Pretty incredible.

Congrats to him and the Nazareth faithful

Reminder: This story is a work in progress....I should hgave this completed by Friday AM and once this is completed this message will be removed. Please do NOT share on social media. Thanks

So Wednesday we had the first ever West Suburban Showcase which was held in two different locations at separate times and was organized by Naperville North HC Sean Drendel and Glenbard South HC Ryan Crissey. The thought behind this event was to bring several kids together in one spot (Ok two) for college coaches to see and evaluate in person.

The early session began at 6:30AM at Naperville North and featured top prospects from Naperville North. Naperville Central. Neuqua Valley, Waubonsie Valley plus Metea Valley and DeKalb.....or the DVC schools if you will.

The later AM session at Glenbard South featured the Raiders along with Glenbard East, Downers Grove North, Downers Grove South plus Oswego East and Wheaton St Francis and Willowbrook.

The event overall? Overall this was a well run and well organized camp. The same issues I've faced along with The Good Game and Boom for our spring showcase camps (this coming Tuesday FYI) for the past three years the coaches also faced.....such as the camps generally not open to Power 4 schools (cloudy compliance issues for them etc) along with the various portal issues that are still impacting high school recruiting in a big way (meaning? very limited offers available). Also this event was given IHSA approval but as these grow and gain momentum.....potential weather issues and could/would IHSA shut these down for4 various reasons? Regardless give Sean and Ryan a ton of credit for moving this forward in a positive way and fingers crossed this can continue next spring and beyond.

So Who Stood Out?

Naperville North Early AM Session

Naperville North

QB Jacob Bell 2025- Bell is alredy holding several D1 offers and several MAC schools have stepped up recently. I expect Jacob Bell to be committed sooner rather than later and he offers great physical tools, room for more growth and upside at the next level. Bell also has great leadership traits and just carries himself well at all times.

WR Nick Manzardo 2025- A sure handed receiver who also runs good, disciplined routes and just always seems to make the harder catch look easy.

WR Ian MacConnachie 2025- Ian's got some wheels and legit speed here...and was able to show his ability to use his hands consistently well to catch the football. Has room to grow and add more size/muscle at the next level. I see Ian as a high FCS level recruit.

DB Kaiser Williams 2025- The biggest question facing Kaiser this spring is the same questions college coaches have...what position will he play in college? Williams has a ton of physical tools and upside, crushes the eyeball test and he has the ability to develop into a strong player at the college level. Position? I say football player

DL Donovan Howard 2025- Nice interior defensive linemen who has some speed and quickness.

OL Austin Roush 2025 - Another decent sized interior OL who was very active in positional work, moves well and also has good strength and quick hands.

OL Jake Kedziora 2025- Big kid who is listed at 6-foot-6, 325 pounds and was able to fare pretty well in positional work. Will need to cut a bit more weight for the higher college level but he has the length to draw more attention this fall in a very light tackle class.

TE Garrett Kristle 2025- Had some really nice catches in one on ones and showed very good hands. Garrett will be more of a traditional hand in the dirt TE who looks to be a capable blocker and his ball skills are pretty strong.

DT Gabriel Hill 2026- Listed at 6-foot-2, 255 pounds and this was the first time I've seen Gabe since the 2023 season. Hill is now leaner, quicker and his overall strength and power has jut gotten better. His first step, twitch and explosiveness is impressive and his leverage and bend along with his hand usage just remains high level. Gabe is already an in demand Power 4 recruit.

Naperville Central

K Logan Ellison 2025 One of two kickers at this event...and Logan was really strong all day. Showed to have a very strong and accurate leg, was able to also show his ability to place kicks where he wanted them to go basically.

QB Sebi Hayes 2025- Big, strong kid with a very strong arm as well. Sebi has been dealing with various injuries over the past year plus and once he catches a break he looks pretty capable of big things in 2024,. Sebi was also pretty impressive in various drill/testing and is athletic enough to draw looks as say a TE/DE as well?

LB Aaron Nussbaum 2025 Both Aaron and his twin brother Daniel are very solid players who run well, showed good overall instincts in coverage and will be big time play makers again this fall for the RedHawks.

LB Daniel Nussbaum 2025 Like his twin brother Aaron, Daniel also measures in at 6-foot-1, 215 pounds and has a ton of upside and potential.

DE Jake Stanish 2025 Easily one of the better players at this event. Stanish, who earlier in the day worked out for and added an offer from Cincinnati is now holding nearly a dozen offers. Stanish has impressive size, frame and will continue to add more good weight and strength from here on out. Stanish is still improving his overall technique and pass rush tools but this kid will be a potential difference maker in 2024 and beyond.

