Big Northern Red
The 2000 season featured a changing of the guard: Oregon supplanted Byron as the league champ and made it all the way to the Class 2A final, where it lost to Harrisburg. The weekly battles in this rugged small-school conference promise to be even more intense with no clear-cut favorite emerging and a co- or tri-championship a definite possibility. Byron has been the most consistent of the teams and gets the nod over speedy Burlington Central, Oregon and improved Johnsburg, which returns 15 starters. Although injuries play a key role every season, the team that best avoids the injury bug will likely be the one to land on top.
2000 state qualifiers: Oregon (Class 2A final ), Byron (2A first round), Burlington Central (3A quarterfinals).
Quotable: Oregon coach John Bothe: “More than anything, I want our kids to respect how hard and long we worked last year to get to [the state final]. To have a run like that takes a long time and a lot of work. Sure it’s our goal again this year. Why would we settle for anything less?”
Players to watch: Ross Whalen (DT/OT, 5-11, 210), Oregon; Erik Korslin (QB, 6-2, 190), Bob Fisher (OL/DL 6-0, 190), Harvard; Andy Foreman (G, 5-10, 215), Chris Kozel (G, 6-2, 225), Ryan Daly (DT, 6-2, 235), Johnsburg; Nathan Matthews (LB, 5-10, 160), Mike Murphy (C/DT, 6-2, 260), Shawn Harling (WR/DB, 5-11, 170), Dan Frazier (RB, 5-10, 175), Burlington Central; Chris Buttz (FB, 5-7, 175), Adam Bailey (TE/DE, 6-3, 205), Tom Reber (LB, 6-1, 210), Sam Snider (LB, 5-10, 200), Byron; Ryan Habbley (WR, 5-11, 170), Benjamin Hare (FB/LB, 6-0, 195), Stuart Turner (WR/LB, 5-11, 190), Marengo.
Key games: Burlington Central at Byron, Oct. 5; Burlington C. at Johnsburg, Oct. 19.
Predicted finish: Byron, Burlington Central, Johnsburg, Oregon, Marengo, Harvard.
Big Northern White
It’s almost not fair. Thirteen starters back from a state championship team? Stillman Valley has won the last two Class 2A titles–winning 24 consecutive games in the process–and has a great start on the three-peat. Clearly, the chase in this division will be for second place. Stillman’s non-conference games are against Red Division powers Byron (3A champ in 1999) and Oregon (2nd in Class 3A last year) and western state power Taylor Ridge Rockridge. Hampshire, which lost its three games last year by a combined 13 points, will battle Richmond-Burton for second place. R-B welcomes back coach J. Randy Hofman, who led the school to the 1992 2A state title. Huntley has size and depth as never before and could be a dark horse.
2000 state qualifiers: Stillman Valley (2A state champion).
Quotable: Stillman Valley coach Mike Lalor: “We’re fortunate to have the schedule we have. Playing Byron, Oregon and Rockridge early is like playoff football. It gets the kids focused on what needs to be done so we can make a run at the `real’ playoffs.”
Players to watch: Brad Winterland (RB, 6-4, 185), Rusty Dehmer (DB/RB, 5-10, 145), Stillman Valley; Jesus Cornejo (RB, 5-10, 170), Shaun Boeckh (FB, 5-11, 175), Hampshire; Brett Borchart (QB, 6-2, 210), Frank Gray (OL/DL 6-1, 245), Nate Berndt (WR/CB, 6-1, 212), Huntley; Dan Carole (RB, 5-9, 155), Steve Watkins (QB/DB, 5-11, 160), Dan Boehlen (OL/DL, 6-0, 220), Richmond-Burton; Will Hartje (QB, 6-3, 215), Ryan Behn (FB/LB, 5-11, 220), Chris Nelson (WB/LB, 6-2, 190), Winnebago; Jeff Rich (QB, 6-1, 170), Aaron Pry (TE, 6-2, 190), Brandon Alsup (OL/DL, 6-1, 205), Genoa-Kingston.
Key game: Stillman Valley at Hampshire, Sept. 28.
Predicted finish: Stillman Valley, Hampshire, Richmond-Burton, Huntley, Winnebago, Genoa-Kingston.
Catholic Metro Blue
Perhaps this conference should be renamed the Catholic Metro Black & Blue. With four top-tier programs–5A champion Mt. Carmel, 5A runner-up Providence and state qualifiers St. Rita and Loyola–all returning strong squads, each week promises to be a battle. The nod goes to Mt. Carmel, which returns top receiving prospect Enrique Cook and has captured a conference title for 11 consecutive years. But Providence will make the Caravan earn its 12th straight, with six returning defensive starters and the massive duo of Brian Lydigsen (6-2, 265) and Matt Rogers (6-4, 265) blocking on the right side for 1,800-yard rusher Mike Mentz. Look for St. Rita QB William Myles and Loyola all-purpose back Chris Fox to stir up some offensive excitement. Don’t count out Brother Rice, which added Chris Pazan, a St. Laurence transfer and Illinois-bound quarterback who threw for 1,700 yards last year.
2000 state qualifiers: Mt. Carmel (5A champion), Providence (5A runner-up), St. Rita (5A second round), Loyola (6A first round).
Quotable: Fenwick coach Paul Connor: “In our conference–with Mt. Carmel, Providence, Loyola and St. Rita–there’s no question who the Goliaths are. The rest of us Davids had better bring a good slingshot.”
Players to watch: Chris Pazan (QB, 6-2, 205), Pat Robbins (OT, 6-1, 275), Dennis Smagur (C/DT, 6-3, 275), Nick Zielera (RB, 5-11, 190), Brother Rice; Travis Banks (RB, 5-9, 165), Pat Fitzpatrick (OG, 6-1, 215), John Klupshas (LB, 5-11, 210), Shedrick Mossman (QB, 6-2, 190), De La Salle; Lou Bertuca (TE/LB, 6-2, 205), Kevin Quinn (RB, 5-10, 170), Mike Tallarico (LB, 5-10, 190), Robert Tamillow (DE/FB, 6-2, 225), Fenwick; Chris Fox (RB/WR, 5-11, 160), Mike Morley (LB, 6-4, 240), Tom Proesel (FB, 6-1, 215), Jim Suehr (LB, 6-1, 190), Jake Toohey (QB, 6-2, 203), Loyola; Tom Brown (RB, 5-5, 160), Niall Campbell (LB, 6-1, 220), Enrique Cook (WR, 6-1, 180), Tom Smith (C, 6-1, 238), Mt. Carmel; Matt Eggert (LB, 6-2, 230), Brian Lydigsen (OG, 6-2, 265), Mike Mentz (TB, 5-11, 175), Matt Rogers (OT, 6-4, 265), Rory Steinbach (LB, 6-3, 192), Providence; Jason Moran (WR/DB, 6-1, 180), Dan Tomasek (OG, 6-0, 225), St. Laurence; John McCarthy (WR/DB, 6-1, 185), William Myles (QB, 5-11, 195), John Pechulis (DT, 6-2, 245), Ed Rauba (OT, 6-1, 280), St. Rita.
Key games: St. Rita at Mt. Carmel (at Eckersall Stadium), Sept. 8; Providence at St. Rita, Sept. 14; St. Rita at Loyola, Sept. 22; Providence at Mt. Carmel, Oct. 6; Mt. Carmel at Loyola, Oct. 13; Loyola at Providence, Oct. 19.
Predicted finish: Mt. Carmel, Providence, St. Rita, Loyola, Brother Rice, De La Salle, Fenwick, St. Laurence.
Catholic Metro Red
Even with four new head coaches (St. Viator’s Paul Waszak, Gordon Tech’s Paul Swiatly, Leo’s Dan O’Keefe and Hales Franciscan’s Derrell Sanders) and one school’s departure (St. Francis de Sales), the script will read much the same as last season: Holy Cross and St. Viator will again meet in Week 8 to determine the conference champ. Mark your calendars. Holy Cross will look to repeat with Tribune first-team All-State RB Garrett Wolfe (2,270 yards, 32 TDs), but St. Viator returns 14 starters and a potent offense. Converted DB Kyle Basanez grabs the quarterback reins from brother Brett, now at Northwestern, and inherits two of Brett’s favorite targets: Brian Hare and Michael Cloud. Gordon Tech returns Ken Kendal at middle linebacker, and RB Dwayne Smith heads an extremely athletic Hales squad.
2000 state qualifiers: Holy Cross (4A quarterfinals), St. Viator (4A second round).
Quotable: Gordon Tech coach Paul Swiatly: “Take care of the little things and the big things will fall into place. That’s our primary goal.”
Players to watch: Jarod Blackmon (OT/DT, 6-2, 265), Ken Kendal (LB, 6-4, 245), Gordon Tech; Ibuku Fasoranti (CB, 6-1, 175), Inulu Fasoranti (CB, 6-1, 175), Bruce Herron (C/DT, 6-1, 230), Willie Neeley (QB, 6-0, 205), Dwayne Smith (TB, 6-0, 215), Hales; Sean Lyon (FB/LB, 6-1, 215), Garrett Wolfe (RB, 5-8, 180), Holy Cross; Anton Davis (QB, 6-1, 190), Jasen McDonald (DE, 6-4, 255), Kris Rogers (LB, 5-10, 190), Leo; Lamarr Anderson (RB, 5-11, 170), Mike Dominguez (FB/LB, 5-10, 235), Ryan Olson (QB, 6-1, 175), St. Joseph; Kyle Basanez, (QB, 6-1, 180), Michael Cloud (WR, 5-11, 180), Brian Hare (WR, 6-2, 185), Dan Hennigan (LB, 6-0, 205), Pat Sullivan (OT, 6-1, 240), St. Viator.
Key game: St. Viator at Holy Cross, Oct. 13.
Predicted finish: St. Viator, Holy Cross, Gordon Tech, Hales, Leo, St. Joseph.
Catholic Metro White
Seven teams had better get ready for another season of “follow the leader.” Back-to-back 4A state champ Joliet Catholic will ride the wave of a 28-game winning streak and win another conference crown. Powerful All-State running back J.R. Zwierzynski, who rushed for 2,073 yards and scored 222 points last season, leads the charge. But if opposing defenses key on Zwierzynski, the Hilltoppers have RB Chris Gruber (1,130 yards, 13 TDs) and QB Craig Tomasino (1,095 yards, 14 TDs) to pick up the slack. Prep Bowl champion and conference runner-up Marian Catholic is thin in its senior class, so Carmel will step up with 13 returning starters. Despite a third-place conference finish, Bishop McNamara made an unexpected run to the 4A semifinals last year and will continue to surprise people with RBs Neil Magruder and Scott Purnell.
