I'll be doing some exclusive weekly stories and features this season for the Daily Herald. This will be my second tour of duty for the DH and my first column is linked

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Oregon Hawks

Head Coach: Broc Kundert

Assistant Coaches:

John Bothe/Colby Dace/Nate Girton/Justin Ebert/Trevor Stoos/Bryce Carlson/Dominic Marchetti/Drew Ackman/Tyler Blume/Andy Gilbert

Conference: Big Northern

Team Twitter:

@OregonHawksFB

2024 Regular Season schedule (if known)

@ North Boone
@ Dixon
Genoa Kingston
Winnebago
@Byron
Stillman Valley
@Rock Falls
@Rockford Lutheran
Rockford Christian

Returning Offensive Starters for 2024

Jack Washburn - QB - 5'9 - 170 - 2025
Logan Weems - RB - 5'9 - 175 - 2025
Hunter Bartel - WR - 6'2 - 205 - 2025
Josh Crandall - TE - 6'4 - 250 - 2025
Seth Rote - G - 5'11 - 225 - 2025
Briggs Sellers - C - 6'1 - 285 - 2025
Andrew Young - G - 5'10 - 195 - 2025


Returning Defensive Starters for 2024:

Josh Crandall - DL - 6'4 - 250 - 2025
Seth Rote - DL - 5'11 - 225 - 2025
Hunter Bartel - S - 6'2 - 205 - 2025
Avery Lewis - S - 6'0 - 180 - 2025

Newcomers to Watch:

Cooper Johnson RB/S - 2026
Lucas Cole - RB/LB - 2025
Kade Girton - TE/DL - 2025
Tristian Smith Van Cura - OT/DL - 2026
Ethan Mowry - C - 6'1 - 175

2024 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?

Loras 7 on 7
Princeton 7 on 7 and Lineman Challenge
Du-Pec for Summer Scrimmage
EPC for Week 0 Scrimmage

Impact Player for Oregon?

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Oregon senior TE/DE Josh Crandall (6-foot-4, 250 pounds) is a name to watch this fasll for the Hawks. Crandall who has various offers and attention from the FBS and FCS level schools this summer will again be asked to play on both sides of the football this fall. Crandall has an impressive frame, runs well and is a player who has the frame and width to add much more good weight and strength over the next few years.

Looking for a sleeper name to watch this fall for Oregon? Oregon senior OC Briggs Seller (6-foot-1, 285 pounds) is a strong overall player and has the ideal sizx stregnth and physical tools to play center at the next level.

EDGY's Preseason Thoughts on the 2024 Oregon Hawks

Oregon and head coach Broc Kundert is looking to build upon the Hawks 5-5 season in 2023. Oregon and head coach Broc Kundert was able to get the Hawks posted a 5-5 season in 20233 and got into the IHSA state playoff field for the first time since 2104. Broc Kundert has posted a 7-12 record in two season.

The biggest question facing Oregon this summer?

Can the Hawks continue on its winning ways from 2023 and make a deeper push into the conference standings along with in the IHSA state playoffs this fall? Oregon has a nice core of starters back (7 offense 4 defense) including some high level talent....and getting past the likes of Byron along with a handful of others in the Big Northern is always challenge. Look for ther Hawks to again challenge to get to 5 plus wins and another state playoff appearance.

Preseason Ranking? Not yet.

Has the frame and physical tools to develop into a Power 4 OT.....still has a long way to go but I feel he can close the gap pretty quickly

Who is your dream matchup for your team for an out of conference game? Doesn't necessarily have to be LWE vs. Loyola, but who would you like to see your team play out of conference? An old rival, a neighboring town, a local public/private school?

With the Morris/Coal City matchup coming to an end and the Redskins playing the team from Grand Rapids this year and next year there's opportunity in the coming years. I've always said, and I stand by my stance, that I would love for Morris to rekindle the rivalries with the teams from the old Little 7 conference. While they wouldn't dominate like they used to due to the other schools enrollments being so much larger, I can still see them being competitive with every school, except for Batavia. Give me Morris vs. Minooka, Oswego, Geneva, Plainfield, or Kaneland.

The Coal City game was a good agreement in the beginning and Coal City is a successful program, but they've only beat Morris once and most of the games haven't been that close so I'm not sad that it's coming to an end. Would love to see Morris vs. Minooka in week 1 annually. They've had some success in past years and they're a good 8A program and would be a good challenge for Morris to start the year. Due to proximity it's a natural rival, but growing up I always felt Oswego was a bigger rival for Morris. Morris was the only team to beat them in 1992 when they won state and the Panthers beat multiple great Redskin teams.

Tremont Turks

Head Coach: Benny Prather

Assistant Coaches:

Mitch Whightsil
Scott Lorengo
JR Lester
Alejandro Hatley

Conference: Heart of Central Illinois Large

Team Twitter:

@Turks_football


2024 Regular Season schedule (if known)

8/30 Seneca- Home
9/07 Carlyle - Away
9/13 Clinton - Away
9/20 Shelbyville - Home
9/27 R/L - Away
10/04 Dee-Mack- Away
10/11 Eureka - Home
10/18 El-paso- Home
10/25 Tri-Valley - Away


Returning Offensive Starters for 2024

Blain Williams (RB/WR, 5'11" 190lb, 2025)
Brett Bane (QB, 6' 1" 170lb, 2026)
Ian Eatock (OL 5'8", 200lb, 2025
Mathew Conn ( OL 6'1" 190lb, 2026)
Jaret Zaayenga ( OL 6'4" 220lb 2025)
Jordyn Balsimo (TE/WR 5'11" 170lb, 2026)

Returning Defensive Starters for 2024:

Blain Williams (FS/LB, 5'11" 190lb, 2025)
Luke Haley (CB, 5'10" 165lb, 2026)
Brody Morris (DL, 5'11" 300lb 2025)

Newcomers to Watch:

Bowden Delaney
Ty Dykes
Becket Kreiling


2024 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?

Clifton Central 7on7on 7/13
Stark County 7on7 on 7/17
Joint Practices with Princeville and Canton on 7/30 and 8/1


Impact Player for Tremont?

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Tremont senior OL/DL Ty Dykes is an incoming transfer for the Turks this summer from Metamora. Dykes is an effective impact performer on both sides of the football inn 2024.

