2024)
LB - Chase Cassini (5'11"/180#/2025)
DL - Payton Birdsley (6'/225#/2024)
DL - Ekoue Amoussou (6'/272#/2024)


Newcomers to Watch

LB - Xzavier Mason 2024
WR/DB - Jasiah Massey 2026
OL - Eli Oppenheimer 2026
OL/DL - Tristan Wallarab 2026
TE/LB - S. Dzadu 2024


2023 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?

PV 7 v 7 League
NIU 7 v 7
Joint practices with Dekalb and Johnsburg


Impact Player for United Township:

United Township senior QB Matthew Kelley is one of several names to watch this coming season f0r the Panthers. Kelley is a multi-year starter for the Panthers and will again be asked to provide offensive production with both his arm and his legs again in 2023.

.
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EDGY's Quick Take on the 2023 United Township Panthers:

United Township and head coach Nick Welsh struggled to a 1-8 record in 2022 as the Panthers was jsut unable to find a way of slowing down opposing offenses last fall and gave up an alarming 407 points in 9 games.

The Panthers despite the struggles last season have a lot to look forward towards returning 10 starters back on each side of the football in 2023. I'm looking for the Panthers to be much improved this fall and for East Moline to challenge for 5 wins and a state playoff berth in 2023.
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Video: Session 2 Wednesday NCC Camp OL vs DL 1on1's

DO NOT SHARE these random clips from last night's North Central College camp OL vs DL One on Ones please....I will re-release a few days down the rod for free...and a reminder this is copywritten material that you need my permission to release on any social media etc.

I'll list some of the names/numbers below

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Below are several names/numbers in the video. Pleazw take note...the roster includes several multiple kids using the same number so I did my best to sort out the correct one. If I'm missing any just please post it and I will add/correct it. Thanks

R = 2024
B = 2025
W = 2026/2027

68 B Jaysek Thompson Glenbard North
89 R Colin Jones Hertiage Christian School
62 R Logan Brasfield Yorkville
62 R Defense Porter Mihelich Burlington Central
66 R Trey Pearson Burlington Central
61 R Landon Lauter Glenbrook North
90 R Bennett Williams Princeton
54 B Connor Sullivan Loyola Academy
92 B Keshawn Wiley Joliet West
67 R Garry Brown Leo
71 R Andre Deal Plainfield North
91 R Jonathon Mayfield Hoffman Estates
94 R Andrew Flaherty St Louis Priory School
60 R Ivan Moore Jr. Kenwood
74 R Sam Hawker Monona Grove
45 R ???
64 R ???
70 B Rhett Van Boening Libertyville
97 R Justin Dutkiewicz Neuqua Valley
59 R Burke Wilkin SHG
57 R Isaac Saffold Kenwood
93 R Grier Lawson Naperville North
83 R David Wuske Lincoln Way East
73 R Liam Fitzgerald New Trier
64 B Joe Petite Geneva
98 R Nick Williamson Neuqqa Valley
65 R Davarein Stevenson Westinghouse
63 R Micah Hamilton Minooka
55 B Peter Strbac Maine South
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2023 Team Preview: Wheaton North Falcons

Wheaton North Falcons

Head Coach:
Joe Wardynski

Assistant Coaches:

Paul Connor Mike Oleszek Colin Murphy Jeff Butikofer Nick Reicher Evan James Sean Kennedy Will Kadera

School Nickname/Mascot: Falcons

Conference:
Dukane

Team Twitter Handle:
@WNFalconFB


2023 Regular Season schedule (if known):

@ DGS
Lockport
SCN
@ SCE
@ Batavia
@ WWS
Geneva
@ Glenbard N.
Lake Park


Returning Offensive Starters for 2023:

Matt Rambasek (OL) 6'2" 265 (2024)
Jackson Angelo (OL) 6'1" 225 (2024)
Max Howser (QB) 6'1 185 (2024)
Rich Schilling (WR) 6'3" 175 (2025)
Matt Kuczaj (WR) 6'0" 180 (2024)


Returning Defensive Starters for 2023:

Walker Owens (DL) 6'3" 220 (2024)
Joe Barna (DL) 6'4" 245 (2024)
John Tarpeh (DL) 5'10" 190 (2024)
Matt Kuczaj (DB) 6'0" 180 (2024)

Newcomers to Watch

AJ Lyons (LB) 6'1 180 (2024)
Dylan Jung (LB) 5'11 195 (2025)
Carl Givens (OL) 6'3 215 (2025)
Nick Sanguinetti (DL) 5'9" 185 (2024)
Michael Montinola (DB) 5'9 150 (2024)


2023 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?

June 30 - @ Naperville North
July 13 - @ West Aurora
July 27 - @ Batavia


Impact Player for Wheaton North:

Wheaton North senior 3 star ranked DL Joe Barna is already holding several Power 5 scholarship offers this summer, Barna, who just added a new offer from Oklahoma this week is an athletic big man who also possesses an impressive mix of strength, speed, quickness and power. Opposing teams will no question become very aware of where Joe Barna is located on the field on every play this season.