2000 state qualifiers: Joliet Catholic (4A champion), Bishop McNamara (4A semifinals), Marian Catholic (5A second round), Carmel (5A first round).
Quotable: Notre Dame coach Mike Hennessey: “From an opponent’s standpoint, it’s sad to say, but Joliet Catholic could be better than they were last year.”
Key games: Marian Catholic at Carmel, Sept. 7; Carmel at Bishop McNamara, Sept. 14; Bishop McNamara at Joliet Catholic, Sept. 21; Marian Catholic at Bishop McNamara, Oct. 5; Carmel at Joliet Catholic, Oct. 19.
Players to watch: Kevin Donlon (OL, 6-4, 290), James Maggio (QB, 5-9, 160), Benet; John Locke (TE/DE, 6-3, 240), Neil Magruder (RB/S, 5-6, 160), Steve Purnell (RB, 5-11, 200), Keith Whittington (FB/LB, 6-1, 220), Bishop McNamara; Josh Bruenning (LB, 6-0, 230), Eric Luna (RB, 5-8, 175), Matt Roe (QB/DB, 5-8, 165), Sean Walker (TE, 6-3, 200), Carmel; Chris Gruber (RB, 5-10, 180), Steven Douglas (OT, 6-4, 275), Mike Kolodziej (DL/TE, 6-8, 285), Craig Tomasino (QB, 6-3, 175), J.R. Zwierzynski (RB, 6-3, 220), Joliet Catholic; Tom O’Brien (TE, 6-5, 250), Mike Romeli (OG, 6-4, 280), Marian Catholic; Tim McManigal (RB, 6-0, 210), Steve Sobolewski (OT/DT, 6-4, 250), Marist; Kris Guzik (S/WR, 5-11, 170), Craig Platt (QB, 6-2, 175), Paul Szczesny (LB, 6-2, 220), Notre Dame; Tim McGarigle (LB/RB, 6-1, 208), Dan Santucci (DE/TE, 6-4, 250), St. Patrick.
Predicted finish: Joliet Catholic, Carmel, Bishop McNamara, Marian Catholic, Notre Dame, St. Patrick, Marist, Benet.
Central Suburban North
Two-time conference champion Glenbrook North has a new head coach and graduated its all-conference QB, Matt Haggis. But the return of junior James Velissaris (more than 1,600 yards rushing last year, when he was conference offensive MVP) should make first-year coach Frank Whalen’s transition a lot smoother. Not to mention the Spartans also won conference titles at all underclass levels last season and boast good team speed. Deerfield, with seven offensive starters–including RB Paul Ziemba (1,171 yards), WR Mike Ogrin and QB Kyle Gessert–will again be in the hunt. But unlike last season, when Glenbrook defeated Deerfield 33-0 in the final week to win the championship, the title most likely will be decided in the conference opener. That’s when the Spartans visit Deerfield.
2000 state qualifiers: Glenbrook North (5A second round), Deerfield (5A first round).
Quotable: Whalen, who coached Glenbrook North’s sophomore team the previous two years: “We lost a lot. We lost the head coach, we lost our quarterback, we lost a Division I linebacker [Matt Pearson]. But we have a lot of talent.”
Players to watch: Paul Ziemba (RB, 5-11, 195), Mike Ogrin (WR, 6-3, 185), Kyle Gessert (QB, 6-3, 200), Kevin Mershon (C/DE, 5-10, 225), John Norris (TE/LB, 6-2, 215), Deerfield; James Velissaris (RB, 5-10, 170), Sebastian Klosowiak (WR/CB, 6-1, 180), John Hoppe (S, 511, 190), Adam Schifrin (LB, 5-10, 200), Glenbrook North; Jason Kesner (DE/TE, 6-3, 235), Marvin Mentor (LB/FB, 6-1, 215), Billy Bodle (QB, 6-1, 185), Highland Park; Nick George (QB, 6-0, 175), Chetak Patel (SS, 6-1, 170), Maine East; Victor Gomez (RB/S, 6-0, 190), Ian Thomas (CB/WR, 5-10, 175), Maine West; Gus Monterosso (OL/DL, 6-1, 220), Nick Carino-Marek (TE/K/P, 6-1, 185), Niles North.
Key games: Glenbrook North at Deerfield, Sept. 22; Deerfield at Highland Park, Oct. 19.
Predicted finish: Glenbrook North, Deerfield, Highland Park, Maine West, Niles North, Maine East.
Central Suburban South
Fans won’t have to wait long to see the anticipated showdown between defending 6A state champion Maine South and three-time defending conference champion New Trier. The two powerhouses lock up in the conference opener; last year New Trier ran off 17 unanswered points to defeat Maine South 17-7 in the regular-season finale to claim its fourth title in five years. First-year Maine South coach Dave Inserra inherits a talented but fairly untested senior-laden team. Maine South returns only five starters from last year’s squad that thumped Glenbard North in the state championship game, but it will start 21 seniors. The Hawks are again big up front and boast four Division I prospects, including WR/S Mark Ori, whose nine interceptions last year set a school record. Inserra believes QB Tony Wnek is as good as New Trier’s Mike Duda, who is considered one of the top quarterbacks in the state. Duda, who threw 18 touchdown passes and six interceptions last year, leads a potent Trevians offense. Niles West, which returns 15 starters, has upset potential.
2000 state qualifiers: Maine South (6A champion), New Trier (6A second round).
Quotable: New Trier coach Dan Mortier on playing Maine South in the conference opener: “You’ve got to play them when you play them. One thing is for sure: You’ll find out where you’re at, and you’ll be in control of your own destiny.”
Players to watch: Tony Grusich (LB/OL, 6-0, 200), Bryson Brownlee (CB/WR, 5-10, 180), Evanston; Alex Justice (WR/DB, 6-5, 175), Bill Smigiel (OL/DT, 6-3, 260), Glenbrook South; Mark Ori (WR/S, 6-3, 200), Mike Zande (OT, 6-5, 280), Tony Wnek (QB, 6-2, 175), Chris Ratajzcyk (LB/FB, 6-3, 220), Chris Fosco (RB, 5-7, 170), Kevin Fee (OL/DL, 6-5, 215), Maine South; Mike Duda (QB, 6-2, 193), Ryan Spellman (RB, 5-9, 175), Chris Peters (FB/LB, 6-2, 195), Lewis Powell (DB/WR, 5-11, 170), Scott Bridgeman (TE/SS, 6-1, 215), New Trier; Alex Filin (RB/WR/FS, 6-3, 190), Larry Masarsky (SS, 5-11, 178), Emmanuel Simon (FB/NG, 5-8, 223), Jeremy Will (RB/WR, 6-3, 205), Niles West; Andrell Gray (LB, 6-1, 208), Michael Allen (LB, 6-0, 190), Ray Winters (RB, 5-9, 193), Waukegan.
Key games: Maine South at New Trier, Sept. 21; New Trier at Evanston, Oct. 13; Maine South at Niles West, Sept. 28.
Predicted finish: Maine South, New Trier, Niles West, Waukegan, Evanston, Glenbrook South.
DuPage Valley
Naperville Central is a slight favorite over Naperville North to capture its seventh league title in the last eight years thanks to nine returning starters, including QB Phil Horvath, RB Kyle Griffith and WR Tyke Spencer. The Redhawks’ senior class is 20-1 the last two years, and the current juniors went 9-0 on the sophomore level. Naperville North, which toppled Central in last year’s Class 6A quarterfinals, features 13 returning starters and a devastating running attack with Steve Sarm, junior Mike Costantino and sophomore Corey McKeon. Although senior Rob Slette will open the season at quarterback, watch out for talented freshman Greg Wonderlich. Wheaton Warrenville South is a title contender in coach John Thorne’s final season with 13 returning starters led by QB Dan Brauer, WR Nathan Munson and kicker Luka Ulicevic. Glenbard North has nine returnees from its 6A runner-up, including WR Chuck Earnest and DE Dave Campione. The surprise team could be Wheaton North with RBs A.J. Harris and Andy Cvengros.
2000 state qualifiers: Glenbard North (6A runner-up), Naperville North (6A semifinals), Naperville Central (6A quarterfinals), Wheaton South (6A first round).
Quotable: Wheaton South coach John Thorne: “Naperville Central will be good every year, since they’re on one of those 10-year runs.”
Players to watch: Phil Horvath (QB, 6-3, 185), Kyle Griffith (5-11, 185), Tyke Spencer (6-0, 175), Mike Lucas (LB, 6-2, 230), Jeff Houghtaling (OT, 6-3, 300), Jeff Burdorf (OT, 6-2, 310), Naperville Central; Steve Sarm (RB, 6-0, 210), Corey McKeon (RB/LB, 6-2, 195), Mike Costantino (RB, 6-2, 175), Marty Fornelli (OL, 6-5, 260), Jarrett Lassa (OL, 6-4, 265), Naperville North; Dan Brauer (QB, 6-0, 180), Nathan Munson (WR, 6-3, 175), Luka Ulicevic (PK/DE, 6-2, 220), Aaron Heath (OT, 6-2, 270), Frank O’Connor (OT, 6-4, 250), Wheaton Warrenville South; Chuck Earnest (WR, 6-0, 180), Dave Campione (6-1, 205), Joel Pelland (DB/WR, 6-3, 185), Glenbard North; A.J. Harris (RB, 6-2, 210), Andy Cvengros (RB, 5-9, 180), Zach Ullrich (QB, 6-1, 180), Wheaton North; Mike Jaber (RB, 5-8, 175), Rick Clifton (DT, 6-4, 290), Joe Allen (DT, 6-4, 270), Glenbard East.
Key games: Naperville Central at Wheaton South, Sept 7; Naperville North at Glenbard North, Sept. 21; Naperville North at Wheaton South, Sept. 28; Naperville Central vs. Naperville North (at North Central College), Oct. 5.
