Bob Sakamoto’s preseason Top 20
1. ST. RITA Class 7A champion ready to defend its title behind Notre Dame-bound DE Darius Fleming (6-3, 245), LB Ken Stoklosa, OL Kevin Galeher (6-4, 310), Daniel Smith (6-3, 285) and Luke Knibbs (6-2, 270), TE Drew McGowan (6-5, 250), QB Jason Kafka and RB D’Marcus Dullen (5-9, 235).
2. JOLIET CATHOLIC
Hilltoppers look scary with 16 returning starters, among them LB Nick Clancy, DL Alex Foreman, RBs Tyler Hudetz, Brandon Geiss and Connor Krisch, QB John Ruettiger, OL John Kaminski (6-2, 305), Nate Fonck (5-8, 260) and Joe Minor (6-0, 245) and TE Sean Sheppard.
3. LINCOLN-WAY EAST
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Perennial 8A contender has nine returnees, including Western Michigan-bound QB Blake Hammond (6-5, 230), RB Dan Cebula, Cincinnati recruit DL Dan Giordano (6-4, 250) and linemate Kyle Smith (6-4, 245), OL Kyle Houlahan (6-2, 255), WR Dan Fiorenza and LBs Joe Turek and Tom Lilja.
4. NAPERVILLE NORTH
Explosive backfield features three-year QB Jordan Tassio and RBs Tom Costantino and Nick Mlady, a junior. And watch for WRs Tom Walsh and Alex Dieckmann, OT Ben Domyancic (6-3, 260), LB Kyle Lackner (6-4, 235) and DT Vince Mazzone (6-0, 275).
5 MAINE SOUTH
State’s best passing attack features junior QB Charlie Goro searching out WRs Danny Benson, Joey Orlando and Jake Gatziolis, while RB David Chao exploits stretched-out defenses. LB Chris Fahey, DE Alex Dardi and DT Mike Nelli anchor the defense.
6. MT. CARMEL
Two-time 8A runner-up will rely on a physical defense that features LB Steve Filer, DE Glenn Foster, LB Kyler Kopach and DBs Keith Nunez and Victor Alvarez. QB Jordan Lynch, RB Tim Brown and Wyoming-bound WR Justin Morgan head the offense.
7. WHEATON WARRENVILLE SOUTH
Dominant 8A champion reloads behind Indiana-bound All-State OT Will Matte (6-3, 270), OT Nate Williams (6-3, 265), QB Michael Piatkowski, WR Chris Schweighardt, LBs Sam Burke and Mark LaBelle, DL Matt Egan, RBs Mike Olp and Francis Adwarka plus DE Philip Traynor.
8. BOLINGBROOK
Patrick Phillips (6-3, 277), Jordan Dillingham (6-4, 370), Sammie Sabbah (6-1, 270) and Ohio move-in Vince Kowalski (6-2, 255) block for RB Erik Smith, a Wisconsin recruit. On defense: DEs Trent Noble and Perry Burge and DTs Roosevelt Holliday (6-4, 290) and Lord Sarpong (5-11, 255).
9. LAKE ZURICH
Second in 7A won’t be good enough this time for RBs Adam Simpson, Jon Janus and Dan Kalcsics, WR Pat Gallagher, OL Dylan Becker and John Gage, LBs Tyler Lafontaine and Brent Marks and DBs Kevin Johnson and Mike Dietrich. New QB is Bobby DeLeo.
10. DOWNERS GROVE SOUTH
LB Jared Culver (6-1, 230) heads a group of 13 returning starters, augmented by a junior class that went 9-0 on the sophomore level. Other keys are DE Ben Apland (6-3, 230), WR Tyler West, RB Scott Williams and soph QB Chandler Whitmer, a movein from Canton, Ga.
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Tribune’s Top 5 by region
Last season’s record in parentheses
NORTH
1. MAINE SOUTH (8-3): Four-wide offense ignited by QB Charlie Goro, WRs Danny Benson, Joey Orlando and Jake Gatziolis and RB David Chao. Mike Nelli, Chris Fahey and Alex Dardi key the defense.
