Wauconda moves up as Zion-Benton, Deerfield and Grayslake North debut in the top 10 following season-opening wins.
Top 10
With records through Monday and previous rankings in parentheses.
1. Lake Zurich 0-1 (1): Cooper Burzawa and Arturo Zarinana stand out during the Bears’ loss to 2025 Class 8A semifinalist Fremd.
2. Warren 0-1 (2): Following a loss to Loyola
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, the Blue Devils’ grinding nonconference slate continues on the road against Maine South.3. Antioch 1-0 (3): Gavin Stone rushes for 186 yards and three touchdowns, including the go-ahead 1-yarder, in the Sequoits’ win over Schaumburg.
4. Wauconda 1-0 (5): Brody Rudolph also rushes for three TDs and makes 10 tackles as the Bulldogs beat Hinsdale South to extend their regular-season win streak to 12.
5. Carmel 0-1 (4): The Corsairs will try to dial up a Week 2 win over Lake Forest for the second year in a row after their season-opening loss to Hersey.
6. Libertyville 0-1 (6): Kaden Butt, a pitcher for the two-time Class 4A state champion, rushes for 78 yards and makes nine tackles in the Wildcats’ loss to Geneva.
7. Stevenson 0-1 (7): Brody Delevitt makes 11 tackles, Isaiah Yun both picks off a pass and sacks the passer, and Ryan Tarr kicks a 41-yard field goal in the Patriots’ loss to Prospect.
8. Zion-Benton 1-0 (NR): Marquan Gordon runs for a TD and throws for two TDs in the Zee-Bees’ win over North Chicago.
9. Deerfield 1-0 (NR): Stone Bielawa and Michael Blangiardo combine for three of the Warriors’ six sacks and six of their 15 tackles for loss in a shutout of Lake Forest.
10. Grayslake North 1-0 (NR): Jaylen Newkirk rushes for 96 yards, runs for two TDs and throws for two TDs in the Knights’ win over Vernon Hills.
Offensive player of the week
Senior running back Jamere French, an Ohio recruit, rushes for 260 yards and four touchdowns on 21 carries during Zion-Benton’s 61-12 nonconference win over North Chicago.
Defensive player of the week
Senior defensive back/wide receiver Luke Sickmeir records two of Wauconda’s four interceptions and six tackles — and also makes a touchdown catch — in a 32-21 nonconference win over Hinsdale South.
Steve Reaven is a freelance reporter.