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DGY's Quick Take on the 2023 Wheaton North Falcons:

Wheaton North and veteran head coach Joe Wardynski are coming off an impressive two year run as Wheaton North won the 2021 Class 7A state title then followed that up with a 9-2 record in 2022. Wheaton North posted an 8-1 regular season record, defeated Willowbrook in Class 7A foirst round action then lost to Lake Zurich in Round 2 to end the season.

The biggest question facing Wheaton North in 2023? Can the Falcons reload in some key spots this summer (RB/OL/LB/DB) and remain at the top of the rugged Dukane conference? Wheaton North has some key starters back in the likes of QB Max Howser and senior WR/DB Matt Kuczjaj and enough skills to put up points this season, and this team also has some star power as well. I can see Wheaton North getting to say a 7-2/6-3 record and then being a very tough team to take on in the Class 7A state playoff field in 2023.

Tuesday: North Central College Positional Breakdown Red Jerseys

Who Stood Out?

Red Jerseys (2024/2025)


(Still a work in progress check back later for more details and breakdowns)

4 QB Troyer Carlson Kaneland - Ive always been impressed with Carson's game/physical tools and overall ability to get the football downfield consistently.

4 WR Tyler Threat Waubonsie Valley Good sized, athletic player who also ran well here. Also showed good hands in one on ones.

4 WR Jack Mcqueeney Lyons Township 2025- Ran really well and also tested well here and is a name to watch this coming fall.

5 DB Jack Philbin Glenbrook North- Is a speedy quick twitch type of player and athlete who also ran well and caught some attention from college coaches here.

8 DB Michael McCormick Lake Park I was impressed with this kid's overall size and physicality here and McCormick was really impressive in positional and drill work.

13 DB Isaiah Houi Hononegah- A smaller kid on the hood but also an athlete with very good speed and quickness, and I alsoliked how he battles for the football in every rep I saw here. .

17 QB Arthur Palicki Willowbrook- Been a fan for some time and Palicki always throws the football well and he also tested and ran really well here. Caught the eye of several FCS schools in attendance.

20 RB Derrick Stewart St. Rita Big bruising back here who I feel will end up on someone's roster and end up becoming a big time short yardage fullback type.

22 WR Ben Petermann Rolling Meadows- Impressive kid on the hood who also runs really well and also caught everything in his vacinity here. Has FCS level ability in my opinion.

25 DB Dillon Conway Mount Carmel Is listed as a defensive back but with his size (6-foot-3, 200 pounds) I see him becoming a higher level OLB at say the MAC/high FCS level. Ran a great 40 yard dash and just has advanced skills and physical tools.

27 TE Jake Furtney St Charles North- Was one of the top overall performers at this event. Furtney jsut does a lot of things really well. A strong and impressive football player here.

32 RB Alonzo Manning II Mount Carmel Speedy slot back type who is also a game changing back out of the backfield. Manning, who added his first offer from Navy in the right offense will become an impact type of back at the higher college level.

34 RB George Asay Montini Catholic- Anoither name that ran and tested well at this event.

38 WR Jim Feeney Coal City- Didn't see a ton of reps for Feeney but he was impressive in drill and positional work. Also ran and tested well here.

42 LB Zac Laird Athens- Another name who I did not know coming in to this event who tested well and was one of the better names in a not great position at this camp.

44 LB Tommy Diamond Geneva- Great eyeball passing sized kid who was pretty solid in the testing and drill phase. Definitely will check out more on Diamond soon.

46 DB Elijah Romeus Fenwick Just a very steady, strong camp performer who also shines in his cover and ball skills.

52 OC Alex Poholik Mount Carmel Mr. Steady Eddie type of linemen here. Has good strength and technique and is seldom out of position or make a poor read in one on ones. Has ideal OC sie and skill set in my opinion.

56 DL Chibuese Ibegbulen Bartlett- Good sized kid here who showed a good combination of technique and muscle in one on ones. I would have liked to see him take more reps here but he did pretty well in the limited chances he had here.

62 DE Ethan Aghakhan Stevenson- Ethan has a nice combination of speed and quickness and he will continue to add more strength and power from here on out. His overall technique is much improved.

65 OT Conor Kenzinger Brother Rice- One of the most physically impressive OL here. Kenzinger has the physical tools to play at a pretty high level. Several D1 schools are still waiting on seeing Conor's early senior tape before they either offer him or not.

73 OL Logan Brasfield Yorkville- Hands down the best overall linemen at this camp. Brasfield has impressive strength. speed and technique and plays with a non stop motor and a chip and anger and showed his ability to just dominate the opposing DL.

73 QB Ryan Jackson Lyons Township- A very solid overall QB who is also a pretty solid overall athlete as well. Ryan Jackson seems to test well and the only hold back from adding more offers that I see is Jackson's height.

75 OL Andrew Jennings Naperville North- Inside OL at the next level who moves pretty decent and had some good flashes in one on ones.

79 Ol Kaden Garland OPRF Has really good size (6-foot-4, 283 pounds) and also showed to have good strength and hands. Garland was also quick to adjust to coaching points and will draw more looks this summer and fall.