2. LAKE ZURICH (12-2): 7A runner-up has 11 returnees ready for the next step, including RBs Adam Simpson and Jon Janus, WR Pat Gallagher, LBs Tyler Lafontaine and Brent Marks plus DBs Mike Dietrich and Kevin Johnson.
3. LOYOLA (7-5): QB Peter Badovinac is ready for breakout season with help from FB Matt Bunzol, RB Mark Harvey, WR Brian Lindsay and OL Brian Mulroe (6-4, 265)-committed to Northwestern-and Brendan Skinner (6-3, 265).
4. GLENBROOK SOUTH (8-3): Titans begin with 11 returning starters headed by TE/DE Sean Progar (6- 3, 242), QB Ryan McGrath, OL Sean Cascarano (6-5, 250) and Joe Conrad (6-2, 255) and DL Brett Heber (5-11, 250).
5. STEVENSON (8-3): Watch for standout RB Geoff Matthews to follow the blocking of junior OT Ben Sampson (6-5, 320) while DT Joe Brosio (6-1, 255) and DE Jamie Clark (6-3, 225) anchor the Patriots’ defense.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Position Height Weight
PETER BADOVINAC Loyola QB 6-3 210
GEORGE BRIGANDI New Trier RB 5-10 215
DAVID CHAO Maine South RB/S 5-11 195
DANNY FARR Evanston DT 6-4 270
KEVIN FINNEY Lake Forest WR 6-6 210
CHARLIE GORO Maine South QB 6-1 185
RICHARD HAYES Lakes OL 6-3 275
BRIAN MULROE Loyola OL 6-6 265
SEAN PROGAR Glenbrook South TE/LB 6-3 242
JOE SEMPLE Mundelein OL 6-4 305
BEN SAMPSON Stevenson OT 6-5 320
ADAM SIMPSON Lake Zurich RB 5-11 190
RYAN WILLIAMS Carmel DB 6-0 180
BRAD WISNIEWSKI Wauconda RB 6-2 230
MARK ZIELINSKI New Trier OT 6-5 310
NORTHWEST
1. PROSPECT (11-2): 7A semifi nalist is led by RB/LB Pat Mack, DT/OT Mike Martea (6-2, 235), C Nick Carlson (6-4, 240) and talented QB Miles Osei, the fi rst sophomore to start for coach Brent Pearlman in his nine years.
2. ROLLING MEADOWS (9-3): A whopping 18 returnees are headed by QB Ben Sabal, speedy WR Tynell Kirk, RB/LB Mikel Johnson (5-11, 216), WRs Trevor Fritz and Mick Viken and three-year starter Stan Pheteau at DB.
3. CRYSTAL LAKE SOUTH (8-3): The 13 returnees feature OTs Alex Misialek (6-4, 295) and Jordan Smith (6-3, 265), G Trace Hummel (6-3, 265) and C Ryan Kuhn (6-1, 260). Smith, Eric White (5-11, 260) and Pete Garcies (6-1, 255) anchor D-line.
4. FREMD (10-2): 8A quarterfi nalist best in MSL West with QB Mark Tolzien, RB Derrick Walker, OL Bert Blodgett (6-2, 255) and Kevin Fallon (6-2, 265), DL John LaPointe (6-2, 260) and DE Benjamin Perna.
5. MARIAN CENTRAL (13-1): Class 5A runner-up returns 13 starters, including Notre Dame-bound OT/DE Sean Cwynar (6-4, 285), QB Jon Budmayr, G Cody O’Neil (6-3, 265), RB/LB T.J. Pappas and DT George Herina (6-3, 280). 1 2 3 4 5
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Position Height Weight
ERIC BERGMAN Elk Grove DL 6-2 235
JON BUDMAYR Marian Central QB 6-1 190
EMMETT CLEARY St. Viator OL 6-6 250
SEAN CWYNAR Marian Central OT/DE 6-4 285
MARK DAMISCH Buffalo Grove OL 6-6 270
TREVOR FRITZ Rolling Meadows WR 5-9 161
TYNELL KIRK Rolling Meadows WR 6-2 172
PAT MACK Prospect RB/LB 5-10 180
ALEX MISIALEK Crystal Lake South OL 6-4 295
MILES OSEI Prospect QB 6-0 175
BEN SABAL Rolling Meadows QB 6-2 212
MARK TOLZIEN Fremd QB 6-1 180
DERRICK WALKER Fremd RB 6-1 175
KENNY WILLIAMS Elgin RB 6-0 211
MIKE YOCIUS Cary-Grove OL 6-3 300
CITY
1. ST. RITA (13-1): Mustangs go for repeat behind Notre Dame-bound DE Darius Fleming (6-3, 245) and offensive linemen Kevin Galeher (6-4, 310), Daniel Smith (6-3, 285) and Luke Knibbs (6-2, 270).