Looking for a sleeper name to watch this fall for Tremont? Tremont senior RB/LB Blain Williams is a twom way starter for the Turks this fall and will be asked to provide both leadership on and off the field along with production on both sides of the football.

EDGY's Preseason Thoughts on the 2024 Tremont Turks

Tremont and head coach Benny Prather posted an 0-9 record in his first season in leading the Turks football program. Tremont will lean on 9 returning starters (6 offense 3 defense) and this program has had recent success making the IHSA state playoffs in 2019 and 2021.

The biggest question facing Tremont this summer?

Can the Turks get off the 9 game losing streak from a season ago and win games in 2024? The Turks open up against a stacked Seneca team in Week 1 but should have a better chance of posting better outcomes starting in Week 2.

Preseason Ranking? NA

South Fork Ponies

Head Coach: Zack Hanlon

Assistant Coaches:

Jason Kirkendoll
Chris Clark
Josh Mulvaney
Dylan Hughes
Colton Glazebrook
Colin Howard

Conference: 8 Man South

Team Twitter:

@CoachHanlon5

2024 Regular Season schedule (if known)

8/3 @ Blue Ridge 7pm
9/6 vs Unity Christian 7pm
9/14 @ Pawnee 10am
9/21 vs Pal/Hunt 11am
9/27 @ Martinsville 7pm
10/5 vs Metro East Lutheran 6pm
10/12 @ Oblong 1pm
10/19 @ St. Thomas More 7pm
10/26 vs St. Anne 1pm


Returning Offensive Starters for 2024

Jarred Tracey, QB, 5'9", 180, 2025
Brody Lush, WR, 6'0", 180, 2026
Ian Dial, RB, 6'0", 190, 2026
George Bailey, RB, 6'1" 195, 2026
Brody Pop, G, 5'9", 225, 2026
Carter Elder, G, 6'3", 265, 2026


Returning Defensive Starters for 2024:

Brody Lush, Corner, 6'0", 180, 2026
George Bailey, LB, 6'1" 195, 2026
Brody Pop, MLB, 5'9", 225, 2026
Carter Elder, DT, 6'3", 265, 2026
Jhud Walker, DE, 6'0", 180, 2026

Newcomers to Watch:

Miles Norris, WR, Corner, 6'3", 170, 2027

2024 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?

5 on 5 at Decatur Unity July 20th

Impact Player for South Fork?

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South Fork junior OL/DL Carter Elder (6-foot-3, 265 pounds) has impressive size and physical tools and is a name that will draw increased recruiting looks and attention and who's early 2024 season video will draw eyeballs to watch.

Looking for a sleeper name to watch this fall for Salt Fork? Both Salt Fork junior DB Brody Lush along with junior LB George Bailey have the size and look of two underclassmen players who are in line to have a big 2024 season for the Ponies.

EDGY's Preseason Thoughts on the 2024 South Fork Ponies

Salt Fork and head coach Zach Hanlon are looking to improve this season after positing a solid 7-3 record in 2023 and making the 8 Man playoffs and lost in opening round action against Bushnell Prairie City. Salt Fork has made the 8 Man playoffs back to back in 2022 and 2023 after having no playoff appearances for the previous 28 seasons.

The biggest question facing Salt Fork this summer?

Can the Ponies continue to mive the program success forward, get into the 8 Man playoff field and make a deeper run in 2024? Salt Fork welcomes back a very strong core and starting lineup and expectations are high for this season.

Preseason Ranking? See NUIC.com for 8 Man footbal team rankings all season long.

Cahokia Comanches

Head Coach: Darien Donald

Assistant Coaches:

Brandon Harold , Damon Devine ,Donald Collier , Laudell Ford ,Darion Phiffer, Shaq Bonner, Sean Sayles ,Drake Jackson ,Brandon Smith , Lamauriel Taylor


Conference: South 7

Team Twitter:

NA


2024 Regular Season schedule (if known)

vs St Peters Lutheran (Mo)
vs Jackson (Mo)
vs Granite City
vs Carbondale
vs Marion
vs Mt. Vernon
@ Centralia
vs Collinsville
@ Sycamore



Returning Offensive Starters for 2024

Zion Taylor QB 6”1 190 class 25,
Correyontae Midget RB 5”8 170 class 25,
Renaldo Fisher LG 5”11 300 class 25,
Jaylen Pennington WR 6”2 155 class 25,
Cameron Henderson C 5”11 255 class 26
Hartles Holman WR 5”8 145 Class 27

Returning Defensive Starters for 2024:

Donald Collier F/S 5”11 160 Class 27,
Antonio Morris DB 5”11 170 class 26 ,
Cornelius Griffin LB/DE 6”1 200 class 25 ,
Issac Phipps DE/LB 6”0 210 class 25 ,
Renaldo Fisher DT 5”11 300 class 25

Newcomers to Watch:

Demarco Clark DE/LT 6”2 275 class 25 ,
Armon Smith ATH 6”1 170 class 25,
Cortez Rose WR 6”1 170 class 27
Akeelan Dowell DB 6”1 160 Class 25

2024 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?

Lindenwood June 6th ,
Mizzou June 14th ,
Arkansas June 19th ,
Eastern Illinois June 22nd

Impact Player for Cahokia?

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Cahokia sophomore S Donald Collier (5-foot-11, 160 pounds) is a speedy and very athletic player who has already begun to draw serious recruiting looks and offers this summer. Look for Collier to gain much more recruiting traction starting his fall and I fully expect his overall recruiting stock to surge with good film this fall.

Looking for a sleeper name to watch this fall for Cahokia? The Comanches have several talented 2025 names who will play at the next level in 2025 including DE Demarco Clark, DE Issac Phipps plus QB Zion Taylor and senior RB Correyontae Midger.

EDGY's Preseason Thoughts on the 2024 Cahokia Comanches

Cahokia and new head coach Donald Collier takes over the Comanches football program for the 2024 season, Collier, a former standout player at Cahokia will look to improve upon the Comanches 5-5 record in 2023. The Comanches made the IHSA state playoff field in two of the last three seasons under then head coach Doc Gooden.

The biggest question facing Cahokia this summer?