Predicted finish: Naperville Central, Naperville North, Wheaton Warrenville South, Glenbard North, Wheaton North, Glenbard East, W. Chicago, W. Aurora.
Fox Valley
The question always looms: Is this the year somebody other than McHenry will win the Fox Valley Conference title? Only once in the last 12 seasons–Woodstock’s 1997 5A state championship year–has the answer been “yes.” McHenry, which has won 31 straight conference games and won or shared 11 of the last 12 league titles, is poised to make a run at another one, but several obstacles await the Warriors. Prairie Ridge, which lost to McHenry last year on a failed fake field-goal attempt in the game’s final seconds, will pose the strongest challenge. The Wolves feature a pair of 275-plus-pounders on the offensive and defensive lines and speed in the backfield. Woodstock returns Justin Duhai, the league’s top quarterback, from a playoff quarterfinalist season, while Jacobs and Cary-Grove look to get back in the playoff mix. Improved Crystal Lake South and Dundee-Crown are capable of an upset.
2000 state qualifiers: McHenry (6A first round), Woodstock (5A quarterfinals), Prairie Ridge (5A first round).
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Quotable: Dundee-Crown coach Chuck Feldmann: “Playing in our league is like being in a snowball fight. You get whacked in the face with one snowball, and just as you get your eyes cleaned out–bam!–another one smacks you.”
Players to watch: Judd Thompson (QB, 6-3, 195), Matt Raine (RB, 5-9, 170), Adam Wallen (OT/DT, 6-5, 276), Drew Nystrom (OT, 6-5, 283), Neal Berens (G, 5-11, 235), Prairie Ridge; Brad Thornton (QB, 6-2, 205), Brian McCabe (G/LB, 6-2, 235), Sam Wit (LB/FB, 6-1, 190), Cary Grove; Paul Berwanger (RB, 6-2, 180), Mike Heffernan (G, 6-1, 280), Lake Zurich; Justin Duhai (QB, 6-1, 185), Joe Draffkorn (C, 6-1, 200), Rob Roush (G, 6-0, 210), Tim Wulff (T, 6-1, 230), Woodstock; Tony Aguilar (C, 5-8, 245), Brett Hafferkamp (G, 6-1, 215), Matt Whalen (FB, 6-1, 220), Jacobs; Max Warner (QB, 5-10, 190), J.J. McDowell (TB, 5-11, 180), Chris Larsen (OL, 6-4, 255), Crystal Lake South; Justin Boyer (OL, 5-10, 243), Matt McGurn (OL, 6-4, 270), Chris Lausche (QB, 5-11, 165), Crystal Lake Central; Rhys Salomonson (QB, 5-9, 170), Ryan Jackson (FB/LB, 6-3, 235), Jim Witt (OT/DE, 6-4, 265), Grayslake; Adam Rodriguez (G, 6-2, 205), Jamie D’Angelo (WB, 5-11, 170), Eric Fitzgerald (DT, 6-1, 235), Rob Molloy (LB, 5-9, 202), McHenry; Alex Riffe (WB. DB, 5-9, 180); Dustin Hodor (LB, 6-2, 186), Dundee-Crown.
Key game: McHenry at Prairie Ridge, Sept. 1; Woodstock at McHenry, Sept. 28.
Predicted finish: McHenry, Prairie Ridge, Woodstock, Cary-Grove, Jacobs, Crystal Lake South, Lake Zurich, Dundee-Crown, Grayslake, Crystal Lake Central.
Interstate Eight
Seneca and Wilmington perennially have been the top teams in the conference, but Plano, which finished strong last season, returns 11 starters and could challenge the big two. At two-time defending champion Seneca, the current juniors were undefeated last year, which doesn’t bode well for the rest of the conference as the Fighting Irish go for the three-peat. Dwight could be the surprise team: The Trojans were 1-8 last season but return 18 starters from what was a young and inexperienced team. Coal City broke a string of 14 consecutive playoff appearances last season and will be motivated to return to postseason play. Wilmington has an experienced offensive line, which will be a plus for RB Mark Langusch, who is expected to put up big numbers.
2000 state qualifiers: Seneca (3A quarterfinals), Wilmington (3A second round).
Quotable: Dwight coach Chuck Butterbrodt: “The kids last season played young, but those kids have matured this year and will provide the leadership we lacked last season.”
Players to watch: Dane Justice (RB, 5-10, 165), Matt Biros (DB, 6-3, 185) Seneca; Mark Langusch (DB/RB, 6-1, 175), Lou Puracchio (DL/OL, 6-2, 210), Steve Allred (LB/OL, 5-10, 205), Pat Karran (OL, 6-3, 240), Wilmington; Mike Shorkey (TE/DE, 6-6, 228), Matt Strohn (G/LB, 6-0, 205), Alex Spiker (LB/OG, 5-8, 165), Reed-Custer; Jason Van Pelt (QB, 5-9, 150), Nate Thielk (RB/DB, 5-10, 175), Joe Aebens (OL/DL, 6-1, 185), Sandwich; Kevin Crouch (QB, 6-1, 185), Joe Cortez (WR, 6-3, 160), Peter Taylor (RB, 6-0, 180), Lisle; Clinton Perrot (WR/DB, 6-3, 180), Mark Mendoza (FB/LB, 5-8, 170), Ronnie Stickney (RB/DB, 5-6, 160), Plano; Erick Leffler (LB, 6-3, 230), Ben Boresi (QB, 6-0, 180), Zach Rouse (WR/DB/K, 6-3, 195), Coal City; Dan Peifer (QB, 6-2, 180), Mike Gliwa (OL, 6-0, 210), Kirk Price (TB, 5-11, 175), Collin Phelan (LB, 5-11, 220), Dwight.
Key games: Wilmington at Reed-Custer, Sept. 7; Seneca at Reed-Custer, Sept. 21; Wilmington at Seneca, Oct. 12; Seneca at Plano, Oct. 19.
Predicted finish: Seneca, Plano, Wilmington, Coal City, Reed-Custer, Sandwich, Dwight, Lisle.
Mid-Suburban East
Five starters return from a defense that yielded only 8.5 points per game during the regular season, but Prospect coach Brent Pearlman believes his offense will carry the Knights. RB Patrick Wilson averaged six yards per carry, and receivers Mike Anderson and Josh Flickinger each contributed heavily. The 1-2 punch of QB Tom Zbikowski and RB Andy Nieves (700 yards) could keep Buffalo Grove in the hunt. Elk Grove boasts all-conference RB Justin McDonald (1,200 yards) and QB Tom Kudyba, who averaged 200 yards passing in four games, while defending champ Rolling Meadows will rely on mammoth lineman Angelo Angelopolous to open holes.
2000 state qualifiers: Rolling Meadows (5A first round), Prospect (5A first round).
Quotable: Prospect’s Pearlman, who took his team to Downstate Rantoul for three-a-day workouts in July: “We had an opportunity for `team time,’ `team talking’ and, most of all, `team building.'”
Players to watch: Brett Karol (DE, 6-1, 190), Andy Nieves (RB, 5-10, 165), Tom Zbikowski (QB, 5-11, 180), Buffalo Grove; Tom Kudyba (QB, 6-0, 175), Justin McDonald (RB, 5-11, 180), Bart Miller (T, 6-6, 290), Elk Grove; Greg Keadle (WR 6-1, 170), Nick Lussow (QB, 6-1, 190), Brad Robertson (WR, 6-1, 205), Hersey; Mike Anderson (WR, 6-0, 175), Ben Coffman (DE, 6-1, 190), George Smith (QB, 5-10, 160), Patrick Wilson (RB, 5-9, 170), Prospect; Angelo Angelopolous (T, 6-3, 297), Nick Biancalana (FB/TE, 6-3, 227), Rolling Meadows; Matt Davison (WR, 5-7, 145), Scott Horwitch (CB, 5-11, 170), Wheeling.
Key games: Rolling Meadows at Prospect, Sept. 21; Buffalo Grove at Rolling Meadows, Sept. 28; Prospect at Buffalo Grove, Oct. 13.
Predicted finish: Prospect, Buffalo Grove, Rolling Meadows, Elk Grove, Hersey, Wheeling.
Mid-Suburban West
Defending champion Schaumburg (9-1, 5-0 last year) faces its biggest challenges from Fremd and Hoffman Estates. A traditional offensive powerhouse, the Saxons will rely on their defense, led by LB Dominic Haywood and Tim Knudson, a big hitter at safety. Fremd boasts a strong line to open holes for QB Steve LaFalce and FB Joe Klein, while Hoffman Estates counters with all-conference FB Jon Flowers and third-year QB Jon Mishler. Barrington returns three starters on its defensive line but will need improved blocking to open holes for last year’s 1,000-yard gainer, Tyler Bern. Palatine will rely on a good backfield, while Conant will look to WR Joe Rizzo.
2000 state qualifiers: Schaumburg (6A first round), Fremd (6A first round).
Quotable: Coach Tom Cerasani: “We’re Schaumburg. If we throw every play, that’s fine with us.”
Players to watch: Matt Amundsen (FB, 5-11, 210), Tyler Bern (RB, 5-11, 175), Tim McNamara (LB, 6-3, 235), Barrington; Dave Francione (LB, 5-7, 170), Joe Rizzo (WR, 6-1, 187), Conant; Paul Daou (OT, 6-3, 305), Steve LaFalce (QB, 6-1, 185), Joe Klein (FB, 6-0, 190), Seunyup Ro (G, 6-1, 275), Fremd; Jon Flowers (FB, 5-10, 190), Joe Mishler (QB, 6-0, 185), Dan Scott (TE, 6-4, 210), Hoffman Estates; Joe Mariani (QB, 5-9, 175), Nick Roto (FB, 5-10, 195), Palatine; Brian Christoff (QB, 5-11, 180), Dominic Haywood (LB, 6-2, 215), Tim Knudson (S/TB, 5-10, 180), Schaumburg.
Key games: Schaumburg at Fremd, Sept. 21; Fremd at Hoffman Estates, Sept. 28; Schaumburg at Hoffman Estates, Oct. 5.
Predicted finish: Fremd, Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates, Barrington, Palatine, Conant.
