Libertyville and Grant rise in the rankings after big wins, Grayslake North and Deerfield return, and Lakes’ Ethan Gialo and Warren’s Jaden Wright are the players of the week.
Top 10
With records through Monday and previous rankings in parentheses.
1. Antioch 8-0 (1): Gavin Stone returns the opening kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown and then rushes for two TDs in the Sequoits’ conference win over North Chicago.
2. Libertyville 6-2 (3): Jackson Yarc finds Graham Sondalle for a 7-yard TD to clinch the Wildcats’ win over Lake Zurich and at least a share of the conference title.
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3. Lake Zurich 5-3 (4): Kilian Glick and Jackson Lewandowski dial up the pressure throughout the Bears’ loss to Libertyville as each records two sacks.
4. Grant 6-2 (5): Jackson Fudala rushes for 93 yards and a TD and throws a 55-yard TD pass to Michael Potempa in a conference win over Wauconda.
5. Wauconda 7-1 (2): Brody Rudolph carries quite the offensive load with 37 carries for 188 yards and two TDs in the loss to Grant.
6. Zion-Benton 6-2 (6): The win total is the most since the Zee-Bees went 9-2 in 2002.
7. Highland Park 5-3 (7): Zion Wood rushes for 94 yards and scores twice in the Giants’ win over Niles North.
8. Warren 4-4 (8): Jonathan Randolph tops 1,000 rushing yards for the season in the Blue Devils’ conference win over Waukegan.
9. Grayslake North 5-3 (NR): Jaylen Newkirk is a one-man wrecking crew in the Knights’ conference win over Grayslake Central, going 12 of 19 for 212 yards and three TDs and rushing for 93 yards and two TDs.
10. Deerfield 4-4 (NR): Cooper Crane and Mycol Cochran run for TDs as the Warriors make a statement with 257 rushing yards to beat Vernon Hills.
Offensive player of the week
Senior quarterback Ethan Gialo rushes for 207 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries during Lakes’ 31-14 Northern Lake County Conference win over Round Lake.
Defensive player of the week
Junior defensive back Jaden Wright makes six tackles, intercepts a pass, recovers a fumble and also returns a punt 55 yards for a touchdown during Warren’s 49-0 North Suburban Conference win over Waukegan.
Steve Reaven is a freelance reporter.