80 RB Matt Lawson Hoffman Estates_ Hands down the top overall performer in this Tuesday session. Lawson has impressive physical tools, speed and in my opinion he has higher D1 level potential and ability. His combination of overall quick feet, start and stop ability and power and strength stood out all evening.

81 WR Ashton Henkel Byron- Plays in a run heavy offense at Byron but this WR has good size (6-foot-2, 187 pounds) tan well and is a name to watch this summer for sure.

81 QB CJ King Zion - Saw CJ in the testing portion and he's a good sized player with a nice mix of strength and also good overall speed.

82 DB Daniel Montesano Lyons- Posted one of the fastest overall 40 yard dash times of this entire event. I definitely will go back and look at more video on this kid but his testing and positional work was impressive.

83 WR Dedric Mason Freeport- Freeport always has a handful of high level athletes and this is yet another name to watch. Ran/tested pretty well here and also was just impresisve in the overall testing phase.

86 WR Maurice Densmore Mount Carmel - A long time camp kid who is always impressive with both his overall athletic ability and receiver skills and technique.

89 WR Aric Johnson Kaneland- Another name who I felt had a good camp here. Johnson tested better here than other camps I've seen him at recently and Johnson is a physically mature almost college ready athlete physically right now.

92 DB Corin Greenwell St. Francis- Has good length, ran well and also just looked really solid in positional drills and work.

96 DE Fillip Rolek Palatine- I've seen Fillip in person a few different time snow and his game keeps improving. Rolek was a consistently solid performer in one on ones and should draw more looks this summer and fall.
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Tuesday: North Central College Camp positional breakdowns Black Jerseys

Black Herseys (Class of 2025)

2 QB Cooper Kmet St Viator- Yes Cooper is the younger brother for Bears TE Cole Kmet and Cooper continues to impress as an athlete and as a quarterback. Kmet posted some impressive numbers in the testing phase and I'm excited to see how he progresses this coming season.

3 QB Jack Elliott Mount Carmel Has a real chance to make a huge impact on the Caravan this coming season. Elliott is also a high level athlete, has some quickness along with good strength and no question his arm is more than capable. Tested and ran much better than I expected.

9 QB Jacob Ritter Lincoln Way East Another very solid overall athlete here as Ritter ran and tested well and sure looks to be a kid who has the ability to play a few different positions if needed.

16 WR Quinn Morris Plainfield East- Morris didn't test here but he always shows his worth and ability in football related work. Morris has impressive length, goes and gets the football in traffic and makes that look pretty easy.

25 WR Omar Coleman Plainfield North - Not the biggest kid here from an eyeball test standpoint, but Coleman has great speed and wheels. Coleman will be a name to watch over the next year or two and with a bit more weight and size...he could become a pretty valuable slot back type for the Tigers.

27 RB Ty Ransom St. Francis- Also didn't test here but Ransom was one of the more impressive names at this event. Ransom has impressive size. speed and quickness and I'm excited to see him get more reps and more work for the Spartans this fall. Ransom has high level college potential in my opinion.

29 WR DeSshaun Williams St Francis- Another big time name to watch from St. Francis. Williams has impressive size and is already a college ready kid on the hoof (6-foot-1, 183 pounds) who has good ball skills. Lots to like here.

57 OL Devin Willis Chicago Corliss Pretty much an unknown name to me here but this kid has some upside and potential. Willis was able to hold his own in one on ones, was able to learn from the coaches and quickly make changes and adjustment.

67 OL Lee Kaveon Plainfield Central- Great sized kid here who is still raw in many ways but who also will draw more and more looks this fall. Measured in at 6-foot-5, 275 pounds and still has room to add more good weight and size. Also moved well, shows some bend and quick feet as well.

74 OL Liam Carney Wauconda Has some good length, was pretty strong in one on ones and is no question a name to watch in the Class of 2025. Still has room to grow and will add more weight and size down the line.

75 OL Brayden Mazanowski Normal Community- Another younger kid here who is still very much a work in progress including more physical development ahead of him. Has good length and reach and also battled hard in one on ones.

80 WR Jaelin Campbell Freeport- Yet another Freeport kid with really good size (6-foot-3, 184 pounds) who also ran and tested well here.

85 DE Jeremiah Alonge Crystal Lake South- I saw Jeremiah at The Line showcase in the early spring and he is a name to watch for sure. He has ideal OC/OG sie and his game is getting better and better each time I've seen him in person.

86 OL Parker Brault Palatine- Had some strong reps in one on ones and is yet another OG/OC body type in the 2025 class who I'm excited to see his 2023 season video.

92 DL Jaylen Johnson Yorkville - Strong and athletic rush end type here who was able to beat opposing OL with his combination of quickness in one on ones.

98 Declan Walsh Benet Academy- Younger brother of former Benet and current Minnesota TE Pierce Walsh> Has good size and strength and was really active and took a ton of reps in one on ones. Overall showed a good motor and is a name to watch this coming fall for sure.