North Suburban Lake
Two years ago, Warren posted its best conference showing ever, a tie for second. Last season, the Blue Devils topped that accomplishment by splitting the first North Suburban Conference Lake Division championship with Libertyville. Based on natural progression, Warren should capture the title outright this season, correct? Not necessarily. In a division that sent four of its six teams to the state playoffs last season, nothing is a given. Stevenson, uncharacteristically shut out twice last year, hopes to make coach Bill Mitz’s 20th season a memorable one. Libertyville, seeking its fourth league crown in five years, hopes to see Colorado-bound TB Gerett Burl duplicate his 8.6-yards-per-carry average. The race might not be decided until the Libertyville-at-Stevenson regular-season finale on Oct. 19.
2000 state qualifiers: Warren (6A second round), Libertyville (5A second round), Stevenson (6A first round), Antioch (5A first round).
Quotable: Warren coach Dave Mohapp, whose team outscored its regular-season oppoments 276-77 last season: “We won’t see that kind of a ratio again. We’ve dipped off a little bit after having a great, big-play team.”
Players to watch: Jeremy Hall (DL/FB, 6-2, 230), Dan Miodonski (HB, 6-0, 220), Antioch; Doug Guziec (LB, 6-2, 235), Tom Platz, (DT, 6-5, 260), Lake Forest; Gerett Burl (TB/CB, 5-10, 170), Jamie Klassman (FB, 5-11, 190), Jack Long (LB, 5-10, 185), Shane Voigt (FS, 5-10, 170), Libertyville; Adam Austin (QB, 6-2, 210), Mundelein; Tony Guli (FB, 6-1, 225), Drew Mormino (OT, 6-4, 270), Rob Scarmaella (LB, 6-2, 210), Brian Shust (RB, 5-11, 180), Stevenson; Tyler Kozlowski (FS, 5-10, 175), Justin Martindale (OT, 6-2, 270), Kyle Owens (OT, 6-1, 265), Ricky Soto (DL, 5-11, 265), Warren.
Key games: Stevenson at Warren, Sept. 21; Warren at Libertyville, Oct. 5; Libertyville at Stevenson, Oct. 19.
Predicted finish: Libertyville, Stevenson, Warren, Antioch, Lake Forest, Mundelein.
North Suburban Prairie
Despite having 900 fewer students and 20 fewer varsity football players on its roster than defending champion Zion-Benton, Grant thinks it can atone for last year’s 6-0 loss, which decided North Suburban Prairie bragging rights. The Bulldogs, still stung from not receiving a playoff berth despite a 6-3 record, are banking on three-year starting QB Eric Lemcke to guide them into the postseason. While its own QB situation is still relatively unclear, Zion-Benton has a good nucleus back and a new face in the backfield: Seantee Holland, a track standout and transfer from Warren. Not to be taken lightly is Vernon Hills, which as a second-year school boasts 28 returning lettermen, including 1,500-yard passer Jason Newburger.
2000 state qualifier: Zion-Benton (6A second round).
Quotable: Grant coach Mark Barczak on last year’s second-place finish to Zion: “We realize that we’re the little kids on the block. We just have to play mistake-free football against the larger schools to be successful.”
Players to watch: Dave Behm (LB/TE, 6-4, 215), Eric Lemcke (QB, 6-3, 200), Mike Scherrer (DT, 6-2, 230), Grant; Orlando Kilpatrick (WR, 6-0, 190), Keith Turner (QB, 5-9, 190), North Chicago; Dallas Bassett (RB/LB, 6-2, 220), Jason Kalinowski (OG/DT, 6-1, 260), Scott Kreger (TE/LB, 5-10, 150), Round Lake; Noah Borden (WR/DB, 6-0, 170), Keith Heerdegen (LB/RB, 6-1, 165), Jason Newburger (QB, 6-0, 185), Vernon Hills; Steve Glomski (RB, 6-2, 185), Brian Malone (QB, 6-1, 165), Wauconda; Kenny Calvert (DE/TE, 6-1, 215), Andrew Denlinger (OT, 6-2,220), Seantee Holland (RB/DB, 5-9, 155), Norvelle Woods (LB/FB, 6-2, 220), Zion-Benton.
Key games: Grant at Vernon Hills, Sept. 21; Zion-Benton at Grant, Sept. 29; Zion-Benton at Vernon Hills, Oct. 19.
Predicted finish: Zion-Benton, Grant, Vernon Hills, North Chicago, Round Lake, Wauconda.
Private School League
Three new teams from Rockford–Christian Life, Lutheran and Christian–join the conference, replacing Nazareth. Rockford Lutheran, 6-3 overall last season, is expected to make a run at conference favorites Walther Lutheran and Chicago Christian. Chicago Christian has some growing pains but is expecting to be quicker at the skill positions than last year’s 7-3 team. Walther returns 14 starting positions and, according to coach Clarance “Bo” Flowers, is looking for leadership this season. He should get some from son Bo Jr., who threw 20 TD passes last season, when the Broncos didn’t lose until thee quarterfinals.
2000 state qualifiers: Walther Lutheran (2A quarterfinals), Chicago Christian (3A first round).
Quotable: Chicago Christian coach Mike Laneve: “The first two weeks of the season [against Westmont and St. Francis de Sales] will tell us where we are at. I expect us to be quicker, and that won’t surprise people, since we have established ourselves as a running program.”
Players to watch: Ed Roberts (FB/LB, 6-3, 230), Bo Flowers (QB/FS, 6-2, 195), Floyd Turner (OG/DT, 6-3, 265), Walther Lutheran; Rob Voss (S/FB, 6-1, 185), Seith Minetti (LB/OG, 6-0, 225), Aaron Sanders (CB, 5-11, 155), Raymond Sanders (CB, 5-11, 155), John Riley (RB, 6-0, 185), Josh Powell (K, 6-2, 165), Chicago Christian; Michael Penkula (RB, 5-10, 180), Kent Elmer (LB, 5-10, 185), Michael Van Hove (QB, 6-1, 160), Luther North; Ryan Spears (OT/DT, 6-4, 280), Eric Aspenson (QB, 6-1, 175), Jordan Hayes (RB, 5-10, 175), Rockford Lutheran; Justin Graver (QB, 6-0, 180), Dan Assell (TE-LB, 5-10, 160), Scott Reed (RB-LB, 5-10, 160), Aurora Christian.
Key games: Chicago Christian at Walther Lutheran, Sept. 8.; Chicago Christian at Lutheran, Sept. 14; Lutheran at Walter Lutheran, Oct. 13.
Predicted finish: Walther Lutheran, Chicago Christian, Rockford Lutheran, Luther South, Luther North, Aurora Christian, Rockford Christian, Rockford Chr. Life.
SICA Blue
Does 2001 mark the end of the Lincoln-Way football dynasty? With the school splitting in two, Lincoln-Way Central retains its seniors and should feel very little effect this season. Lincoln-Way East, despite having no seniors, could be talented enough to make an impact in its first varsity season. East’s sophomore team went 9-0 last year. Thornton should be Lincoln-Way Central’s top challenger, with the athletic duo of Antonio Tribble and Marcus Randle El competing for time at quarterback. With a solid core of players returning, Sandburg could make some noise. Lockport, which boasts a solid defense, and Homewood-Flossmoor, with QB Steve Oliver, could also be playoff contenders.
2000 state qualifiers: Lincoln-Way Central (6A semifinals), Sandburg (6A quarterfinals), Thornton (6A first round).
Quotable: Sandburg coach Mike Navarro on Lincoln-Way Central: “We won [the conference] in 1995 and they have won it ever since. It doesn’t matter if they’re splitting or not.”
Players to watch: Amara Koroma (DT, 6-2, 225), Steve Oliver (QB, 5-11, 170), Homewood-Flossmoor; Adam Las (QB, 6-2, 205), Robert Nichols (CB/WR, 5-10, 165), Joliet; Joe Ambrosino (LB, 5-11, 185), Anthony Bagnara (WR/DB, 5-11, 165), Rob Ninkovich (DL/FB, 6-3, 230), Phil Schafer, Lincoln-Way Central; Otto Linwood (DE, 6-2, 280), Dustin Powell (QB, 6-1, 185), Lincoln-Way East; Mark Tokarz (LB/DE, 6-5, 220), Nick Thompson (OT, 6-3, 280), Lockport; Steve Navarro (DE/TE, 6-2, 225), Geoff Orr (WR/DB, 6-1, 185), Sandburg; Mike Berry (DL, 6-4, 245), Antonio Tribble (QB, 6-0, 175), Brandon Tobias (WR, 6-4, 195), Jamar White (LB, 6-3, 235), Thornton.
Key games: Sandburg at Lincoln-Way Central, Sept. 14; Lincoln-Way East at Lincoln-Way Central, Sept. 21; Thornton at Sandburg, Sept. 21; Homewood-Flossmoor at Lincoln-Way East, Sept. 28; Thornton at Lincoln-Way Central, Oct. 5.
Predicted finish: Lincoln-Way Central, Thornton, Sandburg, Lincoln-Way East, Homewood-Flossmoor, Lockport, Joliet, Bloom.
SICA Gray
Last year, Romeoville ended the Bolingbrook-Andrew stranglehold on the SICA Gray, but Bolingbrook and Andrew appear ready to reclaim their customary 1-2 spots. Bolingbrook has most of its skill-position players back and plenty of beef on the offensive line, making coach Phil Acton’s team the favorite. The Raiders could contend for a state title. Andrew returns one of the state’s best junior classes, led by defensive tackle Tom Hannon. Don’t count out defending champ Romeoville, led by the conference’s top defensive player, LB Cyrus Garrett. Conference newcomer Thornwood switches from the SICA Blue and should be an instant contender. Bradley-Bourbonnais and Stagg also should have an impact on the conference race. Even Thornridge and Shepard have quality skill-position players and could make some noise.
2000 state qualifiers: Bolingbrook (5A quarterfinals), Bradley-Bourbonnais (5A first round), Romeoville (5A first round).
Quotable: Bolingbrook coach Phil Acton on who’s the team to beat: “I never like to put the dagger in my back. Any one of five teams could end up winning.”