WR Deshaun Williams 2025- Been a fan of Deshaun when I saw him as a freshman at St Francis. Williams has really good size (6-foot-2, 200 pounds) and strength and can go get the football as well as any receiver in the 2025 class. Williams, who also has great ball skills is in line for a big season and look for more offers to potentially follow this coming summer camp season.

DeKalb

DE Justice O'Neal 2025- Interesting looking athlete and a name to watch for sure. Listed as 6-foot-4, 190 pounds has some quickness and a frame that will add more strength and bulk down the line.

DL JJ Piniera 2025- Strong interior DL who has a nice combination of a quick first step, strength and good hand usage while also having some pass rush moves.

WR Davon Grant 2026- Maybe the best looking overall prospect I saw on Wednesday. Grant is listed at 6-foot-4, 205 pounds and is already college ready physically. Grant has basketball tools including strong hand/eye coordination along with hops and strong hands. Grant runs well, is a very fluid athlete who can develop into a potential major player down the line. Big time player and athlete here.

WR Derrion Straughter 2026 - Another long, lanky and pretty athletic receiver here listed at 6-foot-2, 180 pounds. I'm not sure just how good or not the Barbs will be in 2024....but I do know they have some serious dudes this spring.

Metea Valley

OL Okiki Oyekanmi 2025- Big guy is listed at 6-foot-5, 280 pounds and a kid who I feel still has room to grow, get stronger along with just polish up his overall technique. Moves well, showed good footwork and was overall pretty athletic for a big guy in drill/positional work. A name again to watch here for the growing 2026 class.

Neuqua Valley

OL/DL Ryan Mascari 2025- I've been watching Ryan since his sophomore year when he played tight end on the varsity for the Wildcats. I always felt that Mascari had the frame, length and overall down the line potential to develop into a very solid OL and that seems to be his path this summer. Mascari is now up to 6-foot-4, 240 pounds and I feel could wind up at say 270 plus pounds and become a very strong high FCS offensive guard. Ability wise I can see Mascari having a higher ceiling, but in this day and age of portal,,,a higher level FCS would be more willing to develop a kid with this upside.

DB Andrew Hoffman 2026- Another name to watch in the 2026 class here. Andrew had a very good 2023 season and I can see him once again being an impact player on both sides of the football. Has good length and quickness, will get bigger and stronger down the line as well.

OL Max Schueneman 2027- Very hard to believe this 6-foot-4, 305 pounds OL is just a freshman....but he is. Max had a pretty impressive showing here and was able to show his already developed skill set while also having the look of a kid who will continue to get bigger, stronger and better. I was impressed with his feet, balance and bend while also having a bit of an idea of what to do with his hands. Seems like a pretty smart and mature kid for his age and a name who has some serious upside.

Waubonsie Valley

QB Colin Ford 2026- Overall I thought Colin Ford has been pretty good the few times I've seen him live. Ford is a bit bigger than I remember (6-foot-4, 205 pounds) and he throws a pretty solid football. Ford also looked to have decent touch on his short/medium passes.

OL/DL Stephan Popov 2025_ I've seen Stephan a few different times now in person and this spring he's a bit bigger and stronger (6-foot-3, 270 pounds) than last season. Popov has nice feet and decent quickness and also is advanced in his hand usage and hand fighting. Plays with a bit of a nasty when needed which I always love to see.

Part 2 will have breakdown from Glenbard South session

Score in title for those in France.

11 plays, 64 yards, several flags. 8 yard pass for TD.

Over/under on head ref’s waistline: 68 inches.

Elliott to Gilliam 44 yards TD.

Both teams are just really well coached.

Batavia really needs a score here.

Jump pass TD for Caravan. Throwback play there.

Flag against MC.

Batavia hasn’t limited explosive plays.

Lynch had a baby Thursday. Looks great.

Halftime Stats:
Batavia MC
131 passing yards. 296
9. rushing yards 88
9/15 comp/att. 17/19
2. penalties. 8
14:35 TOP 9:25

Columbia Eagles

Head Coach: Scott Horner

Assistant Coaches:

Scott Germain, Matt Kendall, Kyle Stumpf, Mark Stuart, Travis Amsden

School Nickname/Mascot: Eagles

Conference: Cahokia

Team Twitter Handle: @bluepridefb1

2024 Regular Season schedule (if known):

8/30 @ Breese Mater Dei
9/6 Waterloo
9/13 @ Taylorville
9/20 Roxana
9/27 Freeburg
10/4 @East Alton Wood River
10/11 Salem
10/18 @ Breese Central
10/25 Jerseyville