Can the Comanches continue to move the football program forward, handle a very strong regular season schedule and make the IHSA state playoff field? Cahokia has made progress over the last handful of seasons and look to have a strong core of returning seniors back with also a nice mix of underclassmen talent on board. If the Comanches can reload at a handful of key spots (OL/DL) they have a chance to making some more noise in 2024.

Preseason Ranking? Not yet.

Bremen Braves

Head Coach: Connor Downes

Assistant Coaches:

Amir Ross
Kevin O’Sullivan
Derek Hitt
Zac Sadek
Rey Lang
Sean Grant
Kris Arnold

Conference: South Suburban Blue

Team Twitter:

@BremenBraves_FB


2024 Regular Season schedule (if known)

Taft
Grayslake Central
Shepard
Oak Forest
Hillcrest
Lemont
Tinley Park
TF South
TF North


Returning Offensive Starters for 2024

SR RB Ronney Spruill 6'1 190
SR RB Jaylan Holder-Roster 5'9 170
SO RB Jatuan Hogan 5'7 165
SR OL Marco Olvera 6'1 265
SR OL Djuan Freeman 5'9 250
SR OL Charles Olowopopo-Hardrick 6'2 270
JR RB Vince Webber 5'10 190
JR RB Nehemiah Rogers 5'9 180

Returning Defensive Starters for 2024:


SR LB Ronney Spruill 6'1 190
SO LB Jatuan Hogan 5'7 165
SR DL Marco Olvera 6'1 265
SR DL Charles Olowopopo-Hardrick 6'2 270
SR LB Vince Webber 5'10 190
JR LB Nehemiah Rogers 5'9 180
SR DL Marcus Robeson 6'2 175
JR DB Jalen Clardy 6'2 165
SR DL Alex Rodriguez 5'8 180
R LB Nehemiah Rogers 5'9 180

Newcomers to Watch:

Demarion Hampton JR QB/DB
Isaac Torreblanca JR RB/DB


2024 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?

June 27th - 7on7 w/ Chicago Christian & South Shore
July 11th - Joint w/ Thornwood
July 24th - Joint w/ Reavis

Impact Player for Bremen?

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Bremen senior RB/LB Ronny Spurill (6-foot-1, 190 pounds) is a two way starter and impact player this coming season for the Braves and first year head coach Connor Downes.

Looking for a sleeper name to watch this fall for Bremen? Bremen senior RB/LB Vince Webber is also versatile and athletic two way starter for the Braves this fall.

EDGY's Preseason Thoughts on the 2024 Bremen Braves

Bremen and first year head coach Connor Downes takes over the reins of the Braves football program after veteran head coach Dan Stell decided to retire his coaching position after being the Bremen head coach for 15 seasons. Bremen will look to build off it's 2023 season 5-5 season and the Braves have made the IHSA state playoff field for four straight seasons.

The biggest question facing Bremen this summer?

Can the Braves reload and continue it's winning ways under a new head coach in Connor Downes? The Braves welcome back a strong group of returning starters (8 offense 10 defense) but this group also includes multiple two way starters. If the Braves can stay somewhat healthy along with adding some needed roster depth and more overall numbers, they have a good shot at getting back into the IHSA state playoffs in 2024.

Preseason Ranking? Not yet.

St. Rita Mustangs

Head Coach: Martin Hopkins

Assistant Coaches:

MARTIN HOPKINS - HC/DC
JOHN NEE - OC/OL
MIKE MCDEVITT - WR
PAT CONNELLY - QB
JJ STANDRING - ST
RAY BOUYE - RB
RYAN THOMPSON - ASST. OL/Strength Coach
MARK MIKESELL - ASST. Coach
JOHN REGAN - LB
DAN CONNOLLY - DL
DARIUS FLEMING - DL
BILL LYNCH - DB
TERRY QUINN - DB

Conference: CCL/ESCC Green

Team Twitter:

@CoachMHopkins

2024 Regular Season schedule (if known)

Sandburg
Mt. Carmel
@ Brother Rice
@ Wheaton St. Francis
Notre Dame (Niles)
Nazareth
@Leo
St. Patrick
IC Catholic


Returning Offensive Starters for 2024

Nick Herman RB 5'11 185 2025
Tom Perry QB 6'2 185 2025
Pat Conneely FB 6'1 220 2025
Steven Armbruster QB 6'0 180 2026
Walter Jones WR/DB 5'10 165 2026

Returning Defensive Starters for 2024:

James Kingsbury LB 6'0 215 2025
JP Danaher DL 6'5 235 2025
Justin Buckner LB 6'0 210 2025
Joe Katalinic DL/OL 6'1 240 2025
Langston Smith DB/WR 5'10 170 2026
James Franklin III DB 5'11 175 2026
Owen Lynch LB 6'1 200 2026

Newcomers to Watch:

Cormac Lacy LB/DL 6'3 200 2025
Josh Ragsdale DL 6'1 285 2025
Camilo Ascencio WR 5'10 180 2025
Matt Gryzb K/P 5'11 185 2025
Killian Lacy DB 5'11 175 2026
Brayden Medrano DL 6'2 235 2026
Isreal Easley DL 5'11 230 2026
Andrew Elwood DB/RB 5'11 175 2026
Ben Perek OL 6'3 250 2026
Eli Erkapic OL 6'3 250 2026

2024 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?

Naperville North 7on7 June 27

Impact Player for St. Rita?

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St. Rita senior LB James Kingsbury is a multi-year starter and leader for the Mustangs over the past handful of seasons. Kingsbury, who has drawn steady recruiting looks and attention this summer will again be asked to provide a high level of production and leadership on and off the field.

Looking for a sleeper name to watch this fall for St. Rita? St. Rita junior WR Walter Jones Jr. (5-foot-10, 165 pounds) is a speedy, twitchy athlete who has impressive hands, game breaking speed and Jones Jr. just seems to catch anything within his area code this summer.

EDGY's Preseason Thoughts on the 2024 St. Rita Mustangs

St. Rita and head coach Martin Hopkins is looking to improve upon it's 5-5 record in his first5 season as the Mustangs head coach. St. Rita has been one of the oldest and best football programs in the State of Illinois for decades and the Mustangs will again challenge in the CCL/ESCC Green and beyond in 2024.

The biggest question facing St. Rita this summer?