Players to watch: Tom Hannon (DT, 5-11, 250), Mark Wyrobek (DE, 6-1, 210), Andrew; Matt Irps (DE, 6-2, 210), James Wright (RB, 5-10, 190), Bradley-Bourbonnais; Jon Hall (LB, 6-2, 185), Derell Jenkins (QB, 6-2, 185), A.J. Johnson (RB, 6-0, 225), Lee Misher (DE, 5-11, 210), Joe Szczepanik (OT, 6-8, 330), Bolingbrook; Cyrus Garrett (LB, 6-3, 224), Mike Grelck (LB, 6-2, 215), Romeoville; Jon Cleveland (RB, 6-1, 240), Mike Mezewich (G/NG, 5-10, 225), Brian Toner (RB, 6-0, 215), Shepard; Brandon Meany (RB, 6-3, 220), Dave Mordis (QB, 6-2, 205), Stagg, Jade Green (OT, 6-0, 305), Deanta Hollins (QB/FS, 6-3, 210), Thornridge; Aaron Mitchell (FS, 5-10, 185), Kenneth West (FB/LB, 6-2, 225), Thornwood.
Key games: Bolingbrook at Thornwood, Sept. 15; Thornwood at Andrew, Sept. 21; Romeoville at Andrew, Oct. 5; Andrew at Bolingbrook, Oct. 13; Romeoville at Thornwood, Oct. 13; Bolingbrook at Romeoville, Oct. 19.
Predicted finish: Bolingbrook, Andrew, Romeoville, Thornwood, Bradley-Bourbonnais, Stagg, Shepard, Thornridge.
SICA Green
The race for the championship may be as tight as it has ever been. Defending champion Tinley Park (9-1), the only SICA Green team with a winning record last year, and returns most of its starters. A handful of teams finished at 4-5, including Hillcrest, Rich East and conference newcomer Kankakee, which moves from the Orange. Perennial powerhouse Bremen struggled last year with inexperience but should be ready to contend along with Tinley and Hillcrest. Hillcrest has arguably the best defense in the conference and returns fullback Gerren Hinton to its offense. Rich South, behind talented QB Billy Yeo, plays a pass-happy system and gives fits to most teams in the run-oriented SICA Green. Don’t count out Rich East, Rich Central or Kankakee from making playoff runs.
2000 state qualifiers: Tinley Park (4A first round).
Quotable: Bremen coach John D’Ambrosio on the competitiveness of the SICA Green: “I’d be the most surprised guy on the planet if we went 7-0 in the league.”
Players to watch: John Kiriakakis (G/DL, 6-0, 225), Derrick McGhee (FB, 5-10, 230), Lawrence Williams (WR/DB, 6-1, 180), Bremen; Marquice Cole (CB/WR, 5-9, 160), Alvin Harris (G, 5-10, 205), Gerren Hinton (FB, 5-10, 220), Hillcrest; Dylan Brooks (RB/CB, 5-7, 155), Chad Smith (OT/ILB, 6-2, 260), Kankakee; Gamar Diamond (RB, 6-1, 180), Tim Jacko (OLB, 6-1, 194), Chris McNutt (FB/LB, 5-11, 187), Rich East; Ivory Lofton (WR, 5-10, 155), Billy Yeo (QB, 6-2, 180), Rich South; Brian Gibson (RB, 5-10, 200), Brad Hatfield (QB, 6-5, 185), Thornton Fractional North.
Key games: Hillcrest at Bremen, Sept. 7; Rich South at Hillcrest, Sept. 14; Bremen at Rich South, Sept. 21; Tinley Park at Hillcrest, Oct. 12; Bremen at Tinley Park, Oct. 19
Predicted finish: Bremen, Hillcrest, Tinley Park, Rich South, Rich East, Rich Central, Kankakee, T.F. North.
SICA Orange
Veteran coach Gary Korhonen’s Richards Bulldogs look like the clear-cut favorite in the SICA Orange. Playing mostly juniors last season, Richards went deep into the Class 5A playoffs. With the core of that team returning, Richards is the consensus choice to win the conference championship. Thornton Fractional South, with the SICA Orange’s best player in running back Pierre Thomas, appears to be Richards’ main challenger. Crete-Monee and Oak Forest, traditionally sound programs, should contend for playoff berths. Behind two of the best defensive players in the conference–LB Mike Pelkowski and DE Robert Ziminski–Argo could be the sleeper team.
2000 state qualifiers: Crete-Monee (4A first round), Oak Forest (5A first round), Richards (5A quarterfinals), T.F. South (5A first round).
Quotable: Eisenhower coach Greg Walder: “Everybody else will be fighting for second [place]. With that young team last year, Richards dominated.”
Players to watch:
David Giles (RB, 5-11, 225), Mike Pelkowski (LB, 6-0, 215), Robert Ziminski (DE/OT, 6-4, 230), Argo; Cory Terrell (TB, 6-0, 175), Allen Turay (LB/G, 6-1, 225), Crete-Monee; Matt Sklom (G/DT, 6-1, 210), Cedric Criss (QB, 5-11, 165), Eisenhower; Nick Kucinski (CB/WR, 6-2, 180), Rey Lang (RB/S, 5-9, 170), Oak Forest; Ben Heredia (RB/LB, 5-9, 185), Justin Trovato (SS/WR, 6-1, 180), Reavis; Duran Johnson (WR/DB, 6-2, 210), Mike Jones (OL, 6-5, 270), Eric Lis (K/P, 6-2, 195), Jason Orozco (FS/RB, 5-11, 185), Ricky Rodriguez (LB, 5-11, 180), Richards; Nick Jensen (QB, 6-3, 195), Paul Mooney (C, 6-3, 205), Pierre Thomas (RB, 5-11, 180), T.F. South.
Key games: T.F. South at Oak Forest, Sept. 7; Crete-Monee at T.F. South, Sept. 14; Oak Forest at Richards, Sept. 14; Crete-Monee at Oak Forest, Sept. 28; Richards at Crete-Monee, Oct. 5; Richards at T.F. South, Oct. 19.
Predicted finish: Richards, T.F. South, Crete-Monee, Oak Forest, Argo, Eisenhower, Reavis, Oak Lawn.
Suburban Catholic
The bad news for the conference is the best news for Driscoll, which returns 12 starters from last year’s Class 3A semifinalists, including speedy WR Jeremy Netzer, TB Victor Arliss and hulking defensive lineman Kentin Lathrop (6-5, 280). As has become the norm in the league, however, defending co-champ Montini will be solid, returning six starters, including RB Kevin Tyrrell. First-year St. Francis coach Brian Wojtun needs to replace 17 lost starters in order to hope to return to the playoffs for the fourth time in the last five years. Inexperienced players will have to grow up fast for both Marian Central and Marmion in what has become one of the premier small school conferences in the state.
2000 state qualifiers: Driscoll (3A semifinals), St. Francis (3A quarterfinals), Montini (3A first round).
Quotable: Driscoll coach Tim Racki: “For the past couple of years, we’ve been picked to finish in the middle. Now that we’ve got the bull’s-eye on our chests, every team is going to bring their `A’ game against us.”
Players to watch: Jeremy Netzer (WR/CB, 5-7, 155), Victor Arliss (TB, 6-2, 205), Bobby Jacobson (OT, 6-3, 220), Kentin Lathrop (DL, 6-5, 280), Dan Pokorny (DT, 5-11, 200), Driscoll; Kevin Tyrrell (TB, 5-8, 175), Kevin Vlk (C, 6-0, 180), Greg Strzempek (G, 6-2, 235), Scott Andriano (QB, 5-11, 175), Billy Timmins (LB, 5-11, 180), Montini; Vince Lyzinski (OL, 6-5, 230), Gil Cervelli (OL, 5-10, 220), Scott Moorhouse (RB, 5-10, 190), Andy Loiacono (RB/WR, 5-10, 176), T.J. Olsen (LB, 6-1, 195), St. Francis; Jim Lonero (LB, 5-10, 190), Mike Henley (WR/DB, 6-2, 185), Erik Larson (OT/DE, 6-3, 225), Mark Erickson (FB/LB, 6-0, 195), Marmion; Scott Rodseth (QB, 5-11, 170), Joe Kenny (LB, 5-9, 200), St. Edward.
Key games: Marmion at Montini, Sept. 22; Montini at Driscoll, Sept. 29; Marian Central at Driscoll, Oct. 6.
Predicted finish: Driscoll, Montini, Marian Central, Marmion, St. Francis, Immaculate Conception, Aurora Central Catholic, St. Edward.
Suburban Prairie Red
Defending champion Plainfield returns 11starters–including QB Justin Quatrano (1,400 passing yards)–from the best team in school history (11-1). The Wildcats also have strong receivers, capable runners to replace graduated record-setter Jake Shields plus a solid defense. Batavia could have one of its best teams ever with 12 returning starters, including third-year QB Aaron Scholl (1,700 yards, 18 TDs) and solid offensive and defensive lines. Morris’ streak of eight straight conference titles ended with a subpar 4-5 season last fall, but the Redskins expect to come back with returnees like LB Josh Tischer and RB Eric Strait.
2000 state qualifiers: Plainfield (6A quarterfinals), Oswego (5A second round), Batavia (5A first round).
Quotable: Plainfield coach John Jackson on the title race: “If it was a dogfight last year, it’s a dogfight squared this time. Whoever gets it will earn it.”
Players to watch: Aaron Scholl (QB, 6-2, 180), Dom Gibson (WR, 6-3, 189), Aaron Oberg (DT, 6-2, 257), James Ryan (DT, 6-5, 295), Nick Bullock (DB, 5-9, 145), Batavia; Nick Cozzie (RB, 5-8, 160), Jim Weathers (TE/OLB, 6-2, 215), Fenton; Brian Hack (QB, 6-0, 200), Geneva; Cassidy Tribble, (DB/WR, 6-2, 185), Brad Banken (LB/FB, 5-10, 195),Glenbard South; Scott Moss (LB/FB, 6-3, 250), Matt Wehrli (QB, 6-0, 185), Minooka; Josh Tischer (LB, 6-1, 215), Eric Strait (RB, 6-2, 215), Morris; Sean Staffeldt (LB/OL, 6-3, 235), Aaron Moore (LB, 6-1, 210), Oswego; Alan Jurkowski (DE/RB, 6-3, 210), Justin Quatrano (QB, 5-11, 175), Bob Spodarek (OL, 6-2, 210), Plainfield.
Key games: Plainfield at Batavia, Sept. 7; Morris at Batavia, Sept. 28; Morris at Plainfield, Oct. 19.
Predicted finish: Plainfield, Batavia, Morris, Minooka, Oswego, Fenton, Glenbard South, Geneva.