Returning Offensive Starters for 2024:

Mason Voegele QB 5-11 160 2025
Jase Nelson RB 5-9 170 2026
Owen Menke OT 6-2 265 2026
Bordy Furlow C 5-10 190 2026
Kason Muskop G 5-10 185 2027
Cameron Janik FB 5-10 185 2026
Logan Hicks RB/WR 5-11 170 2026


Returning Defensive Starters for 2024:

Mason Voegele S 5-11 160 2025
Owen Menke DT 6-2 265 2026
Bordy Furlow DE 5-10 190 2026
Kason Muskop DE 5-10 185 2027
Cameron Janik LB 5-10 185 2026
Logan Hicks LB 5-11 170 2026
Keegan Thompson LB 5-9 175 2027


Newcomers to Watch

Cooper Weik WR
Ricky Prater WR


2024 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?

July 10 v Dupo 5pm @Columbia
July 16 v Red Bud 9am @Columbia
August 23 v Wesclin time TBD @Columbia


Impact Player for Columbia

The Eagles and head coach Scott Horner as mentioned welcome back a strong core of returning starters for 2024. Yet I would keep an eye on both junior OL/DL Owen Menke (6-foot-2, 265 pounds) along with junior RB Jase Nelson as keys this fall for Columbia. Menke will be asked to again play full time on both sides of the line while Nelson will be the headline running back this season.
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EDGY's Preseason Thoughts on the 2024 Columbia Eagles

Columbia and head coach Scott Horner are looking to rebound this coming season from a 2-7 finish in 2023. The Eagles started the season with ab 0-5 record and despite the final record the Eagles battled several teams for four quarters last season. The positive this summer is that Columbia welcomes back a strong core of experienced returning starters and will look to make a move up in the Cahokia conference this fall.

The biggest question for Columbia in 2024? Can the Eagles get out of the gates stronger this coming season nd avoid last season's slow start? The Columbia non conference schedule remains tough and will again be a strong early test and indicator for this Eagles program. If the Eagles plan to get back towards the top of the Cahokia conference getting a win or two against it's non conference opponents will be paramount in 2024.


Preseason Ranking? Possible 2024 Preseason Class 4A Top 10 "others".

Nazarerth Academy Road Runners

Head Coach: Tim Racki

Assistant Coaches:

Casey Moran Tony Navigato Rudy Luna Joe Reynolds Antonio Miranda Keith Lukes Joe Battaglia Marcus Griffin Antonio Shenault

School Nickname/Mascot: Road Runners

Conference: CCL/ESCC

Team Twitter Handle: @FootballNaz

2024 Regular Season schedule (if known):

FRI. AUG. 30 KANKAKEE HOME 7:30 PM

FRI. SEPT. 6 Kenwood Academy HOME 7:30pm

FRI. Sept. 13 MT. CARMEL AWAY 7:30 Pm

Fri. Sept. 20 I.C. AWAY 7:30 pm

FRI. Sept. 27 JOLIET CATHOLIC HOME 7:30 pm

FRI. OCT. 4 ST. RITA HOME 7:30 pm

FRI. OCT.11 DE LA SALLE AWAY 7:30 PM

FRI. Oct. 18 BENET HOME 7:30 Pm

FRI. OCT. 25 ST. FRANCIS AWAY 7:30 PM


Returning Offensive Starters for 2024:

24 Angulo Alex SR RB 5'8 170
1 Malachuk Logan SR QB 5′11″ 185
11 Penley Jimmy SR WR 5'10 175
52 Stec Sam SR OL 6'2 265
7 Cestone Jake JR WR 6'2 175
8 Walker Trenton JR WR 6'4 215
76 Malachuk Christian SOPH OL 5'11 225
55 Deering Maxwell SR OL 5'11 220
0 McClain Eddie JR RB 5'7 165


Returning Defensive Starters for 2024:

2 Reese Garrett SR DB 6'2 185
89 Daly Nolan SR DL 6'4 240
3 Fauske Jaden SR "DB 6′1″ 185
9 Kaminski Gabriel SR DL 6'4 250
11 Penley Jimmy SR DB 5'10 175
0 McClain Eddie JR DB 5'7 165
21 Tittle Lesroy JR LB 6'2 185
61 Cesario Luciano JR DL 5'11 220
13 Colon Johnny/Yandiel JR DB 5'10 180
28 Sanchez Noah JR LB 5'10 190

Newcomers to Watch

79 Wszelaki Tomek JR
10 McDermott William JR
6 Stolfi Sean JR
26 Wellner Dylan SOPH
54 Ryan Carson JR
50 Sefcik Nate JR
23 Watson Justin JR

2024 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?

