WOLVES HUNGRY FOR MORE
Evans leads another talented Prairie Ridge squad
Prairie Ridge went 14- 0 last season, and it’ll be a challenge to keep the streak alive. “It’s going to be tough,” Prairie Ridge coach Chris Schremp said. “We have to be ready every single game. It was quite an accomplishment to go 14- 0 last year going through that conference. We’re the smallest school in the conference, too. People don’t realize that.”
Here’s a look at the preseason Super 25:
1. Prairie Ridge
The Wolves are loaded on offense and defense. Potent playmaker Samson Evans is a dual- threat quarterback who excelled last season. Iowa recruit Jeff Jenkins leads an experienced offensive line. The defense is led by a solid group of linebackers.
2. Maine South
The Class 8A champions are primed for another big season. Running back Fotis Kokosioulis will benefit from a strong offensive line. The Hawks are stacked with up- and- comers such as receiver/ defensive back Cam Stacy.
3. Loyola
The Ramblers have depth and athleticism at skill positions. Standouts include junior receiver Noah Jones, senior running back Hamid Bullie and offensive lineman Charlie Gross. Coach John Holecek always has a staunch defense.
4. Waubonsie Valley
Led by top receiver Charles Robinson, the majority of the offense is back after a productive year in which Tanner Westwood passed for 1,662 yards and 18 touchdowns. Defensive back Derric Lee is a player to watch.
5. Lyons
The Lions are primed for a good season behind quarterback Ben Bryant. They return a majority of their offensive starters and have several high- potential athletes on defense.
6. Glenbard West
The defense will be as strong as always, but expect the offense to lead the way this season. Senior running backs Ryan Diver and Dre Thomas are talented runners. Receiver Alec Pierce has size and speed.
7. Lincoln- Way East
The Griffins have plenty of size, speed and depth. Lineman Devin O’Rourke leads the defense. Keep an eye on sophomore running back A. J. Henning, who has breakout speed.
8. Phillips
Standout quarterback J’Bore Gibbs and linebacker/ running back Craig Elmore set the stage for another big season. Linebacker Terrance Taylor, a transfer from Mount Carmel, adds a lot to the defense. But the Wildcats have a challenging schedule the first few weeks.
9. Homewood- Flossmoor
Quarterback might be a question mark, but the Vikings are stacked with big- time talent. Athletes Justin Hall and Mario Wright provide plenty of options.
10. Marist
Longtime assistant Ron Dawczak takes over for Pat Dunne. The Redhawks have a strong defensive line that includes Minnesota recruit Elijah
Teague and Indiana recruit Gavin McCabe. The offense has an elite talent in tight end T. J. Ivy.
11. Palatine
New coach Corey Olson has a staunch defense and an athletic quarterback in D. J. Angelaccio. The Pirates surprised last season with an undefeated conference record and a trip to the state semifinals.
12. Barrington
The Broncos return athletes at several key positions, including quarterback Raymond Niro. A new offensive line will have to step up quickly.
13. New Trier
The Trevians ( not Class 8A champ Maine South) won the Central Suburban League South last season. A solid chunk of the offense returns, including tight end Brian Kaiser.
14. Lemont
The defense has plenty of experience, and the offense is loaded with talent. Watch for wide receiver Austin Nagel, running back Anthony Martin and receiver Matt Slee.
15. Lake Zurich
New coach Luke Mertens has inherited a team with depth and experience on defense, highlighted by linebacker Jack Sanborn. Quarterback Evan Lewandownski will be a big factor.
16. Huntley
The Red Raiders advanced to the state quarterfinals last season. Senior Eric Mooney, one of the area’s top quarterbacks, leads a young offense.
17. Nazareth
The Roadrunners are back after a rebuilding year. All- around athlete Michael Love can affect several phases of the game. Defensive lineman Isaiah Lee is a force to be reckoned with.
18. Oswego
A lot of firepower returns from last season’s 10- 1 squad. Iowa recruit Noah Shannon is a punisher on both lines. Expect the Panthers’ defense to be tough and the offense to develop throughout the season.
19. St. Charles East
The Saints have a two- pronged running back attack with junior Justin Jett and senior Nick Garlisch. Clayton Isbell takes over at quarterback. The offensive line will be critical in the team’s success.
20. Glenbard North
Defensive back Tyrik Henderson leads one of the area’s best secondaries. The Panthers have questions at quarterback and running back, but there are athletic options. The defense will be counted on to lead early.
21. Naperville Central
An already strong roster was bolstered by two transfers, quarterback Payton Thorne and wide receiver/ cornerback Jayden Reed. Young but talented, the Redhawks should steadily improve.
22. Mount Carmel
The Caravan had several players transfer, but the defense has a majority of starters back and elite athlete Alek Thomas takes over at quarterback full time.
23. Batavia
The Bulldogs advanced to the second round in Class 7A last season. Half the team returns, led by running back Reggie Williams and a staunch offensive line that includes Nolan Eike and Chris Monroe.
24. Crete- Monee
The offense is loaded with speed, strength and breakout talents. Quarterback Isaiah Rucker and running backs Tyler Mays and Xavier Ledet are poised for big seasons. The defense is less experienced but full of potential.
25. Richards
Senior quarterback Sebastian Castro had a terrific summer and has two excellent targets in Niles Gall and Nathan St. James. The Bulldogs are talented and athletic.