Suburban Prairie White
Riverside-Brookfield, last fall’s league champ, returns 15 starters from a team that reached the Class 4A quarterfinals. QB Tim Brasic led the state in passing with more than 3,000 yards, and his top two receivers (All-Stater Tom Guardi and Matt George) are also back. So is LB Steve Kielp, a Division I prospect. Sycamore returns 15 starters, including LB/FB Brad Benson, who had 105 tackles and rushed for 650 yards. Traditional power Kaneland lost many starters to graduation but counts on infusion from last year’s 7-2 sophomore team to help the Knights contend.
2000 state qualifiers: Riverside-Brookfield (4A quarterfinals), Kaneland (4A second round), Lemont (4A first round), Ridgewood (4A first round).
Quotable: Sycamore coach Daryl Graves on R-B’s Brasic: “He’s one of the top quarterbacks in the state. He’s very athletic and he hurts as many teams running the ball as throwing. He’s the real deal.”
Players to watch: Bob Kruzel (WR, 6-2, 190), Jim Norris (OT, 6-3, 280), Elmwood Park; Matt Aggen (QB, 6-0, 185), Luke Schillo (LB/TB, 5-11, 215), Evergreen Park; Matt Schiff (FB/LB, 5-9, 190), Dan Aspenren (R/DB, 5-8, 145), Joe Heyob (DE/TE, 6-0, 205), Kaneland; Dan Morand (QB/S, 5-11, 160), Scott Festin (FB/LB, 5-11, 190), Lemont; Tim Brasic (QB, 6-2, 185), Matt George (WR, 6-2, 185), Tom Guardi (WR, 6-2, 200), Steve Kielp (LB, 6-6, 220), Riverside-Brookfield; Brad Benson (LB/FB, 6-1, 220), Brian Galto (DT, 5-11, 225), Adam Honiotes (DT, 6-1, 225), Sycamore; Mike Fosses (LB/OL, 6-0, 205), Dave Winston (QB, 6-4, 170), Westmont; Christopher Duncan (QB, 6-0, 175), Scott Weeks (LB, 6-2, 195), Yorkville.
Key games: Sycamore at Kaneland, Aug. 31; Kaneland at R.-Brookfield, Oct. 19.
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Predicted finish: Riverside-Brookfield, Sycamore, Kaneland, Lemont, Yorkville, Evergreen Park, Ridgewood, Herscher, Elmwood Park, Westmont.
Upstate Eight
Schedules are so scrambled in this 11-team league that not all the top contenders will face each other. Each team will also play a Rockford-area NIC-9 team, an arrangement that’s in addition to two standard non-conference games. Waubonsie Valley, which lost its final three games in the last minute of each, may rate a slight edge with 15 returning starters. Defending champion Elgin has 12 starters back. St. Charles East, Lake Park, Neuqua Valley and Bartlett also figure to contend in one of state’s most balanced large-school leagues. St. Charles North fields a varsity team for the first time.
2000 state qualifiers: Elgin (6A second round), Bartlett (6A first round).
Quotable: Neuqua Valley coach Bryan Wells on the competitive league: “It could be a five-team race … [And] no question we’re going to be competitive and solid. If we come out of the gates, we can be 6-3 and bound for the playoffs [for the first time].”
Players to watch: Nick Kornovich (K/WR, 6-0, 175), Eric Kramer (LB/G, 6-1, 195), Bartlett; Ben Lothson (WR, 6-4, 205), DeKalb; Derrick Coyne (QB, 6-1, 190), East Aurora; Charlie Tomlin (NG, 6-2, 185), Rashad Miller (WB/DE, 6-1, 180), Elgin; Eric Guenther (RB, 5-10, 170), Brian Nebel (LB, 6-0, 190), John Sullivan (C, 6-0, 190), Lake Park; Eric Schultz (QB, 6-0, 180), Erich Sauer (WR/DB, 6-0, 186), Larkin; Easton Linde (LB, 5-10, 215), Jeff Dugas (DT, 5-10, 280), Neuqua Valley; Tim Ainsworth (DE, 6-2, 250), Matt Powles (DE 6-4, 245), Chris Powell (QB, 5-11, 165), St. Charles East; Dominic Cozzi (RB/DB, 6-1, 195), St. Charles North; Charles Wheeler (RB, 6-1,200), Maurico Sarmiento (TE/LB, 6-2, 230), Streamwood; Jay Gillette (G/DT, 6-2, 185), Mike Dugal (WR/FS, 5-11,175), Drew Weimer (K/P, 5-10, 160), Waubonsie Valley.
Key games: Elgin at St. Charles East, Sept. 14; Waubonsie Valley at Neuqua Valley, Sept. 14; St. Charles East at Waubonsie Valley, Sept. 28; Elgin at Lake Park, Oct. 19.
Predicted finish: Waubonsie Valley, Elgin, St. Charles East, Lake Park, Neuqua Valley, Bartlett, Streamwood, Larkin, East Aurora, St. Charles North, DeKalb.
West Suburban Gold
Downers Grove South has won conference titles in 16 of the last 17 years, including the last four in a row. That trend likely will continue for the Mustangs, who return a wealth of skill-position players, among them three-year starting QB Mike Cuzzone. Hinsdale South, fresh off a Class 6A quarterfinal appearance, may provide the toughest competition. The Hornets return 10 starters, including QB Sam Louise and Illinois-bound FB Mike Trepina. Addison Trail will be solid defensively but needs to fill in the gaps on offense. Willowbrook is young and ready to blossom.
2000 state qualifiers: Addison Trail (6A first round), Hinsdale South (5A quarterfinals), Downers Grove South (6A second round), Willowbrook (6A first round).
Quotable: Hinsdale South coach Jim Kirwin: “Downers South is the Goliath of the conference. We have half of our lineup returning with three years of experience, size and speed. But I still need some Spackle to fill in the rest of the spots.”
Players to watch: Mike Cuzzone (QB, 6-4, 180), Kent Hughes (WR, 6-0, 180), Kevin Gage (T, 6-5, 275), Martin O’Donnell (T, 6-4, 225), Paul Niznik (LB, 6-0, 230), Barry Barretto (LB, 5-11, 205), Downers Grove South; Mike Latino (LB, 5-11, 185), David Brechin (WR, 6-0, 170), Joe Hausherr (RB, 6-1, 185), Tom Tovello (G/DT, 6-0, 195), Scott King (C, 6-0, 180), Addison Trail; Sam Louise (QB, 5-10, 200), Greg Cozzi (TB, 5-10, 200), Mike Trepina (FB, 6-3, 250), Jerome Roberts (DT, 6-4, 310), Hinsdale South; John Lay (C, 5-9, 205), Mark Cunningham (LB, 6-0, 190), Tra Smith (RB/WR, 5-11, 170), Nick Roth (LB, 5-11, 190), Willowbrook; Dan O’Connell (QB, 6-4, 180), Jose Rico (G, 6-2, 260), Al Perez (G, 6-0, 230), Brian Passananti (T, 6-3, 310), Leyden; Kenny Holub (QB, 5-11, 175), Louie Scardina (S, 5-11, 165), Frank Striegel (DE, 6-5, 215), Juan Alfaro (DT, 6-4, 285), Josh Seals (DT, 6-2, 275), Morton; Jose Monarrez (DT/OG, 6-0, 270), Reggie Sculfield (RB/DB, 5-11, 170), Jeff Martin (WR/DB, 6-2, 175), Jason Gipson (QB, 6-0, 165), Proviso East.
Key games: Hinsdale South at Downers Grove South, Sept. 7; Downers Grove South at Addison Trail, Sept. 14; Addison Trail at Hinsdale South, Sept. 28.
Predicted finish: Downers Grove South, Hinsdale South, Addison Trail, Willowbrook, Leyden, Morton, Proviso East.
West Suburban Silver
How does Downers Grove North expect to replace last fall’s do-it-all All-Stater, Kyle Kleckner? How about with 11 returning starters, including five who were all-conference selections. Former safety Jim Sharwarko takes over at QB and has a big offensive line to help him grow into the position. The league will hardly be a cakewalk for Downers, however, as Hinsdale Central returns 10 lettermen, among them QB Brad Bower, and will make a legitimate title run. The two teams meet in Week 3. York and Glenbard West are looking to rebound from subpar seasons, and defending co-champ Lyons Township is counting on youth to keep the Lions near the top of the standings.
2000 state qualifiers: Downers Grove North (6A second round), Lyons Township (6A second round).
Quotable: Proviso West coach Bob Gregolunas: “We’re a basketball school in a football conference. We get a lot of guys who like to play basketball, so we don’t have a lot of depth.”
Players to watch: Jeff Donelan (G, 6-0, 218), Jim Sharwarko (QB, 6-0, 185), John Lyerly (WR, 6-2, 180), Erryn Cobb (RB/DE, 6-2, 230), Mac Cunningham (C, 6-2, 215), Downers Grove North; Chris Green (WR, 6-0, 165), Ramon Lacey (LB, 6-0, 185), Brian Davis (RB, 5-10, 175), Brent Svozil (DL, 6-1, 225), Lyons Township; Brad Bower (QB, 6-2, 195), Adam Bozich (OLB, 6-0, 195), Pat Kelley (LB/FB, 6-1, 225), Max Tornatore (RB, 6-1, 215), Nick Lunon (G, 6-3, 245), Hinsdale Central; Anthony Cooper (RB/WR, 5-10, 175), Andy Shields (QB, 6-2, 170), Ron Kiolbasa (T, 6-0, 240), Justin Fiene (LB, 5-9, 160), York; Steve Morgan (QB/S, 6-1, 185), James Frazier (LB/FB, 6-1, 235), Ryan DeVries (C/DE, 6-5, 225), Nick Davis (OT/DT, 6-4, 265), Proviso West; John Covert (QB/DB, 6-1, 175), Matt McDonald (OL/DT, 6-2, 215), Pat Jensen (OL, 6-0, 210), Ben McBurney (WR, 6-0, 175), Rob Cleary (MLB, 6-0, 215), Glenbard West; Max Sekallaris (C/DL, 5-10, 230), Peter Griffith (G, 6-0, 230), Marco Spinelli (RT/DT, 6-3, 245), Alex Dengel (WR, 5-11, 175), Aaron Dinkel (LB, 5-11, 210), Oak Park.