Can the Mustangs reload at a few key positions this summer and continue to win big? St. Rita has for years lived off it's reputation of a smash mouth power running style of football led by a big, strong and very offensive line. If the Mustangs can settle in early on a starting 5 on the offensive line as well as reload a bit on the defensive line....expect another winning season at St. Rita in 2024.

Preseason Ranking? 2024 Preseason EDGYTIM Chicagoland Top 30 poll and Preseason Class 7A Top 10 poll lock

DeKalb Barbs

Head Coach: Derek Schneeman

Assistant Coaches:

Aaron Lewandowski, Charlie Crum, Jeff Saurbaugh, Matt
Weckler, Marcus Williams, Tyrone Williams, Chuck Harden, Chris Judkins, Jason Lupton, Jordan Gandy, Matt Allen

Conference: Southwest Valley Green

Team Twitter:

@dekalb_football

2024 Regular Season schedule (if known)

Week 1 vs. Sycamore at NIU
Week 2 at Plainfield South
Week 3 at Kaneland
Week 4 home vs. Lincoln-Way Central
Week 5 at Neuqua Valley
Week 6 home vs. Andrew
Week 7 at Waubonsie Valley
Week 8 at Bradley-Bourbannais
Week 9 home vs. Stagg



Returning Offensive Starters for 2024

Cole Latimer, QB, 6'3", 180, 2026
Davon Grant, WR, 6'4", 210, 2026
Derrion Straughter, WR, 6'2", 180, 2026
Billy MIller, WR, 6'0", 170, 2025
Owen Sisson, OL, 6'2", 250, 2026
JJ Pineira, OL, 6'0", 250, 2025
Travis Gooden, TE/H, 5'10", 205, 2025

Returning Defensive Starters for 2024:

Owen Sisson, DL, 6'2", 250, 2026
Travis Moore, DL, 6'0", 230, 2026
Pierre Cathina, DL, 6'1", 210, 2026
Justin O'Neal, DL, 6'4", 205, 2025
DeMarrion Belue, LB, 5'10", 175, 2025
Matthew Clayton, LB, 5'10", 190, 2025
Jauharie Wilson, DB, 6'2", 180, 2025
Davon Grant, S, 6'4", 210, 2026
Bryant Debro, DB, 5'10", 170, 2025
Billy MIller, DB, 6'0", 170, 2025

Newcomers to Watch:

Cam Matthews, RB, 5'9", 170, 2026
Logan Schmittle, LB, 5'11", 175, 2026
Jack Rosenow, WR, 6'2", 175, 2026


2024 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?

NIU 6/9
Naperville North 7/9
Batavia 7/11
Kaneland 7/16

Impact Player for DeKalb?

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DeKalb junior three star ranked WR Davon Grant is an impressive receiver and multi-sport athlete for DeKalb. Grant has been impressive this summer as the primary go to receiver and big play maker and Grant's advanced physical tools, knowledge level of the receiver position and his impressive overall on the field instincts are highly impressive.

Looking for a sleeper name to watch this fall for DeKalb? DeKalb junior QB Cole Latimer (6-foot-3, 180 pounds) has the look and the tools to develop into a really strong signal caller for the Barbs over the next few seasons.


EDGY's Preseason Thoughts on the 2024 DeKalb Barbs

DeKalb and head coach Derek Schneeman is looking to improve upon it's 3-6 record in 2023. DeKalb head coach Derek Schneeman has posted a 11-17 record over the past three seasons and Schneeman has led DeKalb to the IHSA state playoffs in 2022.

The biggest question facing DeKalb this summer?

Can the Barbs experienced defense (10 returning starters) step up its play and become a strength this fall and help this program win in the newly realigned Southwest Valley Green conference? DeKalb no question has a ton of experience back from a season ago and the biggest question is how well the Barbs fit into the new Southwest Valley Green? DeKalb no question has some impressive players on board this fall and I feel they have a very good chance of winning in the Southwest Valley Green conference this fall.

Preseason Ranking? 2024 Preseason EDGYTIM Chicagoland Top 30 poll consideration

The last few years I've become accustomed to:
-Varsity
-JV - which is basically the sophomore squad
-Freshman A & B - pretty self explanatory

Looking at Palatine's Schedule online, this year I see:
-Varsity
-JV
-Frosh/Soph
-Freshman A & B

They're carving out one more level this year - I know the numbers are plentiful at Palatine, but we all know the discussions of numbers being down. Given that I'm surprised they've added another level.
What's your favorite team/conference doing this season?

Pontiac Indians

Head Coach: Zach Gadbury

Assistant Coaches:

Josh Meisner, Buck Casson, Matt Starker, Ryan Abraham, Zach Tjarks, Caden Tjarks, Kevin Dyck

Conference: Illini Prairie

Team Twitter:

@CoachGads

2024 Regular Season schedule (if known)

Week 1 - Bloomington Central Catholic
Week 2 - Prairie Central
Week 3 - @ Rantoul
Week 4 - Paxton Buckley Loda
Week 5 - @Monitcello
Week 6 - Unity
Week 7 - @ SJO
Week 8 - IVC
Week 9 - @ Civic Memorial


Returning Offensive Starters for 2024


OL - Trenton Blackwell. Hector Garcia, Eli Hartke, Jackson Crawford
Skills - Amazin King, Riley Johnson, AJ Delong, Ben Melchers, Aiden Tammen


Returning Defensive Starters for 2024:

DL- Santi Pina, Aiven Poindexter, Trenton Blackwell,
LB - Ben Melchers, Kolin Cox, Eli Hartke
DB - Josh Hartke


Newcomers to Watch:

Carter Dronenberg, Bordy Karr, Cesar Gutierrez


2024 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?

7on7 @ Maroa Forsyth


Impact Player for Pontiac?

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Pontiac senior DE Santi Pina is a big, strong defensive end who looks to have the frame and overall size and ability to draw more recruiting looks this summer.

Looking for a sleeper name to watch this fall for Pontiac? Pontiac senior OL/DL Trenton Blackwell is another name to watch this fall for the Indians. Blackwell is a big and strong inside mauler on the Indians defense and also a name to watch this fall.


EDGY's Preseason Thoughts on the 2024 Pontiac Indians

Pontiac and head coach Zach Gadbury is looking to improve upon a 2-7 record in 2023. Pontiac head coach Zach Gadbury has posted a 2-7 record in his first season in 2023, and the Indians haven't posted a winning season since 2018.