2. MT. CARMEL (12-2): Class 8A runner-up ready to take the next step with future Notre Dame LB Steve Filer (6-4, 220), Illinois-bound DE Glenn Foster (6-4, 233), LB Kyler Kopach and RBs Tim Brown, Edwin Williams and Denzel Thompson.
3. MORGAN PARK (8-4): Welcomes back 16 starters, including QB Jelani Eady, FB Brian Thompson (5-9, 265), OT William Sargant (6-4, 330), G Aaron Moore (6-0, 310), soph OT Jazzario Barrios (6-3, 340) and G Reggie Peterson (5-11, 280).
4. BROTHER RICE (9-5): Prep Bowl champion has 11 returnees, seven on a defense that saw FS Neil Sullivan, SS Jeremy Rhodes and CB Doug Schumacher combine for 22 interceptions. OL Jack Ruddy (6-0, 260) heads offense.
5. ROBESON (10-2): The 5A quarterfi nalist features dynamic combo of QB Jonathon Johnson and WR/DB Brandon Green, who piled up 1,876 all-purpose yards last year with 21 touchdowns and eight interceptions (three for TDs).
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Position Height Weight
JEFFERY ALLEN King OL 6-4 324
STEVE FILER Mt. Carmel LB 6-4 220
DARIUS FLEMING St. Rita DE 6-3 245
GLENN FOSTER Mt. Carmel DE 6-4 233
KEVIN GALEHER St. Rita OT 6-4 310
DAVID GIESE St. Patrick DL 6-4 231
BRANDON GREEN Robeson WR 6-0 175
JONATHON JOHNSON Robeson QB 5-9 170
DREW MCGOWAN St. Rita TE 6-5 250
JUSTIN PAGAN St. Patrick OL 6-4 285
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NATE PALMER Simeon LB 6-3 230
JACK RAMSEY Simeon QB/DB 5-11 182
JACK RUDDY Brother Rice OL 6-0 260
DOUG SCHUMACHER Brother Rice CB 6-3 195
ANTWAIN WINDMON Morgan Park SS 5-10 190
SOUTH
1. RICHARDS (9-2): QB/S/P Tommie Thomas heads 10 returnees, among them TE Shaun Pratl (6-7, 212). But watch out for DEs Morris Purnell (6-2, 264) and Andre Wells (6-3, 247), sidelined by academic problems the last two years.
2. HOMEWOOD-FLOSSMOOR (6-4): Already loaded with 15 returnees-led by Division I WR recruits Supo Sanni (6-4, 200) and Russell Ellington (6-3, 210)-Vikings gain talented RB Quintus Johnson, a Brother Rice transfer.
3. OAK FOREST (10-3): 6A semifi nalist has nine return- ees and reloads with two-way lineman Mike Johns (6-5, 250), LB Chad Sprayberry (6-2, 230) and game- breaking WR/S Eddie Smith.
4. SANDBURG (5-5): Underrated Eagles made playoffs last year and return 16 starters, featuring RB/WR Tony Stramaglia, HB Eric Boyle and two-way linemen Pete Alfano (6-1, 235) and Frank Piero (6-2, 220).
5. MARIAN CATHOLIC (7-4): Spartans return nine starters from playoff qualifi er, and TE Dennis Kelly (6-8, 235) could develop into a major-college prospect. Also on hand: OL Rich Wilson (6-3, 250) and DT Matt Marquez (5-9, 245).