JUNE 19, JULY 10 8:30AM AT NAZ
TEAM CAMP AT OLIVET NAZARENE JULY 22-24


Impact Player for Nazareth Academy

The Road Runners again have a very rare lineup with a heavy talented team on both sides of the football which also includes names who have been multi-year starters. On the offensive side of the football senior QB Logan Malachuk has simpoly been one of the most productive signal callers in the State of Illinois over the past several seasons. Malachuk has a terrific arm, touch and scrambling ability and is a threat every time he has the football in his hands.

Defensively. senior OLB/DE Gabe Kaminski is simply one of the best overall defenders in the State of Illinois again in 2024. Kaminski, who just committed to Stanford is a major impact defender who is a tackling machine whoi can and will drop back into coverage when required also is a relentless pass rusher.

Looking for a potential sleeper names for Nazareth Academy this coming fall? Tbe starting wide receiving corps of senior Jimmy Penley, junior Trenton Walker and junior Jake Crestone all have big play ability and all three can and will also see time on defense when needed.

EDGY's Preseason Thoughts on the 2024 Nazareth Academy Road Runners

Nazareth Academy and veteran head coach Tim Racki has simply been one of the biggest and most successful stories in IHSA Football. The 2023 Road Runners barely made the IHSA State Football playoff field with a losing record (4-5) then won 5 straight games to win the Class 5A state championship. Look for the Road Runners to again be a favoeite to win a state title in 2024, but the path to just getting into the post-season is as stacked as ever.

The biggest question for Nazareth Academy in 2024? Can the Road Runners again find it's way into a winning record (or close to a winning record) and make a deep post-season run? The 2024 schedule has at minimum 7 state playoff caliber teams including a great Week 1 opener hosting Kankakee and the schedule just does not slow down.

Preseason Ranking? Preseason Chicagoland Top 30 ranked/Preseason Class 5A Top 10

Somthing about that Mississippi water!
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So DGN is one of a handful of high schools this spring who is trying to be proactive and trying to attract more colleges coaches to see kids in person in one location, so DGN hosted this event which also included kids from DGN/DGS/York/Lyons/Hinsdale Central and 2025 QB Jackson Alcorn from Burlington Central (again not sure why just one kid but ok). The showcase had the kids do some testing then also did some various positional work. This started at 6PM and was pretty much wrapped up at 8PM.

Overall? Each school had some solid kids who I'll mention below (again the positional work was limited so I didn't get to see a ton of work here). Unfortunately very few college coaches attended this event (again welcome to the new weird world of recruiting post portal) but hopefully these events will continue to happen.

DGN Trojans

QB Owen Lansu 2026- Lansu is already adding Power 4 offers and he has no question done a ton of work this off season on adding good weight and size. I joked with Owen that her's no longer a "kid" but looks more like a "grown ass man". Lansu has added a good 15-20 pounds since last season and is also no question much stronger and just much more impressive on ther hoof. Lansu's overall arm talent and ability has really never been in question and this could end up being a very good late spring for him from a recruiting/offer standpoint. The more schools that see him in person the more school that I feel will offer him.

LB/DE Joe Edwards 2025- The younger brother of former DGN/Wisconsin and now NFL OT David Edwards....Joe is a bit of a tweener positionally to me but also a prospect with some upside for sure. Edwards is 6-footr-3, 200 pounds and I can see him playing either as a rush end/OLB ot maybe as an ILB at the college level. Has an early offer from Akron and interest from various FCS schools this spring.

WR/LB/DB Charlie Cruse 2025- Very strong player who had a very good 2o23 season for the 7A state runner up Trojans. Cruse also added some good weight and strength this off season and is gearing up to play on both sides of the football in 2024. Cruse has really good hands and ball skills, runs strong routes and has impressive body control and overlal strong instincts. I can see various higher academic schools (Ivy/Pioneer) getting more and more involved here.

RB/LB Jack Gregorio 2025- I also liked Jack's overall game last season and he's a two way player who as a linebacker is a big time hitter and finisher while also having some skill and ability as a running back.

OL Anthony Bertachi 2026 Good sized younger kid here who checks in at 6-foot-3, 250 pounds who also has the frame to add even more good weight and strength over the next year plus.

OL Omar Duran 2026- See above. Duran is at 6-foot-2, 235 pounds who moves pretty well and who will also get much bigger and stronger from here.

