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 : )

Seems Flyer v Caravan Post II was pulled ... so I thought I'd share some of the senior recruiting news for the Flyers, as reported by the STL Post, which counts down the top 30. Today was #16.

No. 16: Robert Battle, QB, East St. Louis - COMMITTED Lindenwood

No. 17: Jesse Watson, WR, East St. Louis - COMMITTED Purdue

No. 19: Aiden Taylor, OL, East St. Louis - OFFERS: Ball State, McKendree, Pittsburg State

No. 21: Jaion Jackson, DB, East St. Louis - COMMITTED Central Michigan

Ritter is getting a lot of love on this list too, including No. 22: Dominique Dixon, DB, Cardinal Ritter.

I will update as more are released daily.

I've used the Digital Scout app for several years and the app has been discontinued. Does anyone do gameday stats and know of an IOS football stat program? I know Hudl will produce stats, I need a program that updates during the game. I hope that makes sense.

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

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 5A 2022 state champion Nazareth Academy

My One Big Question for Providence Catholic? Was 2022 a one off or are the Celtics truly back and here to stay?

In many cases, really no one outside of the Providence catholic football program knew what to expect from then first year head coach Tyler Plantz heading into the 2022 IHSA football season. Plants took over the Providence Catholic football program from long time head coach Mark Coglianese. Coglianese ended up posting an impressive 106-70 record in 16 seasons and won the 2014 Class 7A state title and placed second in Class 6A in 2009 in his tenure. Yet the last handful of seasons under Coglianese (who still remains as the Providence track coach) seemed to see the football program slowing down a bit.

In steps Tyler Plantz, an alum who was well on his way to a college coaching career and who left Notre Dame as an assistant coach to take over his alma matter. Plantz move was heavily family influenced after the Plantz family had to overcome the shocking loss Zac Plantz who died suddenly and unexpectedly. Tyler Plantz has been very upfront and honest in his reasoning for taking over the football program and Providence and dedicating his efforts towards the memory of his brother.

So was the 2022 Providence Catholic Class 4A state runner up season a one off....or are the Celtics here to stay?

My Answer? Providence Catholic is here to stay. Providence Catholic last season saw the overall talent level and confidence level surge and it was pretty evident early on that Tyler Plantz and his staff was making big gains and big improvements as the season wore on. In my eyes Providence just didn't stop improving or peak from week to week as this program was just getting better and more confident each week. The overall numbers have improved this summer on all levels along with the talent level....and with already 11 returning starters back from a season ago this summer (5 offense 6 defense) the core looks to be strong again this fall.

Providence Catholic also has a strong schedule this coming season...yet it's also a schedule that's nor overwhelming in many ways in my opinion. Providence moving from the ESCC/CCL Orange to the White is a push.....and the schedule has a few big time opponents it's still not as strong as we've seen over the years. In the end I can see the Celtics getting back into the IHSA state playoffs as say a 6A team and having a chance to make another deep run.

Next Up? IC Catholic Prep

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!

First draft/first crack. Still lots for me to dig into go over etc before I consider/make this as final.

Have an issue or three? Fire away? Make a case for a team or two? Cool fire away. Love getting your early feedback here. This first draft will change.....

Below is the 2023 Preseason Enrollment Guide used for determining Class for all football playing schools and thanks to Steve Soucie as always for his hard work. This is for Class 8A and I'mm continue to add and tweak things etc,

Feel free to post your own Top 10 in 4A....schools who I might be overlooking etc fire away. Again like all of the polls at this time of the year this will change between now and when I make these final later in August.