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Position Height Weight
QAHHAR DAVIS Thornton DB 5-11 180
RUSSELL ELLINGTON Homewood-Flossmoor WR/SS 6-3 210
ALEX HAAN Chicago Christian QB 6-0 200
TIM HORTON Thornton DB 5-9 175
JULIAN JETER Thornton DL 6-3 235
MIKE JOHNS Oak Forest DT 6-5 250
QUINTUS JOHNSON Homewood-Flossmoor RB 5-10 190
DENNIS KELLY Marian Catholic TE 6-8 235
DONTE KELLY Richards LB 6-0 190
BRIAN LAWSON Rich East DL 6-2 256
SUPO SANNI Homewood-Flossmoor WR/FS 6-4 200
CHAD SPRAYBERRY Oak Forest LB 6-2 230
EDDIE SMITH Oak Forest WR 6-0 198
TOMMIE THOMAS Richards QB/S 6-2 180
PAT WERTZ Andrew DL 6-4 232
SOUTHWEST
1. JOLIET CATHOLIC (6-4): Foremost among the 16 returning starters are LB Nick Clancy (6-3, 210), OL John Kaminski (6-2, 305), QB John Ruettiger and RBs Tyler Hudetz, Brandon Geiss and Connor Krisch.
2. LINCOLN-WAY EAST (12-1): 8A semifi nalist has nine returnees, led by RB Dan Cebula, QB Blake Hammond (6-5, 230), OL Kyle Houlahan (6-2, 255), DL Dan Giordano (6-4, 250) and LBs Joe Turek and Tom Lilja (6-1, 230).
3. BOLINGBROOK (9-3): Among 14 returnees are Wisconsin- bound RB Erik Smith, TE Kwamme Harris, OL Jordan Dillingham (6-4, 370), OL Patrick Phillips (6-3, 277), OL Sammie Sabbah (6-1, 270) and DEs Trent Noble and Perry Burge.
4. LEMONT (8-3): Leading the way is highly recruited QB Brett Nagel (6-4, 220) and OT Graham Pocic (6-7, 305), who turned down an offer from Florida for Illinois. Also of note: RB Bobby Earnest and LBs Gordon Kickels and Willie Hayes.
5. MORRIS (7-4): Redskins will rely on a dozen returnees, seven on offense. Watch out for two-way lineman Ben Olson (6-4, 280), QB Drew Hanson, WR/DB Zach Thetard and DL Jordan Cryder (5-10, 263).
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Position Height Weight
PERRY BURGE Bolingbrook DE 6-2 225
DAN CEBULA Lincoln-Way East RB 5-8 185
NICK CLANCY Joliet Catholic LB 6-3 210
JORDAN DILLINGHAM Bolingbrook OL 6-4 370
BOBBY EARNEST Lemont RB 5-11 185
DAN GIORDANO Lincoln-Way East DE 6-4 245
TYLER HUDETZ Joliet Catholic RB 5-10 190
GORDON KICKELS Lemont LB 6-1 215
BRETT NAGEL Lemont QB 6-4 220
BEN OLSON Morris OL/DL 6-4 280
PATRICK PHILLIPS Bolingbrook OL 6-3 277
GRAHAM POCIC Lemont OT 6-7 305
ERIK SMITH Bolingbrook RB 5-11 185
SHADONTA TRAVIS Bolingbrook QB 5-11 164
JAKE WIECLAW Lincoln-Way Central PK 6-2 180
NEAR WEST
1. DOWNERS GROVE SOUTH (6-4): Look out for movein soph QB Chandler Whitmer from Canton, Ga., plus LB Jared Culver (6-1, 230), WR Tyler West, DE Ben Apland and TB Scott Williams. Juniors were 9-0 on sophomore level.
2. YORK (11-2): Seniors were 9-0 as sophs without a close game and feature RBs John Hanisch (6-3, 250), Mike McNulty and FB Anthony Piszczor (5-11, 300) following OT Neal Deiters (6-9, 325), who is expected to commit to Northwestern.