Key games: Downers Grove North at Hinsdale Central, Sept. 7; York at Glenbard West, Sept. 8; Hinsdale Central at Glenbard West, Sept. 29.
Predicted finish: Downers Grove North, Hinsdale Central, Glenbard West, Lyons Township, York, Oak Park, Proviso West.
Chicago Public League
Illini Northeast
Lane should have no problem capturing its third consecutive section title. Senior RB Gideon Akande, rated among the top players in the state, should find plenty of holes behind a line that averages 265 pounds and has three players 6-3 or taller. Akande is also the leader on a defense that yielded 10.6 points per game during the regular season. Lane returns 13 starters, including its entire secondary. Young’s defense should be tough with LBs Kenny Webster and Antonio Ward. Mather returns but two offensive starters but boasts great team speed. Newcomer Kelvyn Park won the Chicago North in 2000.
2000 state qualifiers: Lane (6A first round), Mather (5A first round).
Quotable: Schurz coach Peter Fosco: “Yeah, I’m in the Lane Tech conference. That’s what I call it: the Lane Tech conference.”
Players to watch: Ricardo Varela (WR, 5-10, 150), Kevin Otero (OL, 6-1, 220), Kelvyn Park; Gideon Akande (RB/LB, 6-0, 195), Nick Slusher (OL, 6-4, 300), Marcin Kondratowicz (OL/DL, 6-3, 290), Nick Pancotto (OL, 6-4, 275), Cortez Evans (FB, 5-8, 185), Lane; Mike Medina (OT, 6-4, 290), Mike Clarke (TE, 6-3, 190), Charlie Robinson (RB/DB, 5-8, 160), Bobby Shubert (WR/DB, 5-11, 165), Mather; Javier Alvarez (LB, 6-0, 230), Jason Wolf (OT/DT, 6-2, 290), Schurz; Earl Hughes (FB/LB, 6-1, 185), Daryl Parks (RB/DB, 6-1, 175), Octavius Winston (OL/DL, 6-1, 280), Taft; Kenny Webster (TE/LB, 6-3, 215), Antonio Ward (FB/LB, 5-10, 230), Rob Simms (RB/DB, 5-10, 175), Young.
Key games: Mather at Lane, Sept. 15; Young vs. Lane at Hanson, Oct. 4.
Predicted finish: Lane, Young, Mather, Taft, Schurz, Kelvyn Park.
Illini Northwest
Marshall outscored opponents 255-48 en route to an undefeated regular season in 2000. The Commandos, who have good size and are strong defensively behind LB John Floyd (119 tackles), are expected to win their section again. Westinghouse returns its entire defense, including a major-college recruit–LB Dwayne Sharpe–and has an offensive line that averages 289 pounds. Manley also has a beefy line to protect QB Michael Starks and a potentially strong running game. Crane moves up after going undefeated in the Chicago West. Collins returns its entire linebacking corps and secondary.
2000 state qualifiers: Marshall (5A first round).
Quotable: Crane coach Anthony Jackson: “It’s going to be a tough conference–one of the toughest in the city.”
Players to watch: Jrkeith Willis (TE/LB, 6-3, 210), Gerald Taylor (LB, 6-3, 195), Reginald Green (WR/CB, 6-2, 180), Collins; Jamal Arnold (OT/DT, 6-2, 290), Treandos Stevenson (OT/DT, 6-1, 278), LeRoy Anderson (WR, 6-3, 180), Fred Merkerson (RB, 5-11, 180), Crane; Michael Starks (QB, 6-3, 185), Everett Dean (WR, 5-10, 180), Joseph Tolliver (RB, 6-1, 215), Anthony Bullock (OL, 6-5, 315), Manley; Doubton Holmes (RB/CB, 5-7, 151), John Floyd (LB, 6-1, 205), Michael Armstrong (QB, 6-2, 200), Keith Matthews (OT/DT, 6-3, 295), Prince Campbell (FB/DL, 6-2, 255), Marshall; Glenn Coppage (RB, 5-9, 180), Dave Robinson (WR/S, 5-10, 165), Senn; Darren Gafford (QB, 6-1, 205), Julius Carter (OL, 6-3, 270), Dwayne Sharpe (LB, 6-3, 220), Nicholas Harvey (OT, 6-6, 360), Marcus Palmer (LB, 6-1, 210), Westinghouse.
Key games: Marshall vs. Manley, Oct. 4; Manley vs. Crane, Sept. 28; Marshall vs. Westinghouse, Sept. 20; Westinghouse vs. Manley, Oct. 13.
Predicted finish: Marshall, Westinghouse, Manley, Crane, Collins, Senn.
Illini Southeast
There’s a new look this fall: Julian, after winning the Chicago South, joins the conference (formerly the Illini South), replacing Hyde Park. Champion Dunbar returns some experience from a 9-4 team, while Prep Bowl runner-up Simeon has 11 starters from a team that went 10-5, Morgan Park returns 14 starting positions from an 8-4 team. Simeon will be tested early, opening with non-conference games with East St. Louis, Wheaton North and Peoria Notre Dame.
2000 state qualifiers: Dunbar (5A first round), Morgan Park (5A first round).
Quotable: Morgan Park coach Lexie Spurlock: “We expect to win the conference, but we know it won’t be easy since we’re in the best conference in the Public League.”
Players to watch: Chris Williams (QB, 6-1, 180), Ira Barry (LB/FB, 6-0, 185), Andre Morris (TB, 5-9, 160), Kevin Scott (T, 6-2, 280), Simeon; Eddie Rice (DT, 6-3, 320), Reginald Gray (CB/WR, 5-10, 170), Michael Morris (CB/R 5-10, 170), Jerhorn Fields (QB/WR, 6-1, 178), Kevin Smith (FB, 5-9, 230), Morgan Park; Quincey Booker Black (TE/LB, 6-3, 23), Emeke Moka (LB, 5-10, 185), Jovan Poindexter (WR/S, 6-3, 190) Kenwood.
Key games: Simeon vs. Morgan Park, Sept. 20; Dunbar vs. Morgan Park, Oct. 5; Simeon vs. Dunbar, Oct. 16.
Predicted finish: Simeon, Dunbar, Morgan Park, Julian, Vocational, Kenwood.
Illini Southwest
Curie is the defending champion, but the Illini Southwest team that gave the Public League its biggest boost a year ago was Hubbard. The Greyhounds went on an unbelievable playoff run, knocking out Thornton Fractional South, Oswego and Bolingbrook before losing in the semifinals to eventual Class 5A state champ Mt. Carmel. Hubbard returns 13 starters, including RB Reggie Cribbs, from that 9-4 team. Harper and coach Terry Lewis (19 outright conference titles the last 26 years), returns 18 starters from a 7-4 team and is the preseason favorite. Curie lost 23 seniors from last year’s 10-2 team but still returns starters at eight positions.
2000 state qualifiers: Curie (6A first round), Hubbard (5A semifinals), Harper (5A first round).
Quotable: Hubbard coach Elton Harris: “I knew we had a good team, but I never expected to go as far as we did in the playoffs with just 29 players, most going both ways. It was a real plus for our program and the Public League.”
Players to watch: Reggie Cribbs (RB/LB, 6-0, 215), Joe Christian (LB, 6-2, 215), Martell Taylor (WR/DB, 6-1, 175), Nick Davis (QB, 6-0, 180), Sam Fullerton (DT, 5-10, 250), Sam Ross (DE/FB, 6-0 190), Billy Glover (LB/FB, 5-9, 190), Hubbard; Israel Diaz (K/P, 6-0, 160), Sherman Gant (WR, 6-0, 170), Lemont Benn (FB, 5-9, 235), Carlos Lewis (DT, 6-0, 260), Efrain Cervantes (OT, 6-5, 260), Curie; Pierre Jackson (WR, 6-0, 175), Steve Chambers (RB, 6-1, 210), Andre Wilkins (QB, 6-0, 170), John Stewart (OG/LB, 6-3, 260), Harper; Andrell McClindon (G/LB, 6-2, 210), Romell Funches (WR, 6-2, 185), Gage Park; Jason Avant (WR/6-3, 205), DeAndre Allen (TE, 6-4, 260), Eddie Brewer (G/LB, 6-2, 240), Carver.
Key games: Curie vs. Hubbard, Sept. 29; Hubbard vs. Harper, Oct. 6.; Curie vs. Harper, Oct. 12.
Predicted finish: Harper, Hubbard, Curie, Robeson, Gage Park, Carver.
Chicago Central
This section is completely reshuffled, with only two teams (Tilden and Kennedy) left from 2000. The common thread among all six teams was their lack of success last season: a combined record of 11-38. Bogan coach Jesse Coronado, one of three new coaches in the section, inherits a team with 16 returning starters and plenty of speed. Behind QB/S Marco Thomas, a major-college recruit, Bogan is the team to beat. Hyde Park, with a new coach (Wesley Yates), returns FB/LB LeRoy Young and RB Stephon Nickleberry. Kennedy lost only one starter from 2000’s team, which was outscored 240-48, and Tilden returns seven starters on each side of the ball.
2000 state qualifiers: Not eligible.
Quotable: Englewood coach Albert Cruse on the reshuffled section: “Everybody in this section can use a little success to help build our programs.”
Players to watch: Deonte Morris (WR/CB, 6-5, 220), Marco Thomas (QB/DB, 6-1, 185), Estavion Thompson (LB/TE/OG, 6-2, 230), Shaun Jaudon (RB/LB, 6-1, 220), Bogan; Joshua Beklis (QB/CB, 5-9, 160), Ivory Rufus (RB/WR, 5-7, 140), Dennis Bryant (WR/RB, 5-10, 160), Englewood; LeRoy Young (LB/FB, 6-1, 235), Stephon Nickleberry (RB, 5-11, 165), Pierre Guffie (QB, 5-11, 165), Seren Woodfork-Bey (OL, 6-5, 270), Hyde Park; Joe Hedge (DE, 6-1, 210), Mike Nishamura (OT/DT, 6-0, 240), Kennedy; Earl Grant (OG, 5-8, 270), Jeremy Roberson (LB/C, 5-9, 190), Lindblom; Joe Lewis (RB/CB, 5-11, 175), Bobby Frieson (FB/SS, 5-11, 190), Keith Gadyen (TE/DE, 6-4, 215), Tilden.