2023 Preseason Class 4A Enrollment Guide for Polling Purposes

My Early 2023 Preseason Class 4A Top 10 poll

1. Rochester
2. IC Catholic Prep
3. Richmond Burton
4. Boylan
5. Morris
6. Coal City
7. Mt, Zion
8. Geneseo
9. Rochelle
10. Wheaton Academy

Others under consideration: Carterville/Chicago DeLaSalle/St. Viator/Columbia/Macomb/Murphysboro/Marengo


My Early Take on Class 4A: Well......the very top of the Preseason Class 4A preseason poll looks strong and both Rochester looks really strong this summer while IC Catholic Prep is one of say 3-4 schools here who could very well have more of a challenge to get to 5 wins in the regular season than anything they could potentially face in 4A. Richmond Burton has quietly become a state power....and Boylan brings back several key skills kids from a season ago. Morris is Morris and will battle the usual suspects in the Illinois Central 8 along with Coal City. Mt. Zion has some speed and skills back and looked good this summer. Geneseo is another team that could have to fight it's way to 5 wins but then could also be a dangerous team in 4A....Rochelle is always a hard nosed team and also a battle tested program. Wheaton Academy is also a sneaky good team and program who could sneak it's way into the Top 10 all season long. In short...this could be the most wide open 4A field I can remember in some time this fall.

All.... Oh boy. 5A is back. Some possibles when the postseason arrives dependent upon how large cutoff swings occur among the eight classes. Ratsy

Rochelle
Highland
Jacksonville
Metamora
Sterling
Mahomet-Seymour
Marmion
Glenbard South
Marion
Mascoutah
Sycamore
SHG
St. Francis

The next level (upper) in 5A.
Peoria
Prairie Ridge
JCA
NLP (might go 6A)
Nazareth

Evanston Wildkits

Head Coach: Mike Burzawa

Assistant Coaches:

Eddie Conley, Phil Partipilo, Brent Nance, Griff Jensen, Greg Taylor, Kyle Gessert, Josh Mensch, Steve Saa,


School Nickname/Mascot: Wildkits

Conference: Central Suburban South

Team Twitter: @ETHSSports


2023 Regular Season schedule (if known):

8-25 Zion Benton @ ETHS
9-1 LWC @ ETHS
9-8 Fremd @ ETHS
9-14 ETHS @ Palatine
9-22 Glenbrook South @ ETHS
9-29 New Trier @ ETHS
10-6 ETHS @ Deerfield
10-13 Glenbrook North @ ETHS
10-20 ETHS @ Maine South

Returning Offensive Starters for 2023:

Declan Boutross- OL 6'3, 290
Demarion Timberlake, 5'11, 170, RB
Emmett Robinson-WR, 6, 170
Ezequiel Delgado- TE, 5'11, 230

Returning Defensive Starters for 2023:

Keron Pryor 5'11, 180 DB
Destiny Ekwebelan, 5'11, 230 DL
Yohanness Jean-Francois 6'1, 215, LB
Ezequiel Delgado- TE, 5'11, 230 DL
Jace Meeks 6'1, 170, DB

Newcomers to Watch

Luke Van Overmeiran, 5'10, 175, Safety
Brandon Rosemond 6, 170 DB
Will Gatchell, 6"3, 225 OL
Collin Livatino, 5'11, 175, QB
Mike Pryor, 5'11, 180, RB/LB 'Soph"
Jacques Phillippe, 6'2, 180 DB/WR
Jake Broy 6'2, 200, DL,
Isaac Isrealite, 6'4, 190, WR/TE
Thomas Jackson, 5'9, 210, DL
Owen McElhatton, 6'1,230, OL
Chris Fargo, 6'1, 230, OL

2023 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?

NA

Impact Player for the Evanston Wildkits:

Evanston senior OL Declan Boutross (6-foot-3, 290 pounds) is a big, strong and physical linemen for the Wildkits who will be asked to provide leadership on and off the field for Evanston this coming season. Boutross, who has been drawing various FBC/D2 looks this summer will continue to draw more recruiting looks this fall.

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EDGY's Quick Take on the 2023 Evanston Wildkits

Evanston and veteran head coach Mike Burzawa posted a 3-6 record in 2022 as the Wildkits had a handful of games that could have possibly changed the season for Evanston. Evanston was also granted a forfeit win over Maine South after the end of the season for IHSA residency violations.

The biggest question facing Evanston in 2023? Can the Wildkits reload at a handful of key positions (QB/OL) and get back into winning in 2023? I can see Evanston battling all comers in 2023 and winding up with say a 5-4/4-5 record this fall.

My weekly Pick Rm contest is back. See the linked story for details and make sure to play each week all season long.

Pick Em: 2023 Beat EDGY Weekly Week 1 games have been announced

Questions? Post them here.