York Dukes

QB Bruno Massel 2025- Solid passer who checks in at 5-foot-11, 185 pounds. made some good throws and showed some good overall athletic ability in the testing phase.

DL Joe Reiff 2025 (Notre Dame commit)- The Notre Dame commit is now up to 245 pounds and is already looking like a man among boys. Reiff has impressive speed and quickness and now also has much more strength, power and punch behind him this spring. Reiff physically looks much, much different compared to a season ago and he has a chance to develop in to a big time player for Notre Dame.

OL Camden Silverwright 2026 Checks in at 6-foot-5, 235 pounds and and this is yet another younger linemen to watch here, Has the look. frame and potential to get much stronger and much bigger. Moves pretty well, showwes gsome bend and good feet and balance.

TE/DE Hunter Stepanich 2026Measures in at 6-foot-7, 200 pounds and played TE here....but Hunter has the frame and look of a potential big time OT in hiding. Stepanich moves pretty well for his size...and also has impressive reach and length and also possesses a frame that will allow him to add much more size and strength. I can see him staying at tight end but as far as a longer term/college development standpoint....OT could also be in his future in my early opinion.

OL Constantine Kampas 2026- Yet another big body kid here (6-foot-5, 250 pounds) and another name to watch over the next two years.

DGS Mustangs

QB Dominic West 2025 Throws a nice ball and has continued to develop and improve each time I see him. Still has work to do in the weight room and needs much needed weight and more strength for the college level.

S Coen Godenschwager 2025 Just a very nice all around player here. Showed some speed and is an athletic player to watch here.

TE/DE James Pieropolous 2025- Measures in at 6-foot-2, 225 pounds and moves well and has the look of a player who could draw more recruiting looks this spring and summer.

Hinsdale Central Red Devils- Red Devils unfortunately didn't really wear a jersey here so I will go back and try to figure out a few additional names I liked here....especially from a skills standpoint I saw a handful of speedy/twitchy kids who stood out.

OL/DL Ryan McGarry 2025- Big, strong kid who also showed some decent bend and feet. Has the size and frame/build to play OC at the high college level. Physically is pretty much college ready right now and his combination of strength, power and quickness really was impressive here.

OL Eugene Riordan 2026- Younger guy who has good size and length and who also moves pretty well for a kid his size. Has the frame and build to add more good weight and strength over the next few years and he has a chance to play at a pretty high level. A name to watch out for here.

Lyons Township Lions

WR/DB Travis Stamm 2025- Good sized athlete who I felt played really well in 2023 for the Lions. Stamm has good length, runs well and showed to have very good hands and is simply a steady and very reliable receiver. Schools at theFBS/high FCS level will look harder into Stamm this summer.

Burlington Central Rockets

QB Jackson Alcorn 2025- Been aware of Jackson for some time now. Alcorn is physically advanced (6-foot-1, 200 pounds) and in many ways seems to be ready for the next level. Did pretty well overall in the testing phase....has good overall strength and ran pretty well. Didn't get to see him throw as much as I would have liked but I get the feeling Alcorn will be very active in the college one day camp circuit this summer.

Arcola Purple Riders

Head Coach: Steve Snider

Assistant Coaches:

Adam Reel, Tommy Eddleman, Steven Franco, Ronny Olvera

School Nickname/Mascot: Purple Raiders

Conference: Lincoln Prairie

Team Twitter Handle: @ArcolaFootball

2024 Regular Season schedule (if known):

August 30th @Nokomis 7:00pm
September 6th vs Sullivan 7:00pm
September 13th vs Argenta-Oreana 7:00pm
September 20th @Oakland 7:00pm
September 27th @Villa Grove
October 4th vs Cumberland 7:00pm
October 11th @Sangamon Valley 7:00pm
October 18th @A-L-A-H 7:00pm
October 25 vs Cerro Gordo-Bement 7:00pm

Returning Offensive Starters for 2024:

Jayden Henson-Stice/Running Back/5'10/170/2025
Brevyn Whisman/Tight End/6'2/180/2026
Braden Phillips/Wide Receiver/6'3/170/2025
Brody Phillips/Quarterback/5'10/160/2027
Gael Elizondo/Guard/5'10/195/2025
Jackson Griffith/Guard/6'1/205/2026
Orlando Marcos/Tackle/6'0/270/2025
Ryder Rich-Wilcox/Fullback-Offensive Line/5'10/215/2025

Returning Defensive Starters for 2023:

Jayden Henson-Stice/Defensive Back/5'10/170/2025
Brevyn Whisman/Defensive Line-OLB/6'2/180/2026
Braden Phillips/Defensive Back/6'3/170/2025
Gael Elizondo/Defensive Line/5'10/195/2025
Jackson Griffith/Defensive Line/6'1/205/2026
Orlando Marcos/Defensive Line/6'0/270/2025
Ryder Rich-Wilcox/Linebacker/5'10/215/2025

Newcomers to Watch

Carson Jewell/OL-LB/ 6'1/180/2027
Remington Roberts McGeehon/WR-RB-DB/6'0/150/2027
Anthony Burgos/RB-LB/5'7/160/2027


2024 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?