The biggest question facing Pontiac this summer?

Can the Indians begin the process of turning things round and start winning more games in 2024? Pontiac, who has been playing high school football in Illinois since 1895 has a long history and tradition and for several decades has been a state power in the mid enrollment circles. Look for the Indians to lean on 16 returning starters this season and if this team and build up some additional depth and overall numbers in the program, the support for football at Pontiac has always been strong especially if this Indians team can win some games early in 2024.

Preseason Ranking? Not yet.

Normal Community Ironmen

Head Coach: Jason Drengwitz

Assistant Coaches:

Chris Messina
Derek Logue
Jerrod Ingram
Jon Boenzi
Dalton Tevis
Lee McFarland
Jake McKown
Jackson Lester
Justin Bromagen
Chad Letterle

Conference: Big Twelve

Team Twitter:

@IronFootball

2024 Regular Season schedule (if known)

@ Peoria Richwoods
vs Normal West
vs Urbana
@ Kankakee
@ Peoria Manual
@ Bloomington
vs Danville
@ Centennial
vs Peoria

Returning Offensive Starters for 2024

Kyle Beaty QB / 2025
Marquan Gary WR / 2025
Ivo Austin WR / 2025
Michael Mavek WR / 2026
Calen Taylor RB / 2025
Bradyn Mazanowski OL / 2025
Reid Johnson OL / 2025
Alden Wagoner OL / 2025


Returning Defensive Starters for 2024:

AJ Montoya / DL / 2025
Jase Wilson / OLB / 2025
Marquan Gary / DB / 2025
Winton Carlock / LB / 2025

Newcomers to Watch:


Noah Eatman / OL / 2025
Jalen Smith / RB / 2026
Cole Krestsinger / RB / 2026
Craig Bennet / FS / 2025
Jackson Eimer / OLB / 2025
Aramis Simmons / DL / 2026
Xavion Lashley / DB / 2025
Colton LeCompte / LB / 2026
Murphy Brennan / LB / 2026
Micah Drengwitz / DB / 2026

2024 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?

June 25 7 on 7 vs Pekin at NCHS
June 27, ISU Team Camp
July 11, Scrimmage vs IC & Morton at NCHS
July 16, Scrimmage vs Pekin @ NCHS
July 22, Scrimmage vs Central Catholic @ NCHS


Impact Player for Normal Community?

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Normal Community senior WR Mar'Quan Gary who is already committed to in town Illinois State is a speedy and athletic athlete who has been a big play threat over the past few seasons for the Ironmen. Gary has very good speed and quickness, runs good routes and is always a threat whenever he touches the football.

Looking for a sleeper name to watch this fall for Normal Community? I was really impressed with NCHS senior QB Kyle Beaty who was a big key in getting the Ironmen into the IHSA playoff field in 2023. Beaty has good size and physical tools, has good overall arm talent and look for Beaty to draw increased recruiting attention this summer and spring.

EDGY's Preseason Thoughts on the 2024 Normal Community Ironmen

Normal Community and head coach Jason Drengwitz is looking to build off it's impressive 12-1 record in 2023 as the Ironmen made it to the Class 7A state semifinals and lost to Downers Grove North to end the season. Normal Community head coach Jason Drengwitz has posted an impressive 47-17 record in 6 seasons and has led the Ironmen to the IHSA state playoff field in all six seasons.

The biggest question facing Normal Community this summer?

Can the Ironmen reload especially on the defensive side of the football this summer and make another deep post-season run in 2024? NCHS will be strong again this fall especially on the offensive side of the football with several key playmakers from a season ago back for one more year. The defense welcomes back 4 starters and will need to reload on the defensive line as well as in the secondary. If the Ironmen can get those positions settled this summer...I can see the NCHS Ironmen making another strong post-season run in 2024.

Preseason Ranking? 2024 Preseason Class 7A Top 10 lock

Here is my breakdown of the Best of the Best award winners by position selected by a group of coaches and media from the event. The amount of names listed was dependent on the total amount of campers by position (more kids=more awarded). Look for even more breakdowns here all this week.

The Defensive linemen position group? This class is pretty much the opposite of the Offensdive liune class in many ways in my opinion.....meaning that while the OL class is pretty light so far on offensive line talent )Especially light on OT body types) the Defesnvie Line class here in Illinois for the Class of 2025 is stacked! This event also had several impressive defensive linemen who will be playing at a pretty high level in college, then combined with the already multiple Power 5 caliber names already identified makes this a pretty special DL group.

EDGYTIM/The Good Game Showcase: My Top Offensive Linemen

Defensive Linemen

135 Gavin Tinch Prairie Ridge 2025-I've been a big fan of Gavin since last season as a two way starter for the Wolves. Tinch for me answered the all important question which is....is he a OG or a DT at the college level? Measured in at nearly 6-foot-4 and 309 pounds, Tinch no question is an athletic and very quick and twitchy DT. Tinch showed very good strength and power, was able to shed opposing blockers with his speed and quickness along with sheer brute force. Love his motor and is in impressive shape for this time of the year. Anytime I see a kid with this type of size, frame physical make up and skill set they usually end up with multiple offers and it's only a matter of time for Tinch.

245 Caleb Brown East St. Louis 2027- Still a very young guy here who still has room to grow, but his overall strength, power and quickness caused issues all day for the opposing offensive linemen. Measured in at just over 6-foot-0 and 240 pounds and I fully expect Brown to continue to develop into a kick ass interior defensive linemen for the Flyers. Was one of multiple very young underclassmen who had a very good day at this showcase....and yes the Flyers are still stacked for the near future.

291 Tyler Fortis Maine South 2025-Fortis is a well known entity on the camp circuit and I felt this was a much more mature and a much more polished young man who I saw a season ago. Fortis just seems to have an advanced degree in technique and fundamentals and between his combination of speed, quickness, strength and power he consistently finds a way to win reps. At this event Fortis to me was much more willing to take coaching, was a quick take and adjusted really well on the fly. Fortis in many ways will be a bit of a tweener positionally, but his overall ability, motor and want to/desire will be hard for schools to ignore down the line this year.