Sad to report that Hall of Fame head coach Bob Lombardi passed away this weekend.

Tony Lombardi

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Tetelestai - "It is finished" @10:15 PM tonight We lost Grandpa, Dad, Coach and "Uncle Bob" Lombardi. He loves you all very much, a friend of mine said "there will be a celebration in heaven tonight and he will never look back" RIP and I love you very much Dad I'll miss you but I know that you're ALWAYS with me. We will forward information on the wake and funeral as soon as we know. Please share with one another your favorite stories to Celebrate this amazing life. Love all of you...TL...God Bless!!!

Mundelein Mustangs

Head Coach: Vince DeFrancesco

Assistant Coaches:

Cody Gokan Erick Sanchez Frank Lesniak Mike Vukovics Jake Gokan Johnny Cowhey George Corey Dave Whitson Mark Ede Mike Sanchez Bryan Whitson Steve Nolte Andy Johnson Alex Adams Jose Silva Eddie Sollito


School Nickname/Mascot: Mustangs

Conference: North Suburban

Team Twitter: @MundFootball


2023 Regular Season schedule (if known):

@ Grant
vs Grayslake North
vs Zion-Benton
vs Waukegan
@ Stevenson
@ Warren
@ Libertyville
vs Lake Zurich
@ Lake Forest


Returning Offensive Starters for 2023:

D. Broeker/QB/6ft/165lbs/2025
Griffin Troha/QB/6ft/170lbs/2024
Brandon Hansen/OL/6ft 6in/330lbs/2024
Vito Romano/OL/5ft 10in/225lbs/2024
Brendan Raciak/ OL/ 6ft 2in/ 265lbs/2024
Braelon Grant/ OL/ 6ft 2in/ 260lbs/ 2024
Lucas Dickey/ WR/5ft 9in/ 170lbs/ 2024
Adam Bogenski/TE/ 6ft 4in/ 220lbs/ 2024
Adam Alkhatib/RB/ 5ft 11in/ 230lbs/ 2024


Returning Defensive Starters for 2023:

Lucas Dickey/ DB/5ft 9in/ 170lbs/ 2024
Vinny Rogalski/ DB/ 6ft/ 170lbs/ 2024
Jairus White/ DL/ 6ft 5in/ 230lbs/ 2024
Julian Rivas/ DL/ 5ft 11in/ 210lbs/ 2024
Jake Junia/ LB/ 6ft 1in/ 190lbs/ 2024

Newcomers to Watch

Wyatt Soudan - ATH
Maddux Hermestroff - ATH
William Vilchynskyy - LB
Ian Murray - LB
Dylan Coe - OL/DL
Brody Paluch - RB
Carson Cooper - WR
Finley Stasiak - OL
Josh Lichter - ATH
Brandon Bautista- H
Dominic Seminaro - LB

2023 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?

CSL Passing Tourney
Deerfield
Vernon Hills
Round Lake
West Aurora Lineman Challenge



Impact Player for the Mundelein Mustangs:

Mundelein senior OT Brandon Hansen has been a major impact player over the past handful of season for the Mustangs. Hansen, who is already committed to Illinois will again be asked to be a leader both on and off the field this fall.

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EDGY's Quick Take on the 2023 Mundelein Mustangs:

Mundelein and head coach Vince DeFrancesco has continued to fight and get the Mustangs football program over the top. The Mundelein football team has made the IHSA state playoffs just twice in school history (2002 and 2004) and is seeking that one season that could hopefully turn it's course. Mundelein in 2022 finished with a 3-6 regular season record and welcomes back 14 returning starters (9 offense 5 defense) from a season ago this summer.

The biggest question facing Mundelein in 2023? Can the Mustangs win the games it's needs to win and then find a way of upsetting one of the blue bloods in the North Suburban conference? In many ways Mundelein could be a potential playoff team in several other conferences and year in and year out have a rough path in the conference. The key I feel in 2023 is getting off to a good early start, winning your non conference games then finding a way to pull off a win or two in conference. I'll say the Mustangs will finish the 2023 season with 4-5 record and challenge for a 5 win season and a state playoff spot. Sooner rather than later Mundelein will find a way to get it done.