7on7 July 17th @Tolono @5:00pm
Joint Practice/7on7 July 23rd @East Peoria @6:00pm
Joint Practice/7on7 July 24th @Maroa-Forsyth @6:00pm
Joint Practice Home with LeRoy @8:00am
Scrimmage August 23rd @LeRoy @6:00pm

Impact Player for Arcola

The Purple Riders and head coach Steve Snider welcome back a strong core of experienced starters for the 2024 season. Keep an eye on senior OL/DL Orlando Marcos (6-foot-0, 270 pounds) who is a valuable two way starter and leader for Arcola this coming season.

EDGY's Preseason Thoughts on the 2024 Arcola Purple Riders

Arcola is simply one of the most historic high school football programs in Illinois having played organized football since 1894. The Purple Riders posted 4-5 record in 2023 and just missed the IHSA state playoff field that included close losses to both Argenta Oreana (21-20) and also Villa Grove (21-14). Look for the Purple Riders to rely on it's experience on both sides of the football as a strength this coming season.

The biggest question for Arcola in 2024? Can the Purple Riders improve it's overall numbers this coming season and also avoid the injury bug? With a bit of good luck and a break here and there...look for the Arcola Purple Riders to make a move towards the IHSA state playoff field in 2024.

Preseason Ranking? Class 1A Top 10 ranking consideration

Coach Murphy posted he's stepping down at Eisenhower. Really thought he did great things there. Anyone know if he is expected to land somewhere else?

St. Laurence Vikings

Head Coach: Adam Nissen

Assistant Coaches:

Frank Lenti, Chris Accetto, Jeremy Cooper, Tony Decarlo, Kevin Blake, Nick Urso, Mike Sterna, Dominic Riccordino

School Nickname/Mascot: Vikings

Conference: Chicago Catholic League White

Team Twitter Handle: @STLVikingFB

2024 Regular Season schedule (if known):

Von Steuben
@ Evanston
@ Niles ND
@ Carmel Mundelein
Leo
Fenwick
@ St. Patrick
Brother Rice
@ Montini


Returning Offensive Starters for 2024:

Julian Garcia - OL - 5'11 245 2025
Kyle Richardson - H - 6'0 215 2025

Returning Defensive Starters for 2023:

Gary Coleman - DL - 5'10 255 2025
Jace Chamberlain - DL - 6'0 240 2025
Ja'Sean Mays - OLB 6'0 215 2025
Jacob Bylina - LB - 6'0 225

Newcomers to Watch

Harley Rizzs - 2025 - RB
Sean Rice - 2027 - DE
Brian Killen - 2026 - LB
Cory Les - 2026- RB/LB
Ayden Ginn - 2026 - WR
Jahlen Williams - 2026 - OL
Joey Spano - 2025 - WR

2024 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?

July 18 with Bishop Mac
July 24 at Eisenhower

Impact Player for St. Laurence

The Vikings will need to reload at several key positions this summer, yet the Vikings defense features some key names none as impactful as senior DL Jace Chamberlain. Chamberlain was a big time impact player and hitter for the Vikings in it's 2023 Class 4A state playoff run and look for Chamberlain to again lead a very strong Vikings defense in 2024.

Looking for a potential sleeper name for St. Laurence this coming fall? Both senior linebackers Jacob Bylina and Ja'Sean Mays are also big time playmakers for the Vikings defense this coming season and both will also draw additional recruiting attention.

EDGY's Preseason Thoughts on the 2024 St. Laurence Vikings

St. Laurence and head coach Adam Nissen led the Vikings to a 10-4 season and the 2023 Class 4A state title game and that has been the Vikings best finish in IHSA state playoffs since the Vikings second place finish in 1978 under Hall of Fame head coach Mike O'Neill (St Laurence won the 5A state title in 1976 under Tom Kavanagh). The Vikings graduated a very deep and talented senior class this spring and look for St Laurence to reload especially on the offensive side of the football with just two returning starters back this fall.