99 DL Saif Kokosaka Glenbard South_ I've seen Saif several times now and he's a high motor kid with a ton of upside and potential. Saif has impressive physical tools, he will get much bigger and stronger down the line and he has higher college level potential.
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2023 Team Preview: TF South Red Wolves

TF South Red Wolves

Head Coach:
Bob Padjen

Assistant Coaches:

Rob Shell, Mark Seymour, Matt Brandt, Raphael Canty, Jaylen Gales, Doug Smith, Eric Bryce, Mike Tisza

School Nickname/Mascot:
Red Wolves

Conference:
South Suburban Blue

Team Twitter Handle:
@SouthTFFootball

2023 Regular Season schedule (if known):

Fri. Aug. 25 @ Hammond Central, IN
Fri. Sept. 1 @ Lane Tech
Fri. Sept. 8 @ Lemont
Sat. Sept. 16 @ TF North
Thurs. Sept. 21 Bremen
Fri. Sept. 29 @ Tinley Park
Fri. Oct. 6 Hillcrest (Senior Night)
Fri. Oct. 13 Oak Forest (Homecoming)
Thurs. Oct. 19 @ Argo


Returning Offensive Starters for 2023:

Christian Streeter,2025, Rb, athlete returned 3 kicks for TD’s as a soph. Will be one of the best juniors in the conference.
Seneca Smith, 2024, running back and linebacker
Karter Thomas, 2024
Karrel Harvest, 2024, guard
Nathaniel Lewis, 2025, 6’3” qb - injured week 1 last year

Returning Defensive Starters for 2023:

Andy Ochiabutor, 2025, 6’5” defensive end
Karrel Harvest, 2025 linebacker
Dennis Hoskins, 2025 Corner
Seneca Smith, 2025, linebacker
Jaylen Taylor, 2025, linebacker
Tailen Gosa, 2025, Corner

Newcomers to Watch

Kyle Smith, 2025, linebacker
Christian and Tristian Headen-2025 - tackles
Kevin Rincon 2025, Guard

2023 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?

Marian Catholic
Griffith, Ind
Thornwood

Impact Player for TF South:

TF South senior RB/LB Seneca Smith is a multi-year varsity starter who will again be asked to provide a ton of offensive production as well as being a major leader on the Red Wolves defense in 2023.


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EDGY's Quick Take on the 2023 TF South Red Wolves:

TF South and veteran head coach Bob Padjen has been able to keep the football program near the top of the South Suburban Blue conference for several years. TF South in 2022 unfortunately finished the season with a 3-6 record and missed the IHSA football playoff field for the first time since the 2015 season. The Red Wolves program under Bob Padjen has made the IHSA state playoff field in four of the last five seasons and over 20 times as an assistant coach under his brother and Hall of Fame head coach Tom Padjen.

The biggest question facing TF South in 2023? Can the Red Wolves reload on the offensive and defensive lines and get back to it's winning ways in 2023? I like this program (again not easy for this TFN alum to say lol) quite a bit and I feel the TF South will find a way to get back to the IHSA playoff field and I'll project a 6-3 overall record in 2023.

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So Who Stood Out: Tuesday North Central College Camp

Here is the deal.....I have a ton of breakdowns notes and evals to go thru this week and I'm planning to be out and covering camps all week long. My main goal is to get at least some video out the next AM from each camp then I will come back and break things down including the who stood out names. In many cases I will go back, re-add and re-edit some content so just a heads up. Also of note.....as hard as I try I can't watch and evaluated 350 kids at once with a staff of one. I utilize the check in process to eyeball kids, then follow up that eyeball with watching those kids in drill work/warmups and one on ones. I try my best to see them all but I can and will miss seeing kids at these events.

The Tuesday session of the NCC camp had good overall numbers (320-350 kids total) and this session was a sellout (NCC limits numbers). The overall talent level was not great....and in many positions not strong at all. This ia a trend I've noticed over the past few years and unfortunately it keeps growing in a negative direction. Why? I'll get into more specifics soon but for me it's a combination of young/underclassmen kids getting earlier and earlier offers who no longer feel the need for a mega camp along with colleges who just don't have any real offers to extend for the 2024 class (portal issues/additional COVID year kids etc) and we are seeing less and less overall quality at these bigger camps. Again NCC runs a terrific camp and this remains one of the better camps to attend.....and I can't stress this enough....2027/2026 kids should be at these events if anything to just go and compete and get a taste of these camps and what they will face down the line.

Who Stood Out?

Tuesday: North Central College Positional Breakdown Red Jerseys

Tuesday: North Central College Positional Breakdown: Black Jerseys

Next: Wednesday North Central College Breakdown
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Video: Session 1 NCC Camp OL vs DL One on Ones

DO NOT SHARE these random clips from last night's North Central College camp OL vs DL One on Ones please....I will re-release a few days down the rod for free...and a reminder this is copywritten material that you need my permission to release on any social media etc.