253 Jarve Bey Homewood Flossmoor 2025- Another well known name in the camp circuit and Bey, who is already holding D1 offers and attention this winter just showed up and showed out here. Measured in at 6-foot-2, 291 pounds Bey is an inside mauler who also has a ton of pass rush moves along with really impressive hand fighting and technique. Bey will continue to add more D1 level looks and eventual offers this winter and spring and hios grinder mentality serves him very well here.

125 Jack Burzynski Barrington 2025- Year in and year out we seem to always find a Barrington kid who has a great camp. Over the last handful of years it was some kid named Van Ness (Lukas) and then another kid named Van Ness (Devan) who was an impressive combination of speed, power and explosiveness. So who is this year's Barrington standout? Jack Burzynski checked in at 6-foot-4, 215 pounds and was highly impressive all day at this camp. Burzynski has really good speed, quickness and first step, showed some burst and explosiveness and is a twitchy athlete who will get many more looks as either a rush end or as a linebacker at a higher college level. Burzynski also still has room to grow and add morer strength and muscle and just a lot to like here.

Others who caught my attention?

154 Saif Kokoszak Glenbard South 2025- Another camp regular who came very close toi making Best of the Best. Saif is a long, lanky and twitchy athlete type who is a growth spurt and weight room/training table work away from developing into a major outside rush threat. Has an impressive combination of work ethic, motor and positive attitude.

152 Brayden Parks Brother Rice 2027 - A young guy from Brother Rice who could very well become an impact player and the next high level D1 defensive linemen for the Crusaders. Parks was able to separate from opposing linemen with a combination of speed and power. Parks also showed good hand usage for a young guy and he just never seemed phased going against older kids here. Measuring in at nearly 6-foot-2, 288 pounds Parks will no question be a name to watch from here on out.

195 Brady Hill St Francis 2026- Impressive overall performance here from Hill who also has good strength and power (6-foot-0. 270 pounds).

306 DE/TE Josh Crandall Oregon 2025- Small school athlete who's tape I really liked from the 2023 season...but I just wasn't sure on the measurables. Crandall checked in at a very solid 6-foot-4, 245 pounds and overall had a very solid day here. Crandall, who is also drawing recruiting looks at tight end is no question an intriguing name to watch this winter and spring. I'm hoping to get a chance to see Crandall also play some tight end later this winter/spring because I have a feeling he will also be impressive on the offensive side of the football as well.

279 Alexander Gorbenko Maine West 2025- Great looking athlete on the hoof here....measured in at 6-foot-2, 225 pounds and has the frame to get even bigger and stronger at the next level. Made some nice moved in one on ones and while he's still a big raw at times....his physical tools will no question draw more looks this winter and spring.

178 Luke Injaychock Nazareth Academy 2027- Another just stunning looking athl;ete where who I joked with at the camp "No way you are a freshman in high school." Checked in at nearly 6-foot-5, 255 pounds and while he's understandably raw for such a young guy fir now....this kid has the physical size and tools to develop into a big time name on the rise. Wow.

Next: Running Backs/Linebackers/QB2

Even though they weren’t world beaters in football, Joliet East did have some good teams in its short history. Under todays criteria & a few under the old would have made the state playoffs. Well this past few weeks heavy equipment came & leveled what was left of the East Football stadium & it really hurt. Sure 82 was their last football season but the lights, the stands, the goal posts, the ticket booths, the scoreboard were all still there & now all that is gone. I would walk around there & take pics on my visits back up. Lots of good memories including beating some pretty good Marian Catholic teams on a few occasions

clear branches etc. from head coach's parents' house. Nice story.

Greg Smith our Midwest guy mentions Carmel Catholic 2027 QB Trae Taylor as on of the recruits in the spotlight this fall. Taylor in case you haven't followed has added Power 4 offers from across the country and is easily one of the most offered names in the 2027 class. Yet Taylor has yet to play a full varsity game until this coming fall. Again maybe it's the old man in me but this has been and will continue to be a big issue for me.....and that is "projecting" and evaluating someone based strictly off camps and various other events without seeing good ole varsity action. Trae is a terrific young man, looks fantastic at variious camps and is truly fundamentally sound from a mechanics standpoint.....but it still bugs me a bit. Here is hoping he tears it up right out of the gates this fall....but alot of people will be watching him closely and ther last thing I ever want to do is put too much pressure on a kid this young if avoidable....

Grant Bulldogs

Head Coach: Tim Norwood

Assistant Coaches:

Joe Bridge- OC
Kyle Whitman- WR
Dave Whitson- OL
Dave Mills- DC
Josh Christian- ILB
Kevin Art- OLB
Tom Evans- DB's

Conference: Northern Lake County

Team Twitter:

@GrantFootball1

2024 Regular Season schedule (if known)


Friday August 30- @ Mundelein
Friday September 6- Home vs Glenbrook North
Friday September 13- @ North Chicago
Friday September 20- Home vs Grayslake North
Friday September 27- @ Wauconda
Friday October 4- @ Round Lake
Thursday- October 10- Home vs Grayslake Central
Friday October 18- @ Antioch
Friday October 25- Home vs Lakes


Returning Offensive Starters for 2024

Matthew Gipson- QB-JR
Tyler Zdon- TB-JR
Logan Sledzik- OT-JR
Elijah Zerbe- OG- JR
Jack Hembrey- C-SR
Leo Rodriguez- OG-JR
Jake George- WR-SR
Cam Houghton- WR-SR
Max Hembrey- WR-JR


Returning Defensive Starters for 2024:

Logan Myers- ILB-JR
Matt Longabaugh- ILB-JR
Kolton Selders- OLB-JR
Vinny Hurst- CB-SR
Caiden Kriz- CB-JR
Anthony Koza- FS-SR

Newcomers to Watch:

Bruce Walker- OL
Logan Knuth- OL

2024 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?

Maine West 7 on 7


Impact Player for Grant?

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Grant junior QB Matthew Gipson is a multi-year starting quarterback for the Bulldogs who is yet another top level Class of 2026 quarterback and a name to watch this fall. Gipson has impressive size and physical tools, has a big arm with touch and is also a true dual threat quarterback in the Grant offense.

Looking for a sleeper name to watch this fall for Grant? Grant senior RB Tyler Zdon is a speedy and quick running back and also is a damgerous open field runner as well as a nice receiver coming out of the backfield for the Bulldogs.

