Carmel jumps to No. 1 as Grant, Wauconda, Lake Zurich, Stevenson, Zion-Benton and Highland Park all move up.
TOP 10
With records through Wednesday and previous rankings in parentheses.
1. Carmel 2-0 (6)
Nebraska commit Trae Taylor completes 19 of 22 for 301 yards and four touchdowns and also rushes for two TDs in the Corsairs’ nonconference win against Lake Forest.
2. Warren 1-1 (1)
Safety Mason Durst emerges as a steadying force for the Blue Devils’ defense, which will try to shake off a nonconference loss to Maine South against Lake Forest.
3. Grant 2-0 (4)
Max Hembrey makes six catches for 237 yards and two TDs in the Bulldogs’ nonconference win against Glenbrook North.
4. Wauconda 2-0 (5)
Jackson Rudolph runs for 158 yards and two TDs, makes a TD catch and adds a 2-point conversion in the Bulldogs’ nonconference win against Maine West.
5. Lake Zurich 1-1 (NR)
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Christopher Chang catches six passes for 159 yards and a TD, runs for a TD, makes five tackles and breaks up a pass in the Bears’ nonconference win against Antioch.
6. Libertyville 1-1 (3)
Running back Aiden Weaver rushes for 60 yards on 14 carries in the Wildcats’ nonconference loss in overtime to Naperville North.
7. Stevenson 1-1 (8)
Caden An kicks a 47-yard field goal that proves to be the difference in the Patriots’ 10-7 nonconference win against Wheaton North.
8. Lake Forest 1-1 (7)
Luke Pasquesi, with five catches for 77 yards, is among the few bright spots in the Scouts’ loss to Carmel.
9. Zion-Benton 2-0 (10)
Jamere French and the Zee-Bees have won their first two games for the first time since 2021.
10. Highland Park 2-0 (NR)
Jayden Corchado runs for the game-tying TD and John Boman scores the game-winner in the last minute as the Giants rally past Deerfield.
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Senior quarterback Ean Ankney completes 12 of 25 passes for 236 yards and five TDs during Lakes’ 49-6 nonconference win against Vernon Hills.
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Senior linebacker Axel Torres records six tackles, two for a loss, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and one sack during Round Lake’s 41-0 nonconference win against Maine East that ends a 22-game losing streak.
Steve Reaven is a freelance reporter.