I'll list some of the names/numbers below

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R = 2024
B = 2025
W = 2026/2027

85 B Eli Walton Yorkville
58 R Jack Gallier Mahomet Seymour
86 B Parker Brault Palatine
73 R Logan Brasfield Yorkville
56 R Chibueza IbegBulem Bartlett
61 R Tim Savchuk Owego East
87 R Daniel Zlatanov Glenbard East
74 B Liam Carney Wauconda
97 R Maverick Ohle Naperville Central
64 R Jayden Dose CA
59 R Tommy Johl Prospect
71 R Andy Munjoy Maroa Forsyth
90 R Mark Gorbatenko Ellsworth CC
38 W Roman Sosnovyy Lyons
67 B Lee Kaevon Plainfield Central
60 R Jack Anderson Glenbard South
62 R Ethan Aghakhan Stevenson
74 R Jack Donovan St Francis
72 R ????
71 B Anil Rampersaud Plainfield Central
65 R Conor Kenzinger Brother Rice
96 R Fillip Rolek Palatine
75 R Andrew Jennings Naperville North
73 B Barron Sholl Boylan
70 R Joe Palmero Glenbard North
54 B Mateauz Nycz Marmion Academy
98 B Saif Kokoszka Glenbard South

Spring HS Football League

2023 Team Preview: Deerfield Warriors

Deerfield Warriors

Head Coach: Steve Winiecki

Assistant Coaches:


Steve Downs, Brandon Geuder, Andy Goldberg, Mark Januszewski, Dan Mayer, Mike O'Malley, Nick Rossie, Jeremy Sheldon, Bob Zima, Garo Emersian, Kevin LeFevre, Luke Strotman


School Nickname/Mascot: Warriors

Conference: Central Suburban South

Team Twitter Handle: @Deerfield_FB

2023 Regular Season schedule (if known):

Aug 25 DePaul Prep
Sept 1 @ Highland Park
Sept 8 Conant
Sept 15 @ Rolling Meadows
Sept 22 @ Glenbrook North
Sept 29 @ Glenbrook South
Oct 6 Evanston
Oct 13 Maine South
Oct 20 @ New Trier


Returning Offensive Starters for 2023:

Glasgow, Hunter JR 6'4 185 WR
Jones, Mac JR 6'0 190 QB
Friedman, Zach JR 5'10 175 WR
Schimanski, Quinn JR 6'1 195 RB
Lazarus, Cole JR 5'11 200 OL
Martin, Brady JR 5'10 240 OL
Berger, Jack JR 6'5 220 TE
Sezgun, Aral SR 6'2 225 OL
Alex, Sam SR 6'1 240 OL


Returning Defensive Starters for 2023:

Venamore, Mason JR 5'11 185 LB
Erdman, Harrison JR 6'0 170 DB
Belden, Jonah JR 6'0 180 LB
Margulis, Nathan JR 5'11 190 LB
Herzberg, Drew SR 6'0 190 LB

Januskevicius, Augustas SR 6'1 195 LB
Guczal, Tommy SR 5'10 170 K-P


Newcomers to Watch

Moros, Jack JR 5'10 165 WR
Pelts, Aaron JR 5'11 165 DB
Wiley, Alex JR 6'2 215 OL
Mills, Brady SR 5'9 165 DB
Mauer, Chris SR 6'0 195 LB
Shaffer, Joey SR 5'9 165 LB
Verb, Jackson SR 5'10 205 DL
Drumke, Max SR 6'2 235 DL
Pontikes, Chase SR 6'1 210 DL



2023 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?

DHS 7on7 June 20, 27, July 18
CSL 7on7 July 12

IWU Team Camp July 23-25


Impact Player for Deerfield:

Deerfield junior TE Jack Berger (6-foot-5, 220 pounds) is a big, strong and very physical football player who will no question draw increased recruiting attention this summer and fall. Berger has also shown well at various off season camps and showcase events and is one of a handful of Deerfield names to watch in the Class of 2025 along with junior WR Hunter Glasgow who is another name on the rise this summer.



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DGY's Quick Take on the 2023 Deerfield Warriors:

Deerfield and veteran head coach Steve Winiecki has made the Warriors into a consistent winner and Winiecki will begin his 25th season as the Deerfield head coach in 2023. Deerfield in 2022 finished with a 6-3 regular season record and made the Class 6A state playoff field. The Warriors lost to St Ignatius in opening round action to end the 2022 campaign.

The biggest question facing Deerfield in 2023? Can the Warriors continue to win games and remain a state playoff caliber team playing the 2023 season in the Central Suburban South? The Central Suburban South is stacked with several power programs in the likes of Maine South, New Trier, Evanston and Glenbrook South and just getting to 5 wins will be a major test this fall for the Warriors. I'll say that Deerfield will battle all comers in 2023 and finds a way to squeeze out a 5-4 record in 2023. It will not come easy however.....
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2023 Team Preview: Waubonsie Valley

Waubonsie Valley Warriors

Head Coach:
Tom Baumgartner

Assistant Coaches:

Ryan Voitik, Ron Griffin, Duane Butts, Tom Santoria, Brad Caldwell, Jerry Guzaldo, Will Bausch, Justin Payne, Kenny Anderson, Mike Casmer, Ben Manzella, Billy Carson, Larry Russell, Jeremiah Glenn, Dr. Jim Braun


School Nickname/Mascot: Warriors

Conference: Dupage Valley Conference

Team Twitter Handle: @FootballWVHS

2023 Regular Season schedule (if known):

Week 1-Oswego East
Week 2-@Plainfield East
Week 3-@Homewood-Flossmoor
Week 4-Naperville Central
Week 5-Metea Valley
Week 6-@DeKalb
Week 7-Neuqua Valley
Week 8-@Naperville North
Week 9-DVC Bowl