3. OAK PARK (6-4): Huskies return 11 starters from 8A playoff qualifi er, led by breakaway back Levell Coppage, QB Clarke Cuthbert, WR Zach Howard, G Darius Walker (5-10, 225), LB William Lamar and DE Jonathan Bibbie.
4. LYONS TOWNSHIP (5-5): Could be dangerous with QB Eddie Viliunas (6-5, 215) handing off to RB Alex Sewell or searching out WR Patt Stafford behind offensive linemen Jerry Rigo (6-5, 285) and Jeff Adams (6-8, 270).
5. MONTINI (5-5): Not many 5A programs boast major recruits such as DT/OT Garrett Goebel (6-5, 270), who is committed to Ohio State; OT Chuck Porcelli (6-8, 285), who is headed to Northwestern; and Wisconsinbound RB Dex Jones. 1 2 3
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Position Height Weight
VINCE BEACHEM Addison Trail CB/WR 5-11 185
LEVELL COPPAGE Oak Park RB 5-9 175
JARED CULVER Downers South LB 6-1 230
NEAL DEITERS York OT 6-9 325
DAN GREEN Walther Lutheran RB 5-10 181
GARRETT GOEBEL Montini OT/DT 6-5 270
DEX JONES Montini RB 6-1 220
WILLIAM LAMAR Oak Park LB 5-11 195
ANTHONY PISZCZOR York DT/FB 5-11 300
CHUCK PORCELLI Montini OT 6-8 285
DAVID SCHWABE Driscoll WR/DB 6-1 188
EDDIE VILLIUNAS Lyons QB 6-5 215
TYLER WEST Downers South WR/DB 6-1 205
CHANDLER WHITMER Downers South QB 6-2 185
SCOTT WILLIAMS Downers South RB 5-7 165
FAR WEST
1. NAPERVILLE NORTH (7-4): DuPage Valley favorite welcomes back 14 starters, led by QB Jordan Tassio, RB Tom Costantino, LB Kyle Lackner (6-4, 235), OT Ben Domyancic (6-3, 260) and DT Vince Mazzone (6-0, 275).
2. WHEATON WARRENVILLE SOUTH (14-0): 8A champ will reload with Indiana-bound LT Will Matte (6-3, 270), RT Nate Williams (6-3, 265), QB Michael Piatkowski and LBs Mark LaBelle and Sam Burke.
3. NAPERVILLE CENTRAL (8-4): Back among the best with 11 returnees, among them DE Josh Jelesky, who was suspended for the season opener, and QB Harrison Daniels, whose older brother Owen, an ex- Redhawk, plays TE for the Houston Texans.
4. BATAVIA (12-2): 6A runner-up features QB Jordan Coffey (6-5, 215), TE Jordan Church (6-3, 240), LB Shane Holl, OTs Sean Ramsey (6-3, 285) and Will Thrun (6-5, 280) and game-breaking RB J.R. Kabba.
5. WAUBONSIE VALLEY (5-4): Warriors return 17 starters, including QB Tyler Castro, OT Al Lindeman (6-6, 315), G Brett Einbecker (6-4, 250), DL Dwight Harris (6-2, 265) and LB Spencer Merritt.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Position Height Weight
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NICK ADAMLE Wheaton North OL 6-5 298
JORDAN COFFEY Batavia QB 6-5 215
JORDAN CHURCH Batavia TE 6-3 240
BOB HAUSCHILDT Lake Park OL 6-5 280
JOSH JELESKY Naperville Central DE 6-6 230
KANE KIERNAN Glenbard West QB 6-2 216
KYLE LACKNER Naperville North LB 6-4 235
WILL MATTE Wheaton South OL 6-3 270
DAN MCGUE Benet RB 6-2 225
SPENCER MERRITT Waubonsie Valley LB 6-2 190
JEFF RADEK Neuqua Valley OL 6-6 280
JORDAN ROBERTS Aurora Christian QB 6-1 200
JORDAN TASSIO Naperville North QB 6-0 210
PAT WALKER Glenbard East DL 6-2 235
ANTON WILKINS Neuqua Valley RB 5-10 180
11. YORK
Speedy Mike McNulty will run behind fellow RB John Hanisch (6-3, 250), FB Anthony Piszczor (5-11, 300) and OT Neal Deiters (6-9, 325). “There’s no imagination to what we do,” coach Bill Lech said. Piszczor also anchors the defensive line with Taylor Spaulding (6-5, 200) and Matt Cole (6-5, 200).
