1. Joliet Catholic
Primed for sixth state title in seven years behind RBs Joe Benson and Bill McKeon, who combined for more than 3,200 total yards and 46 TDs last season.Watch for soph. QB John Ruettiger, nephew of Rudy Ruettiger from the movie “Rudy.”
2. Lincoln-Way East
Class 8A favorite returns 18 starters led by QB Anthony Kropp, OL Wade Novak (6-0, 260), Adam Gettis (6-4, 250), Keenan Clifford (6-2, 245),Mau twins Joe (receiver) and Al (cornerback) and Olofsson brothers, Gus (fullback) and John (linebacker).
3. Hinsdale Central
Could claim first state title with QB Brett Morse (2,050 total yards, 21 TDs) throwing to WR Andrew Hubbarth and TE Jack DiNardo (6-4, 235). The defense for this 8A power will be anchored by DiNardo, Billy Staes and James Lill (6-1, 270).
4. Maine South
After back-to-back 8A runner-up finishes, only a title will do for Hawks and their potent attack featuring the passing of QB Tyler Knight and the speed of RB Jake Bachmeier. Pat Burke (6- 3, 305) heads an impressive offensive line.
5. Naperville Central
Another title contender in powerful 8A, the Redhawks could visit Champaign on Thanksgiving weekend thanks to RB Sean Joyce and blockers such as Brian Baskin (6-0, 250),Tyler Donahue (6-6, 260) and Matt Schaefer (6-3, 255).
6. Mt. Carmel
Team that fell in 2 OTs to 6A champ Providence returns 10 starters for run at Catholic League Blue title and 7A title. Junior QB Carter Kopach can hand to Larry Dortch or Dominic Sulo or air it out to WR James Jefferies or TE Brian Mulchrone.
7. Morgan Park
Powerhouse has preseason All-American QB in Demetrius Jones, state’s highest-rated receiver in Chris James and top offensive lineman in Ramone Johnson (6-5, 310). Johnson and Abdullah Pratt (5-10, 305) could play side by side on defense.
8. Sandburg
More Top Picks Best Aed Units For Home Use
Returns 13 starters including RB Mike Anthony, TE Pat Topf and OL Eric Pettke (6-4, 285),T.J. Larney (6-4, 245) and Chris Manganais (6-3, 240).Topf,Tyler Roehl (6-3, 285),Mike Strutz (6-3, 235) and John Kehoe (5-10, 240) lead defense.
9. Morris
New coach George Dergo can rely on Div. I caliber players in DE Jamie Cumbie (6-7, 265),OT Alex Perry (6-6, 265), C Darin Haas (6-4, 240), WR Dane Zumbahlen (6-5, 230) and All-State RB and son, John Dergo (2,110 yards rushing, 41 TDs).
10. Providence
Pursuing fourth title in five years behind explosive RB Jordan Farrell. He’ll find openings behind OL Mike Mahoney (6-5, 270), Zach Weber (6-3, 275) and Joe Carioti (5-9, 235). Senior Eric Johnson and junior Brian Stroud battling for the QB spot.
11. Fremd
Pride of Mid-Suburban League returns 17 starters–10 on offense–led by Div. I QB Scott Tolzien, breakaway back Cleo Walker,WRs Rob Hoch and Jeff Koenoman and OL Nick Mitchell (6-3, 285),Marc Daou (6-2, 270) and Tyler Jepson (6-2, 250).
12. Wheaton North
Returns 15 starters to challenge in DuPage Valley.Offense features QB Sean Norris, OL Tony Berg (6-6, 290), Kevin Stratman (6-4, 270), Will Sampson (6-4, 290), WR 6-4 Quinn Cosgrove and RB Tom Aaagaard. Nick Theobald (6-3, 270) heads defense.
13. Stevenson
QB Preston Earl, RBs Carl Johnson and Mike Brickheimer,WR Mike Morrissey and TE Chris Smith lead Patriots’ offense. Doubling as a LB,Morrissey sparks defense that also features DL Sean Crowley (6-5, 225), Al Fitch and Tom Engle.
14. Downers Grove North
Will make run at repeat 8A title behind possibly the most exciting player in Chicago area. QB Garrett Edwards, who has committed to Illinois, had more than 2,600 yards of total offense last season and will continue to patrol at free safety.
15. Downers Grove South
Watch out for Mustangs with eight of 11 returning starters on offense, led by three-year starters Drew Burdi at QB and OL Shawn Bernaky (6-6, 320) and Mike Iazzetto (6-0, 260). P/K Zack Bell could be impact player on special teams.
16. Brother Rice
Crusaders reload and will battle Mt. Carmel and Providence for Catholic Blue title. RBs Austin McDonough and Joe Gibson could run wild behind OL Jim Keaty (6-1, 250), Sam McIntyre (6-2, 280) and Sean McNulty (6-0, 250). Tim Evans is at QB.
17. Richards
Speedy RBs Mark Williams, Josh Orozco and Justin Harris could find plenty of daylight behind OL Jim Moore (6-5, 305),Mike Ferrin (6-2, 290) Mike Hettiger (6-2, 275) and Bob Uzandenis (6-4, 250).Defense is led by its best athlete, LB Mike Lepper.
18. Wheaton Warrenville South
Will look to get talented RB Dan Dierking as many touches as possible, including handoffs, screen passes and kick returns. DT Chris Arthurs (6-1, 270) dominated matchups against preseason All-American OL at various college summer camps.
19. Warren
Opponents will have a devil of time trying to defend big-play threats such as RB Mitchell Moore,WR Marcus Lewis,TE Chris Riley (6-4, 250) and DB Marvin Bembry. Team also will count on two-way junior lineman O.J. Bryant (6-0, 245).
20. Libertyville
Welcomes Champaign transfer Cameron Turner, QB and son of Bears offensive coordinator Ron Turner.He’ll operate behind OL Jack Danilkowicz (6-2, 267) and Bill Saxelby (6-5, 210).
On the verge: Lincoln-Way Central, Loyola, Cary-Grove.
More Top Picks Best Pulse Oximeter