EDGY's Preseason Thoughts on the 2024 Grant Bulldogs

Grant and head coach Tim Norwood is looking to build upon the Bulldogs 6-4 season in 2023 as Grant made the 6A state playoff field and lost to Wauconda in opening round action. The Bulldogs played and lost to Wauconda twice in 2023 by 4 points total.

The biggest question facing Grant this summer?

Can the Bulldogs live up to it's own high expectations in 2024, win the Northern Lake County conference title and make a deeper run in Class 6A state playoff field this fall? Again the Bulldogs welcome back several key players from a season ago, especially on the offensive side of the football with 9 starters back. Look for Grant to get out of the gates quickly this fall and I'll be watching how well Grant fares especially in its early two non conference games against Mundelein and Glenbrook North.

Preseason Ranking? 2024 Preseason Class 6A Top 10 consideration

Reavis Rams

Head Coach: Tim Zasada

Assistant Coaches:
Tony Pape , AJ Jerkovich, Bill Lauer, Tommy Riordan, Brendan Garrett, Pat Kustok and Program consultant Pete Gabel.


Conference: South Suburban Red

Team Twitter:

@ramstrength


2024 Regular Season schedule (if known)

Chicago King 8-29
Thornton 9-6
At Argo 9-13
Eisenhower homecoming 9-21
At Tf South 9-27
At Oak Lawn 10-4
Evergreen Park 10/10
Shepard 10-18
Richards 10-25

Returning Offensive Starters for 2024

SR Wr / RB Jorden Brown, 5’9” 175
jR Wr Logan Hurtado, 6’1” 16512
SR RB / LB Malik Salameh 5’8” 180
Sr OL Andre Guitron. 5’10” 268
JR Kicker Blake Stefanek 6’0” 165
JR . Qb Johnny Liessen, 5’9” 180
JR Wr Nick Pryor 6’0” 185

Returning Defensive Starters for 2024:

SR DT Terry Ferguson 5’10 210
SR CB Nick Pryor 6’0” 185
SR Saftey Dennis Muraida 5’9” 165
SR LB Malik Salameh 5’8” 180
JR lB Jacob Gustafson 6’0” 185



Newcomers to Watch:

DE/ FB 6’0” 210 Junior Parker Zasada
OL 5’9” 235 Junior Messiah Lugo
DE/WR 6’2” 210 SR Yigt Akgunlu
OL SR 6’1” 300 John Berringer

2024 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?

Live vs Peotone Aug 23rd pre season

7-7 vs Oak Forest June 13th at Oak Forest 9AM
July 24th at Bremen 2PM
Stagg 7-7 TBA .. new coach was just announced


Impact Player for Reavis?
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Reavis senior RB/WR Jorden Brown (5-foot-9, 175 pounds) is a speedy and twitchy athlete who will be asked to provide production and big play capability omnce again this season for the Rams.

Looking for a sleeper name to watch this fall for Reavis? Reavis junior FB/DE Parker Zasada (6-foot-0, 210 pounds) is an incoming transfer from Andrew who will be asked to step up on both sides of the football this coming season for Reavis.

EDGY's Preseason Thoughts on the 2024 Reavis Rams

Reavis and veteran head coach Tim Zasada is looking to get the Rams back into the IHSA state playoff field along with competing for the South Suburban Red conference title this fall. Reavis head coach Tim Zasada has posted a 62-49 oerall record in 12 seasons and has led the football program to the IHSA state playoffs in six of those seasons. Zasada has been a program rebuilder in his coaching career taking down schools such as Hammond High and TF North from down and out to state playoff teams under his tenure,

The biggest question facing Reavis this summer?

Can the Rams find a way to 5 plus wins and getting into the IHSA state playoff field this fall? The Rams in 2023 came close to state playoff eligible, posting a 4-5 regular season record which included close losses to both Bremen and Evergreen Park. The Rams welcome back 12 returning starters (7 offense 5 defense) and is the Rams can reload at a few key spots this summer (OL/DL) they have a fighting chance at a winning season in my opinion in 2024.

Preseason Ranking? Not yet.

I have graded the OOC games for each team in the ICE based on a 2 factors. Difficulty obviously pulls the most weight. The next factor that I am taking into consideration for the grade given is "Coolness". IF you scheduled a rival or otherwise "cool game" you will get a few bonus points from me.

Braidwood - The Comets are continuing their lackluster out of conference scheduling this year with two new opponents. The season opens at home against 2A El-Paso Gridley. EPG did qualify for the playoffs last year, however let's dive into that a little bit deeper. EPG finished with a 6-4 record and most people would consider that an "average" season. Not only did EPG fail to beat a team with a winning record, they only played 3 games (2 teams) against an opponent who finished the season above .500. This was also against mostly all 2A schools. I do think that this is a decent test for the Comets. If they win at least they can have chance of being somewhat competent this season, however if they lose it will be a long season. Next up RC travels north to Harvard. This is an opponent who has not won a game since 2021. That's all there is to say about that.
Overall Grade - D..... Should start season 2-0.

Coal City - Love that the Coalers are still playing Morris to open the season. I have heard this is the last year for the game though.....Could anyone in the know verify that? Anyway, great rivalry against a tough team AND it opens the season, what more could you ask for in a game. After going on the road week 1 CC will travel again to Canton. This is a very bad team. They have been the last several years. Should be no challenge for the Coalers.
Overall Grade - B........Get big points for playing Morris, however would have liked to see them get someone a little more challenging than Canton. I am predicting 1-1 going into the ICE games

Herscher - Home week one against Palos Chicago Christian, then on the road week 2, however the road game is only to nearby Bishop Mac. I really like this set of games. Both schools are private schools, so you never know what kind of athletes could come in any given year. Both teams were average last year, with PCC making the playoffs and Mac missing them barely. They are in the same conference and while it's not the toughest top to bottom, it does have a few heavy punchers and middle of the road teams that can beat you any given day. I do not know exactly what Herscher is this year, I feel as though they will be toward the bottom of the ICE, if they could win these two games that would be huge to give them confidence in the ICE. Wins here could mean playoffs for the Tigers.
Overall Grade - B.......Cool they are playing rival B-Mac, both games are tough (for them), but still possibly winnable. I'll bet against them until proven otherwise 0-2 it is.