Returning Offensive Starters for 2023:

Luke Elsea/QB/ 5'11"/185/2024
Tyler Threat/RB/Slot/6'0"/185/2024
Brady Teeple/WR/5'11"/170/2024
Julian Johnson/TE/6'5"/220/2024
Trent Selby/Jack Back/5'11'/185/2024
Stefan Popov/LT/6'3"/275/2025
Charlie Drohan/RG/6'0"/235/2024

Returning Defensive Starters for 2023:

Jude Sutherland/MLB/5'11"/195/2024
Bryce Provis/DB/OLB/5'10"/185/2024
Jakob McBride/DL/5'10"/195/2024
Julian Johnson/DE/6'5"/220/2024
Dominic Regan/DL/6'1"/230/2024
Sean Carroll/DE/6'2"/200/2024


Newcomers to Watch

Chrisjan Simmons RB
Josh Tinney WR/DB
Tyus Payne TE/DE
Josh Hung DB/RB
Owen Roberts DB/WR
Cort Humphries DL/OL
Patrick Cassidy OL/DL
Sincere Martin LB
Brian Ochoa OL/DL



2023 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?

June 30th Naperville North 7on7/Lineman Challenge
July 15th Downers Grove South 7on7/Lineman Challenge
July 13th Big Butt Challenge West Aurora
July 21st West Aurora 7 on 7


Impact Player for Waubonsie Valley:

Waubonsie Valley senior TE Julian Johnson (6-foot-5, 220 pounds) is a three star ranked recruit in the4 Class of 2024 who is also already committed to Minnesota. Johnson is a tall. long and lanky track kid with impressive hands and ball skills along with better than you think speed. Johnson, who has the4 overall frame to add more additional good weight and strength will be a big time target this fall for the Warriors passing game.


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EDGY's Quick Take on the 2023 Waubonsie Valley Warriors:

Waubonsie Valley and head coach Tom Baumgartner was a long time assistant coach at Waubonsie under long time HC Paul Murphy and he's been trying to get the Warriors program back to it's winning ways since taking over in 2020 COVID spring season. The 2022 Warriors posted a 0-9 season as Waubonsie Valley just struggled to score points (44 points scored versus 283 points allowed) last fall. Waubonsie Valley is seeking to make the IHSA state playoff field this fall for the first time since 2018.

The biggest question facing Waubonsie Valley in 2023? Can the Warriors put the 2022 season behind them and post a winning season this fall? Waubonsie Valley will welcome back a good amount of returning starters (7 offense 6 defense) and they also have some talent back as well. The regular season schedule is not easy including solid non conference opponents in Oswego East, Plainfield East and H-F. If the Warriors can reload at a few key spots (OL/DB) they have a chance and I say the Warriors will be improved this fall and wind up with a 4-5/3-6 overall regulars season record in 2023.
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Biggest Preseason Q for the 2023 season?

So what are some of the biggest questions as we are now under 100 days till IHSA Kickoff 2023?

P{lease feel free to post them here.

Here are just a few I have off the top of my head right now.....

Will we end up FINALLY having a true 1-32 seeding for all 8 Class of IHSA Football playoffs starting in 2023?

Can East St. Louis replace 2 tons of offensive linemen and remain as dangerous as ever?

Will Loyola remain Loyola even minus head coach John Holecek?

Will we see any sort of impact on the field or in the football program from the Maine South IHSA penalty?

Which major power program could slip in 2023? Or will we again see the same ole same ole powers winning big?

Which team bubbling under makes a big move up in 2023?

How will Illinois State do hosting the IHSA State Football final games starting in 2023?

Are we on the brink of seeing several major conference reshuffled and changed that could have major implications for the 2024 season and beyond?

Can we ever find a way to slow the increasingly dangerous shortage of refs?

Will we continue to see more and more small enrollment schools find their way to 8 man football? And how much longer before the IHSA accepts and welcomes in 8 Man football to it's playoff series?

2023 Team Preview: Maroa Forsyth Trojans

Maroa Forsyth Trojans

Head Coach:
Josh Jostes

Assistant Coaches:

Jon Kidd, Tim Peasley, Logan Stelzreide, Tim Brilley, Ryan Wilkey, Kyle Amettis, Pat Hall, Tucker Klein, Kyle Patterson, Jaxson Nelson, Kyle Ramos

School Nickname/Mascot: Trojans

Conference: Sangamo

Team Twitter Handle: @MFTFootball

2023 Regular Season schedule (if known):

Vs Pleasant Plains
@ Auburn
vs Porta
@ Riverton
vs Pittsfield
@ Olympia
vs Williamsville
@ New Berlin
vs Athens


Returning Offensive Starters for 2023:

Mitch Williams - WR
Braxton Mitchell - WR
Zayn Giles - WR
Kaiden Maurer - QB
Noah Luther - PK
Kane Eighner - OL
Mason DeVore - OL
Andy Munjoy - OL
Christian Morgan - OL
Zach Scott - OL
Grant Smith - TE


Returning Defensive Starters for 2023:

Mitch Williams - DB
Braxton Mitchell - DB
Brady Larson - DB
Andre Harden - DB
Kaiden Maurer - DB
LeBryant Flagg - DB
Noah Luther - K
Kane Eighner - DL
Mason DeVore - DL
Andy Munjoy - DL
Christian Morgan - DL
Zach Scott - DL
Jaylen Kacsir - LB
Charlie Gentle - LB
Zayn Giles - LB

Newcomers to Watch

Ryne Sheppard - QB/LB
Kooper Mann - OL/DL
David Stukins - OL/DL
Zach Smith - WR/DB


2023 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?