The biggest question for St. Laurence in 2024? Can the Vikings reload on offense and find a way to post 5 wins and get into the state playoff field? The 2024 schedule is again stacked for St. Laurence and includes games against Niles Notre Dame, Carmel, Fenwick, Brother Rice and Montini Catholic. Just getting to 5 wins is no given and if the Vikings can make it into the post-season....they will again be a potentially dangerous, battle tested team in Class 4A.

Preseason Ranking? Class 4A possible Top 10 ranked

Dunlap Eagles

Head Coach: Brett Cazalett

Assistant Coaches:

Logan Willits Kevin Dulin Tim Green Dave Combs Jett Schmidt Justin Miller Mark Hoagland Clint Huber Felipe Obrero

School Nickname/Mascot: Eagles

Conference: Mid Illini Conference

Team Twitter Handle: @DunlapFootball


2024 Regular Season schedule (if known):

1. Vs Galesburg
2. @ Rock Island
3. Vs Pekin
4. @ Limestone
5. Vs East Peoria
6. Vs Canton
7. @ Washington
8. @ Morton
9. Vs Metamora

Returning Offensive Starters for 2024:

John Bargen QB 6’4 180 2026
Mack Sutter QB/TE/WR 6’5 220 2026
Jackson Oldham RB 5’8 195 2025
Dawson Marmion WR 6’1 195 2025
Colton Barlow 6’3 280 OL 2026
Ethan Chen 6’2 270 OL 2025
Isaac Foster 6’5 295 OL 2025

Returning Defensive Starters for 2023:

Dawson Marmion DB 6’1 195 2025
Mack Sutter OLB 6’5 220 2026
Joe Weeks LB 5’11 190 2025
Hunter Wahrenburg DL 6’0 210 2025

Newcomers to Watch

Jack Steffan DB/WR 5’11 165 2026
Blake Dietz LB 5’10 190 2026
Jacob Allen DB 5’10 175 2025
Ryder Christensen WR/DB 6’1 175 2025

2024 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?


7 on 7
At Chatham 7/12
At Washington 7/20

Joint practice
@ Sterling 7/22
@ Illinois College 7/30


Impact Player for Dunlap

Dunlap has one of the state's and the Midwest top recruits in 2026 four star ranked ATH Mack Sutter (6-foot-5, 220 pounds). Sutter, who is a multi-positional and multi-sport athlete has the overall size. frame, physical tools and potential to develop into a high Power 4 player at the next level. Sutter, who already has a list of scholarship offers from a who's who in college football royalty will continue to add more offers and draw national recruiting attention this summer and beyond. Look for Dunlap to have Sutter play all over the field in 2024 on both sides of the football including time at QB/WR/TE along with playing DE/ILB for the Eagles.

Looking for a potential sleeper name for Dunlap this coming fall? Keep an eye on junior QB John Bargen who has impressive size (6-foot-4, 180 pounds) and who's overall game improved each week in 2023. The development and growth of John Bargen has allowed the Eagles to take the pressure of playing quarterback full time on Mack Sutter, allowing Sutter to be utilized in several different ways.

EDGY's Preseason Thoughts on the 2024 Dunlap Eagles

Dunlap and head coach Brett Cazalett led the Eagles to the 2023 Class 6A state playoff field. Dunlap lost in opening round action to Blue Island Eisenhower 42-41 in overtime to end the season with a 6-4 record. Dunlap has made the IHSA state playoff field for the past 8 straight seasons under Brett Cazalett (who has an overall 87-59 record in 15 seasons). Dunlap is always battle tested coming from the Mid Illini conference and look for the Eagles to again be a top tier team in boith the Mid Illini and the Class 6A state playoff field.

The biggest question for Dunlap in 2024? Can the Eagles finish stronger this fall compared to the 2023 season? Dunlap started out of the gates hot and posted a 6-0 record.then lost four straight games to end the season with a 6-4 record. Look for the Eagles to lean on an experienced offense with 7 starters back led buy 3 starters returning on the Dunlap offensive line.

Preseason Ranking? A potential Class 6A Top 10 caliber team.

