EDGYTIM.com's 2024 Upstate 8 East Conference Predicted Finish
+Glenbard East
*West Chicago
*Glenbard South
Riverside-Brookfield
Ridgewood
Elmwood Park
Fenton
EDGYTIM.com's 2024 Upstate 8 West Conference Predicted Finish
+South Elgin
*West Aurora
East Aurora
Bartlett
Larkin
Streamwood
Elgin
+denotes predicted 2024 conference champion
*denotes 2024 IHSA state playoff projected qualifier
Preseason Conference MVP?
West Aurora senior WR Terrence Smith- Smith, a three star ranked receiver by Rivals.com is looking hard at both Iowa and Illinois this summer and is expected to make a decision soon. Smith has tremendous size and wingspan and is a big time threat every time he touches the football.
Glenbard South senior OL/DL Saif Kokoszka Saif has been an impact player for the Raiders over the past two seasons. Kokoszka has spent serious time in the weight room and is developing himself in to a potential FCS/D2 level player at the next level. Kokoszka also has a non stop motor and will be expected to again play full time on both sides of the ball.
Glenbard East senior WR Amonte Cook- Explosive with a bit of quick twitch and as dangerous an open field runner as anyone in the western suburbs this season. A ton of fun to watch...that is unless you are trying to defend him. ...than n ot so much fun.
West Chicago junior RB/LB David Weber Good sized kid and a very physical player and standout on both sides of the football for the Wildcats and head coach Adam Chavez.
South Elgin senior WR Ishmael George Has been highly productive for the Storm over the past few seasons and enters this year with big expectations under new head coach Pat Pistorio.
Sleeper Players to Watch?
West Aurora junior QB Mason Atkins Already holds an offer from Toledo and has the physical tools and attributes to play at a high college level.
Fenton senior OL/DL Thomas Klos- Hard noised kid and a grinder who plays with good strength and physicality.
Toughest Overall Schedule?
Glenbard East- The Rams open the season taking on a very good Willowbrook team then host West Aurora in a crossover game.
Larkin The Royals have nothing easy in Week 1 @ geneva then in Week 2 host St Patrick.
Top 2024 Upstate 8 Conference Games?
West Aurora at South Elgin September 20th The Blackhawks are looking to get going right away back in the Upstate 8 and taking on perennial champs South Elgin in South Elgin is a big ask.
West Chicago at Glenbard East October 11th The Wildcats are looking to stay on the winning side of the column after a strong 2023 season. Glenbard East plays fast and very physical, just like West Chicago.
Glenbard East at Glenbard South October 18th The Battle of the Glens will no question be a huge game and playoff implications on the line here?
Upstate 8 Conference Statement Game?
Non conference overall record- The Upstate 8 is finally playing true non conference games this season and I truly feel this will do nothing but give the conference a better overall test come state playoff time. The Upstate 8 has in general not performed too well (ironically with last season being one of the better years in the IHSA playoffs) and I'm very interested to see how they fare overall starting this season against non Upstate 8 opponents. Give the Upstate 8 kudos for expanding while also trying to improve the overall level of football.
+Glenbard East
*West Chicago
*Glenbard South
Riverside-Brookfield
Ridgewood
Elmwood Park
Fenton
EDGYTIM.com's 2024 Upstate 8 West Conference Predicted Finish
+South Elgin
*West Aurora
East Aurora
Bartlett
Larkin
Streamwood
Elgin
+denotes predicted 2024 conference champion
*denotes 2024 IHSA state playoff projected qualifier
Preseason Conference MVP?
West Aurora senior WR Terrence Smith- Smith, a three star ranked receiver by Rivals.com is looking hard at both Iowa and Illinois this summer and is expected to make a decision soon. Smith has tremendous size and wingspan and is a big time threat every time he touches the football.
Glenbard South senior OL/DL Saif Kokoszka Saif has been an impact player for the Raiders over the past two seasons. Kokoszka has spent serious time in the weight room and is developing himself in to a potential FCS/D2 level player at the next level. Kokoszka also has a non stop motor and will be expected to again play full time on both sides of the ball.
Glenbard East senior WR Amonte Cook- Explosive with a bit of quick twitch and as dangerous an open field runner as anyone in the western suburbs this season. A ton of fun to watch...that is unless you are trying to defend him. ...than n ot so much fun.
West Chicago junior RB/LB David Weber Good sized kid and a very physical player and standout on both sides of the football for the Wildcats and head coach Adam Chavez.
South Elgin senior WR Ishmael George Has been highly productive for the Storm over the past few seasons and enters this year with big expectations under new head coach Pat Pistorio.
Sleeper Players to Watch?
West Aurora junior QB Mason Atkins Already holds an offer from Toledo and has the physical tools and attributes to play at a high college level.
Fenton senior OL/DL Thomas Klos- Hard noised kid and a grinder who plays with good strength and physicality.
Toughest Overall Schedule?
Glenbard East- The Rams open the season taking on a very good Willowbrook team then host West Aurora in a crossover game.
Larkin The Royals have nothing easy in Week 1 @ geneva then in Week 2 host St Patrick.
Top 2024 Upstate 8 Conference Games?
West Aurora at South Elgin September 20th The Blackhawks are looking to get going right away back in the Upstate 8 and taking on perennial champs South Elgin in South Elgin is a big ask.
West Chicago at Glenbard East October 11th The Wildcats are looking to stay on the winning side of the column after a strong 2023 season. Glenbard East plays fast and very physical, just like West Chicago.
Glenbard East at Glenbard South October 18th The Battle of the Glens will no question be a huge game and playoff implications on the line here?
Upstate 8 Conference Statement Game?
Non conference overall record- The Upstate 8 is finally playing true non conference games this season and I truly feel this will do nothing but give the conference a better overall test come state playoff time. The Upstate 8 has in general not performed too well (ironically with last season being one of the better years in the IHSA playoffs) and I'm very interested to see how they fare overall starting this season against non Upstate 8 opponents. Give the Upstate 8 kudos for expanding while also trying to improve the overall level of football.