Key games: Bogan vs. Hyde Park, Sept. 15; Englewood vs. Hyde Park, Oct. 4.
Predicted finish: Bogan, Hyde Park, Kennedy, Tilden, Englewood, Lindblom.
Chicago North
Steinmetz was second to Kelvyn Park in this section last season while playing a slew of sophomores. Now, a year later, coach Elbert Kern figures to be starting 12 juniors. But what makes Steinmetz the favorite is its option running game, led by senior FB Robert Parks. Prosser, third last year, will contend. Sullivan struggled in the Illini North but should find some success in its new, less-competitive section. Amundsen returns eight starters, and Lincoln Park could cause problems with its ground game.
2000 state qualifiers: Not eligible.
Quotable: Prosser coach Jerry Reed on losing several players to graduation: “I’m as nervous as a cat on a hot tin roof. We’ve got our work cut out for us.”
Players to watch: Christopher Hunt (C/LB, 6-1, 230), Rodjerian Hannah (QB, 5-8, 180), Arthur Holmes (S, 5-7, 170), Amundsen; Lorenzo Negron (FB, 5-10, 210), Jonas Addison (RB, 5-8, 160), C.J. Okeke (LB/OG, 6-1, 236), Lincoln Park; Ricky Burns (RB/S, 5-8, 149), Isaiah Wiggins (DT/OG, 6-3, 215), Reginald Andrews (FB/LB, 5-9, 180), Prosser; Victor Montielo (DT/OT, 6-3, 350), Angel Marfulo (DT/OT, 6-1, 230), Roosevelt; Robert Parks (FB/LB, 6-0, 225), John Bellamy (RB/CB, 5-9, 195), Namon Johnson (LB/RB, 6-1, 220), Steinmetz; Brett Clayton (RB, 5-8, 145), Eric Collins (WR/TE, 5-11, 170), Henry Ogunjimi (QB/RB, 6-0, 165), Sullivan.
Key games: Steinmetz vs. Prosser, Sept. 28, Sullivan at Amundsen, Sept. 21 ; Steinmetz vs. Lincoln Park, Sept. 22.
Predicted finish: Steinmetz, Prosser, Sullivan, Amundsen, Lincoln Park, Roosevelt.
Chicago South
This conference has three new teams (Washington, Bowen, Harlan) and all three should contend. Harlan was second to Gage Park in the Chicago Southwest last season and might be the favorite: All but two starters are returning from last fall, when Harlan finished 4-5. Washington also returns experience from a 5-4 team and can be expected to make its presence felt.
2000 state qualifiers: Not eligible.
Quotable: Washington coach Thomas Johnson: “Us, Harlan and Bowen are the new kids on the block in this conference. The best part about that is nobody knows much about you.”
Players to watch: Keenan Terry (RB, 6-0, 180), Carlos DeLeon (TE, 5-10, 185), Washington; Theo Moore (WR, 6-1, 170), Christopher Ivory (LB, 6-0, 240), Willie Howard (TB, 5-9, 155) Harlan; Charles Baugh (QB, 5-11, 200), Jermaine Lemons (OT/DE, 6-5, 270), Darnell Williams (S,/RB, 5-9, 165), Demetrius Douglas (DB/RB, 5-7, 145) Corliss; Darryl Rodgers (FB/LB, 5-10, 190), Michael Calhoun (TB/DB, 5-9, 165), Bowen.
Key games: Harlan vs. Washington, Sept. 20; Harlan vs. Bowen, Sept. 27; Bowen vs. Washington, Oct. 11;
Predicted finish: Harlan, Washington, Bowen, Corliss, Fenger, South Shore
Chicago West
Crane’s departure to the Illini Northwest presents an opportunity for someone else to emerge as a dominant force. Flower’s huge yet disciplined offensive line, featuring tackles Anthony Miller (6-5, 440) and Charles Knight (6-5, 418), will punish defenders and showcase the talents of RBs Curt Cannon and Jimmy Peeples. Experienced Austin will challenge behind senior RB Mike Mosley but the Tigers lost three all-conference linemen (DeAndre Barnes, LeKeith Chapman, and Raul Amaro) to graduation.
2000 state qualifiers: Not eligible.
Quotable: Flower coach Phillip Thomas “I think this will be the year that we realize our potential.”
Players to watch: Curt Cannon (RB, 5-7, 155), Jimmy Peeples (RB, 5-7, 160), Earl Ware (FB/LB, 6-0, 239), Flower; Brian Walton (LB, 6-3, 230), Darius Johnson (S, 6-1, 185), Austin; Eliud Velencia (RB/S, 6-1, 195), Edwin Acevedo (OT/DT, 6-3, 205), DeMorris Enoch (TE/DE, 6-2, 170), Clemente; Ricardo Carpenter (WR, 6-0, 175), Leo Dennison (FB/LB, 5-10, 170), Lake View; David Wilborn (QB 5-11, 193), Timarr Horton (OT/DT 6-0, 260), Orr.
Key games: Flower vs. Austin (Sept. 20), Clemente vs. Flower (Oct. 5), Austin vs. Clemente (Oct. 12).
Predicted finish: Flower, Austin, Clemente, Lake View, Farragut, Orr.
Intra-City
The conference has a new look for 2001. With three teams returning to 11-man football (Phillips, DuSable and Calumet) and three teams stepping down from the Chicago level (Kelly, Foreman and Juarez), the conference is so evenly balanced that nearly any team could contend. Kelly’s powerful offensive line, led by Ismael Garcia (6-3, 290), will open holes for RB Andre Evans and give QB Dave Maher plenty of time to throw. Phillips has a mature team with great speed. RB Rondell Williams, a state track qualifier, will be a major factor in keeping the Wildcats competitive. DuSable boats RB Carl Scott and WR Antoine Williams.
2000 state qualifiers: Not eligible.
Quotable: Foreman coach Chuck Saieva: “It should be a fairly well-matched conference, and everybody should be fighting for their place in it.”
Players to watch: Ismael Garcia (OT/DT, 6-3, 290), Andre Evans (RB 6-0, 185), Jamie Gonzalez (C, 6-0, 225), Kelly; Myron Starks (RB/DB, 5-7, 140), Antoine Parker (FB/LB, 5-11, 170), Rondell Williams (RB , 5-11, 155), Phillips; Jabari Davis (C, 6-0, 238), Carl Scott (RB, 5-8, 155), Antoine Williams (WR 5-10, 170), DuSable; Jason Ferguson (RB, 5-9, 170), Ryan Correa (TE, 6-3, 185), Pawl Plasa (WR, 5-8, 160), Foreman; Miguel Contreras (G/DE, 6-1, 255), Ventura (LB, 5-10, 190), Ernesto Estrada (QB, 5-9, 170), Juarez.
Key games: DuSable vs. Kelly, Sept. 6; Phillips vs. Kelly, Sept. 22; Kelly vs. DuSable, Sept. 29.
Predicted finish: Kelly, Phillips, DuSable, Foreman, Calumet, Juarez.
Other schools
Alden-Hebron: When a coach comes out of retirement after 20 years, it must be for a unique opportunity. Mike Mitchell hopes to seize his opportunity to revitalize the Alden-Hebron program. With expectations raised by a turnout of 30 boys, Mitchell looks forward to playing in the Indian Trails Conference. The tone for the Giants will be set at the opener, when the team travels more than four hours Saturday to take on Wayland Academy in Beaver Dam, Wis.
Lake Forest Academy: The Indian Trails champions will again be competitive, but the Caxymen will feel the loss of several key players from last year’s undefeated squad. Center Sam Coe (5-9, 230) brings stability to the offensive line, as does tackle James Jones (5-10, 215). All-conference TE Andrew Harger is a reliable target, but just who will be throwing passes to Harger remains unclear.
Momence: Hurt by graduation and facing a tough schedule, Momence will be hard-pressed to make a repeat playoff appearance. The offense will feature the speed of RBs Joey Davis and William Hampton. Junior Vincent Harrison also returns at wide receiver. Hampton (5-10, 245) and Mario Coiley (6-3, 290) will add strength to the defensive line as well. Mooseheart: With only 25 players, no one can escape putting forth effort without being noticed for it. And while Mooseheart’s team is small, “these guys are just hard workers. They are all athletes,” according to second-year coach Mark Johnson. The Red Ramblers will turn to the no-huddle offense with an even balance of passing and running to improve on last year’s 1-8 record.
Nazareth: To prepare for their admission into the East Suburban Catholic Conference in 2004, the Roadrunners, having left the Private School League, will play a rigorous independent schedule that includes four 2000 state qualifiers–Driscoll, Riverside-Brookfield, St. Viator and Holy Cross. Nazareth returns 10 starters, including last season’s leading tackler–Sean Lewis–and offensive linemen Keenan Pridmore (6-3, 275) and Joe Felice (6-1, 260). Top juniors are QB Mike Donato and RB Lawrence Cannon.
North Shore Country Day: North Shore is another team small in numbers and hit hard by graduation. The Raiders will feature a run-oriented offense led by RBs Joe Kim and Henry Gould. Kim will also be a force at linebacker, but North Shore’s defensive line lost many key players and will be challenged by Indian Trails powerhouses Williams Bay (Sept. 7), Lake Forest Academy (Sept. 29), and Maranatha Baptist (Oct. 6).
Peotone: Before joining the Interstate Eight in 2002, the Blue Devils will face a tough independent schedule. Peotone battles 2000 playoff qualifers Rochester (Sept. 14) and Stronghurst Southern (Oct. 6). The Blue Devils will rely on QB Joe Boseo’s passing. The running game, hurt by the graduation of John Cann, is a big question mark.
St. Francis de Sales: After 20-plus years in the Catholic Metro, the Pioneers have withdrawn and will play an independent schedule. The decision came last November, after De Sales had suffered through its fifth consecutive 1-8 season. St. Francis de Sales currently has a male enrollment of only 180 students, about half as much as the next smallest Catholic Metro schools, Hales and Leo. Says second-year coach Greg Zaragosa: “Something had to be done, to both boost morale and be competitive with schools our own size.” Zaragosa has hopes for RB/OLB Pedro Agredano, OT Steve Feledy (6-3, 265) and QB Paul Marciniak.