Chicago Morgan Park Mustangs

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Head Coach: Chris James

Assistant Coaches:

Debo Olaleye Jareem Flemming Kenneth Smith Matt Bryant Demetrius Cooper Tyler Tucker Darren Brady Demarion Hampton Brandon Brooks Ryan Binion


School Nickname/Mascot: Mustangs

Conference: Chicago Public League Red



Team Twitter Handle: @_MP_Football


2024 Regular Season schedule (if known):

Week 1 Marist
Week 2 OPRF
Week 3 Westinghouse
Week 4 Kenwood
Week 5 Johnson college prep
Week 6 lane tech
Week 7 Phillips
Week 8 Brooks
Week 9 Simeon

Returning Offensive Starters for 2024:

Roman Wellington center 5’11 230 2025
Marcus Enoch Guard/Tackle 6’1 230 2025
Logan Drakeford Guard 5’11 230 2025
Langston Waithe Guard 6’0 260 2027
Marcus Thaxton QB 6’0 190 2025
Terrance Gurley ATH 5’10 180 2025
Stanley Thompson WR 6’0 175 2025

Returning Defensive Starters for 2023:

Ahmad Grayer DB 5’11 175 2025
Jovan Clark ATH 5’11 200 2025
Jahmare Washington ATH 6’2 170 2025
Quince Shearer DB 5’8 165 2025
Jermaine Erving DB 5’11 165 2025
Jacob Ware LB 5’11 185 2025
Andre Smith DL 6’1 220 2025
Geordan Pettie DL 6’0 260 2025
Nigel Waller DL 6’0 215 2025

Newcomers to Watch

Demetrius Rule LB 6’1 224 2025
Nasir Rankin ATH 6’0 180 2026
Kendall Griffin DB 5’11 170 2026
Daijon DT 6’2 305 2027
RJ Smtih Jr. QB 5’11 175 2028

2024 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?

U of I 7v7
Eisenhower 7v7 (MC, LWE)
Batavia Dual practice
Week 0 vs Sandburg

Impact Player for Morgan Park

Morgan Park head coach Chris James has done a tremendous job of developing talent along with keeping the Mustangs at the top of the Chicago Public League and beyond. While the Mustangs no question have some key losses to replace including the loss of standout RB/DB Tysean Griffin (Illinois) plus WR Chris Durr (Wyoming)...the Mustangs for the 2024 season still have a handful of major dudes to watch this fall. Senior QB Marcus Thaxton has been a starter for Morgan Parl since his sophomore season and his overall game and ability to make plays continues to get better each season. Senior S/OLB Jovan Clark is a major hitter, ball hawk and impact player for the Mustangs again this season. Clark has several D1 level offers this spring. Senior ATH Jahmare Washington is truly an impact player on either side of the football. Washington already has several major Power 4/D1 offers and has ther physical size, potential and upside to become a maonster at the high college level and Washington can and will play S/WR/CB/OLB and DE this fall.

Looking for a potential sleeper names for Morgan Park this coming fall? Incoming transfer 2026 ATH Nasir Rankin (6-foot-0, 180 pounds) comes in from Whitney Young and is one of the top overall two sport athletes (football/basketball) in the Chicagoland area. Senior DB Ahmad Grayer is another speedy and athletic defender and is another name to watch this summer and fall.

EDGY's Preseason Thoughts on the 2024 Chicago Morgan Park Mustangs

Morgan Park and alum and head coach Chris James has continued to build up the football program into not just a city power but also a Class 5A power. Morgan Park under James has made the IHSA state playoffs in four straight seasons and James has posted a record of 39-18 in his 6 seasons in charge. The Mustangs made it to the Cl;ass 5A state quarterfinal round in the last two seasons posting losses in the quarterfinals in 2023 to St Francis and in 2022 to Nazareth Academy.

The biggest question for Morgan Park in 2024? Can the Mustangs get past the awaiting Catholic suburban school powers in Class 5A and win a state title this fall? The Mustangs no question have some question marks, but I also like some of the answers here this preseason. Can the Mustangs can establish a handful of new weapons in the offensive skills while getting a big season from QB Marcus Thaxton along with the veteran Mustangs offensive line? The Morgan Park defense brings back experience, speed and toughness and will be a definite strength this fall. If the offense finds those early questions on offense along with the kicking game/special teams....this squad has a very real chance of making a potential deep run in 2024.

Preseason Ranking? Top 30 Chicagoland/Class 5A Top 10 caliber team.

The first of many here starting with Chicago Morgan Park Mustangs. Make sure and subscribe today and never miss a thing.

Trenton Van Boening [Libertyville, EMU]

CJ West [Nazareth, Kent State]

Christian Lorenzo [Illinois, Dekalb]

All in today

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This will be only the second meeting between the Ramblers and Corsairs — and the first since the 1999 Prep Bowl playoffs. Loyola finished the season at 5-4 and Carmel at 4-5, neither making the IHSA playoffs. Ramblers won 22-21 in overtime - behind a 4th down score and 2-point conversion by the late, great fullback Jon Schwabe.

Mt Carmel quarterback Jack Elliott committed to Vanderbilt on Tuesday after a campus visit.