12. PROSPECT
QB Miles Osei is the first sophomore in nine years to start for coach Brent Pearlman, who said: &/quotedblleft;He may be the best athlete we’ve had at that position. We never get a kid like this.” Look for RB/LB Pat Mack to be a force on both sides of the ball, along with OT/DT Mike Martea.
13. ROLLING MEADOWS
QB Ben Sabal, WRs Tynell Kirk-a Division I recruit-and Trevor Fritz and RB Mikel Johnson (5-11, 216) will ignite a high-powered offense for a 7A quarterfinalist that returns 18. Biggest chal- lenge will be to overcome Prospect in the Mid-Suburban East.
14. CRYSTAL LAKE SOUTH
Among the 13 returnees are offensive linemen Alex Misialek (6-4, 295), Trace Hummel (6-3, 265), Jordan Smith (6-3, 265), Ryan Kuhn (6-1, 260) and Charlie Wagner (6-2, 250). Smith, Pete Garcies (6-1, 255) and Eric White (5-11, 260) head the defensive line. Also watch for QB Ian Ormseth and LB Casey Macko.
15. RICHARDS
QB/S Tommie Thomas, a Division I tal- ent, is supported by LBs Matt Lepper, David Hettiger (6-3, 230) and Donte Kelly, DTs Sean Newsom (5-10, 291) and Matt Anzilotti (5-7, 165), TE Shaun Pratl (6-7, 212), OTs Kevin Lee (6-3, 285) and Joe Sheehan (6-0, 226) and DEs Morris Purnell (6-2, 264) and Andre Wells (6-3, 247).
16. LOYOLA
Talented QB Peter Badovinac will have plenty of protection from OTs Brian Mulroe (6-4, 265)-committed to Northwestern-and Brendan Skinner (6-3, 265). Also among the 11 returnees are WR/S Brian Lindsay, FB Matthew Bunzol (5-10, 240), RB/CB Mark Harvey and LB Matt Mugnaini.
17. NAPERVILLE CENTRAL
QB Harrison Daniels and WR Mike Schmitz could be in for a big year behind OT Andy Doerr (6-5, 285) and guards Scott Baum (6-2, 270) and Dan Martinowitz (6-3, 250). Vanderbilt- bound DE Josh Jelesky (6-6, 230) heads a defense that boasts LBs Matt Jones and Dan Erwin and DBs Jeremy Jones and Johnny Johnson.
18. BATAVIA
Junior RB J.R. Kabba is the fastest ath- lete in the Western Sun, according to his coach, Mike Gaspari: &/quotedblleft;He is as good a player as I’ve coached in my 25 years.” Also watch for QB Jordan Coffey (6-5, 215), TE Jordan Church (6-3, 240), OTs Sean Ramsey (6-3, 285) and Will Thrun (6-5, 280) and WR Ryan Webb.
19. FREMD
QB Mark Tolzien and OLs Bert Blodgett (6-2, 255) and Kevin Fallon (6-2, 265) head a list of 10 returnees for the 8A quarterfinalist, but watch out for break- away threat Derrick Walker. Defense features DL John LaPointe (6-2, 260), DE Benjamin Perna and DBs Michael Koeneman and Brian Hipchin.
20. MORGAN PARK
Most returnees (16) since 2004 7A semifinalist. Best are QB Jelani Eady, RB Dominique Bell, FB Brian Thompson, OTs William Sargant (6-4, 330) and Jazzario Barrios (6-3, 340), guards Aaron Moore (6-0, 300) and Reggie Peterson (5-11, 280), S Antwain Windmon, DE Jeremy Johnson (6-2, 245) and DT Matt Mosely (6-2, 270).
ON THE VERGE: MARIAN CENTRAL, HOMEWOOD-FLOSSMOOR, LEMONT, MORRIS, GLENBROOK SOUTH
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Tribune graphic by Chuck Burke/Phil Geib Leader