Host 7 on 7 in July on Wednesday
7 on 7 Tournament to end the summer


Impact Player for Maroa Forsyth:

Maroa Forsyth will welcome back a ton of experience from it's 2022 Class 2A state semifinalist team this fall, and several players will be names to watch. Yet the one real X factor in my opinion who has a chance to again be an impact player is senior QB Kaiden Maurer. Maurer, who might not have D1 level size and eyeball passing looks is no question a big time play maker and a highly productive dual threat quarterback who is in line for another All State caliber season in 2023.


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EDGY's Quick Take on the 2023 Maroa Forsyth Trojan:

Maroa Forsyth and veteran head coach Josh Jostes has simply built his Trojans football program into one of the state best and most public school winner in the State of Illinois regardless of enrollment size. Maroa Forsyth posted a perfect 9-0 regular season record and made the Class 2A state playoff field. The Trojans defeated North Lawndale, Farmington and Rockridge before losing to Tri Valley in the semifinal round to end the season with a 12-1 record.

The biggest question facing Maroa Forsyth in 2023? Can the Trojans continue to build up it's overall depth and numbers and continue to remain a year in and year out state power? Maroa has been just wildly impressive and highly successful under Josh Jostes and I expect that success to continue in 2023. I can see the Trojans again posting a 9-0/8-1 caliber season in 2023 and again being a major impact player in the IHSA state playoff field.

7v7 gone Hollywood

https://otseven.com/
OT7 is becoming THE National entity in 7v7.
Like it, or hate it- can't deny the impact, reach, and economic growth of the 7v7 world. The Teams' that play in their 5 tourney's read like a virtual who's who of 3, 4, and 5 star recruits.
The Championship has 12 Teams from all over the country- including Midwest Boom, and is in Los Angeles next month.
Pretty impressive content and resources. I was an early naysayer, but have been following, and am being proven wrong...

2023 Team Preview: Geneva Vikings

Geneva Vikings

Head Coach:
Boone Thorgesen

Assistant Coaches:

Sean Grady, Shaun Ratay, Colin McCaffrey, Mike Smith, Matt Francis, Tim Wolf, Pat Schiller, Joe Ninni, Russ Lorenz, Reed Allison, Brad Wendell, Lucas Rojas, Rob Williams


School Nickname/Mascot: Vikings

Conference: Dukane Conference

Team Twitter Handle: @GenevaVikings

2023 Regular Season schedule (if known):

8/25 @ Metea Valley
9/1 @ Lemont
9/8 Wheaton Warrenville South
9/15 Lake Park
9/22 @ Glenbard North
9/29 Batavia
10/6 @ Wheaton North
10/13 St. Charles East
10/20 @ St. Charles North


Returning Offensive Starters for 2023:

Mac Stoetzel OL 6’1, 250lbs, 2024
Joe Pettit OL 5’11, 225lbs, 2025
James Bucholz OL 6’1, 230lbs, 2025
Michael Loberg TE 6’4, 225lbs, 2024
Nate Stempowski QB 5’10, 170lbs, 2024
Troy Velez RB 5’11, 190lbs, 2025
Talyn Taylor WR 6’1, 175lbs, 2025
Dylan Reyes WR 5’11, 170lbs, 2026



Returning Defensive Starters for 2023:

Rocco Dileonardi DE 6’2, 220lbs, 2024
Derek Verdone DL 6’3, 220lbs, 2024
Charlie Winterhalter LB 6’1, 205lbs, 2024
Tommy Diamond LB 6’3, 210lbs, 2024
Kollin Mickelsen DB 5’10, 180lbs, 2024
Eli Curry DB 6’2, 180lbs, 2024
Will Diamond DB/LB 6’3, 200lbs, 2024

Newcomers to Watch

WR Bryce Breon 2024
DB Rocco Lampiasi 2024
DL Joey Cosentino 2024
WR Finn Weppner 2025
ATH Michael Rumero 2025
QB/ATH Tony Chahino 2025
LB Sean Lane 2025


2023 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?

West Aurora 7 on 7 and battle of the big butts
Kaneland 7 on 7
Batavia 7 on 7 and Lineman Challenge


Impact Player for Geneva:

Geneva junior four star ranked WR Talymn Taylor (6-foot-1, 175 pounds) is already one of the most sought after names in the Class of 2025 nationally. Taylor, who is already holding multiple Power 5 offers this summer is a true game breaking type of talent who will draw double and triple teams from the opening whistle in 2023. Taylor is more than capable of playing multiple positions for the Vikings and I would not be surprised to see the Vikings utilize Taylor in multiple different ways in 2023.