Lisle - Away at Harvard then Seneca travels to Benedictine week 2. I won't keep beating the Harvard horse into the ground. Seneca should be a tough game. Not sure if they stay hot like they were the last two years or not, but their underclassmen had to get some time last year and are probably into the program again like the early 00s. Lisle also surprised me last year by being pretty awful. I usually held them in higher regards.
Overall Grade - C ........one cupcake and one game that I personally think is way above their punching weight. Only thing that they get any points for is the revived I-8 matchup with Seneca. 1-1 after 2 weeks

Manteno - Home against Sandwich, then travel to Plano. Very cool that they are playing two old I-8 opponents. Sandwich surprised last year and Plano is usually middle of the road. Manteno has the ability to beat these teams, it hasn't happened recently for the Panthers.
Overall Grade - B........good mix of tough but winnable games. Cool factor there. Sadly I don't think the Panthers have it. 0-2

Peotone - Home against Chicago Noble then on the road to Marengo. I have never seen a Chicago school not named Phillips or Simeon and been scared. Marengo is below average as of late and should be a win for a similarly matched Blue Devil team.
Overall Grade - C......not challenging, but not complete pushover. No cool factor. 2-0 to start the season

Streator - Away against Decatur Eisenhower and then home against Ottawa. I will admit I do now know much about Streator. I supposed Ottawa is a rival, and from the looks of it neither game is going to be a guaranteed loss. Not a guaranteed win either. Streator can score 70 or give 70 up.
Overall Grade - B.......I guess both are winnable, both probably losable too. I'll still say Streator is 0-2 or maybe if lucky 1-1 after these two games

Wilmington- Defending state champs Open with Chicago Hope coming to see the Harleys, then go to Sandwich for the first time in awhile. Chicago Hope is a tough 1A private, who knows what they bring to the table. Sandwich was a 4A quarters team who used to have some decent games with Wilmington way back when. I think the difficulty is here, as well as the cool factor.
Overall Grade - A .......Not just a homer grade so spare me. Two tough games both with coolness. Hope was picked by some to win state in 1A last year, so playing down a class. Then playing a pretty damn good team up 2 classes. This is the first year I am really happy with Wilmington's OOC games. Previously they didn't do too good of a job, but now they are. Oh, and 2-0 to start the year on the way to 9-0!

I will be doing a conference preview soon in the coming weeks. Discuss and contribute below if you're a small school guy

Lake Zurich Bears

Head Coach: Ron Plantz

Assistant Coaches:
Todd Anderson
DJ Angelaccio
Chris Barberis
Jeff Bartlett
Nate Boekholder
Rick Erickson
Jon Hadnott
Hunter Kidwell
Owen Lawlor
Joe Lewandowski
Alec Malachowski
Nick Summers
Aaron Towne
Matt VanAcker
Pat Walters
Shane Williams


Conference: North Suburban

Team Twitter:

@lzhsfootball


2024 Regular Season schedule (if known)

Home vs Fremd - (Senior night) Aug 30
Away vs Glenbrook South - Sept 6
Away vs Waukegan - Sept 13
Away vs Libertyville - Sept 20
Away vs Lake Forest - Sept 27
Home vs Zion (HC) - Oct 4
Home vs Mundelein (Thursday/ Mentor night) - Oct 10
Away vs Warren - Oct 18
Home vs Stevenson - (Youth Night) Oct 25


Returning Offensive Starters for 2024

OL
Max Maj 6'3.5 255 '25
Jacob Wilk 6'6 295 '25
Jacob Clarin 6'2 220 '25
Alex Gressick 5'11 230 '25
WR
Jackson Piggott 6'3 190 '25
Nicky Oblakov 5'11 175 '25


Returning Defensive Starters for 2024:


LB
George Dicanio 6'3 250 '25
John Howe 6'1 195 '25
Chris Chang 6'2 185 '26
Connor Sole 6'3 200 ' 25
DL
Nate Snep 6'2 270 '25
DB
Coplan Oettinger 5'11 190 '25
Bryce Erkman 5'10 180 '26


Newcomers to Watch:

Cole Kenyon - QB 6'2 175 '25
Kanden Abrantes - RB 5'9 175 '26
Danny Hope - LB/RB 5'9 180 '26
Reece Katzenberger - WR/DB 5'11 175 '25
Danny Koelper - TE/DL 5'11 190 '25

2024 Team 7on7 or Team Summer Camp?


Co-Practices
June 18th w/ Lake Park @ LZ 8 am
June 26th w/ Huntley, Grayslake Central, Elmwood Park @LZ 8am
July 18th w/ Palatine, Morgan Park, Bartlett @ LZ 8am
7on7
June 18th w/ Barrington, Grant, Crystal lake Central @ LZ 5pm


Impact Player for Lake Zurich?

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Lake Zurich senior OL Jacob Wilk is a big, strong and very physical offensive linemen who is already verbally committed to Western Michigan this summer. Wilk will be asked to provide leadership and help anchor a veteran offensive line for the Bears this fall.

Looking for a sleeper name to watch this fall for Lake Zurich? Lake Zurich senior WR/ATH Jackson Piggett has been a multi-year starter and impact player as well for Bears again this fall. Piggett has good size and physical tools to play at a high level in college starting next fall.

EDGY's Preseason Thoughts on the 2024 Lake Zurich Bears

Lake Zurich and head coach Ron Plantz is looking to build off a 11-2 season in 2023 which saw the Bears make the Class 6A semifinal round, losing to eventual Class 6A state champion Cary Grove. Lake Zurich head coach Ron Plantz has posted a 38-16 record in 5 seasons and has led the bears into the IHSA state playoff field in every year under his tenure.

The biggest question facing Lake Zurich this summer?

Can the Bears reload at a few key positions and make another deep run in the IHSA state playoffs in 2024? Lake Zurich is in a good spot this summer with a nice core of starters back in the fold including 4 starting offensive linemen back this fall. Lake Zurich always seems to reload as well as any public high school in Illinois and I fully expect the Bears to again be in the hunt for the North Suburban conference title along with making a deep run in 6A this season.

Preseason Ranking? Preseason EDGYTIM Chicagoland Top 30 poll and Preseason Class 6A Top 10 locks

Been saying for over a year Jonas will be an Elite 11 QB next summer....huge commitment for the Ducks


https://edgytim.forums.rivals.com/t...-east-2026-qb-jonas-williams-to-oregon.27077/