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EDGY's Quick Take on the 2023 Geneva Vikings:

Geneva and head coach Boone Thorgesen has gotten the Vikings program headed in the right direction and into the IHSA state playoff field in his first two seasons leading the Vikings program. The 2022 Geneva Vikings posted a 6-3 regular season record, made the Class 7A state playoff field and lost to St. Rita in opening round action.

The biggest question facing Geneva in 2023? Can the Vikings beat one if not all three of the Dukane's Big 3 football programs in 2023 in hated long time rival Batavia, St Charles North and Wheaton North? Geneva last beat Batavia in 2010 and the Bulldogs have seen it's program rise to a state power level under former head coach Mike Gaspari and now Dennis Piron. Looking for a way to announce that the Vikings football program is truly back to it's historical winning ways? Beating Batavia is one hell of a way to announce your arrival as a challenger in the Dukane conference and in Class 7A.

2023 Team Preview: Marian Central Catholic Hurricanes

Marian Central Catholic Hurricanes

Head Coach:
Liam Kirwan

Assistant Coaches:

Varsity ILBs Darren Fortin Varsity OLBs Kevin Kearley Varsity Off Coordinator Sean Stochl Varsity OL Sam Gibson Varsity WRs Brad Boelkow Director of Football Ops Shawn Wochner Varsity RBs/F-S Head Coach John Georgeoff Varsity Defensive Line/F-S Assistant Jose Capistran Varsity QBs/F-S Assistant Dawson Anderson F-S Def Coordinator Chuck Valle F-S OL/Varsity Special Teams Kalen Smith DBs/ F-S Assistant Nate Schendl


School Nickname/Mascot: Hurricanes

Conference: Chicagoland Christian Conference

Team Twitter Handle: @MarianCentralFB

2023 Regular Season schedule (if known):

Aug 25 - Week 1 vs. Richmond Burton
Sept 1 - Week 2 at Milwaukee Academy of Science
Sept 8 - Week 3 at Bishop McNamara
Sept 15 - Week 4 vs Chicago Christian HOMECOMING
Sept 22 - Week 5 at Christ the King
Sept 29 - Week 6 vs. Hope Academy
Oct 6 - Week 7 at Aurora Christian
Oct 13 - Week 8 vs St. Ed’s
Oct 15 - Week 9 at Wheaton Academy


Returning Offensive Starters for 2023:

Cale McThenia- QB 6'3 210 lbs. 2024
Christian Bentancur- WR/TE 6'5 235 lbs. 2024
Rylan Dolter- WR 6'1 200 lbs. 2024
Justin Jakubowicz- OL 6'1 235 lbs. 2025
Reese Eckstein- OL 6'0 220 lbs. 2024


Returning Defensive Starters for 2023:

Tyson Jakubowicz- DB 6'0 175 lbs. 2024
Jake Sievert- DB 5'10 185 lbs. 2024
Sean Truckenbrod- ILB 6'0 200 lbs. 2024
Nathan Sarfo- OLB 5'11 195 lbs. 2024
Christian Bentancur- OLB 6'5 235 lbs. 2024


Newcomers to Watch

Anthony Brennan- DB/WR 5'10 160 lbs. 2024
Danny Kirchner- OL/DL 5'10 215 lbs. 2024
Quinn Brady- RB/WR/DB 6'1 175 lbs. 2024
Kaleb Eckman- OL/DL 5'10 240 lbs. 2025
Jake Dowling- ILB/WR 5'11 175 lbs. 2025


2023 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?

Bears Nike 11- On Competition June 15th and 16th at Willowbrook High School
July Monday Night 7 on 7 at Prospect High School
Crystal Lake Central 7 on 7 in July
Illinois Wesleyan Team Camp July 23-25


Impact Player for Marian Central Catholic:

Marian Central Catholic senior TE/DE Christian Betancour (6-foot-5, 235 pounds) is a four star ranked recruit who is already verbally committed to Clemson. Betancur, who was recruited by Clemson as a tight end has impressive size and physical tools and will be a nightmare matchup for all opponents in 2023. Look for Betancur to also develop more and look for much more improvement as a defensive end this coming fall.



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EDGY's Quick Take on the 2023 Marian Central Catholic Hurricanes:

Marian Central Catholic and head coach Liam Kirwan posted a 3-6 record in his first season leading his alma matter in 2022. The Hurricanes, who played last fall as an Independent just struggled to slow down all opponents last fall. The Hurricanes also haven't been to the IHSA state playoff field since 2017 and will look to hopefully get back on track this coming fall.

The biggest question facing Marian Central Catholic in 2023? Can the Hurricanes reload and get back to it's former winning ways starting this fall. The Hurricanes will begin play in the new Chicagoland Christian Conference, which will be a much welcomed change from playing an always rough independent slate. Look for the Hurricanes offense to be a key led by QB Cale McKenna (Northern Iowa) and TE Christian Betancur and this unit can hopefully take the pressure off the Hurricanes defense especially early this season. I'm looking for more positive momentum this fall from MCC and I can see this team end up with a 4-5 record in 2023, and with a few key breaks here and there this team could challenge for a 5-4 season as well.
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