Scouting Week 1 DuPage County football games
Wheaton Academy at St. Michael's (Texas)
When: 7:15 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: First meeting between the schools.
About the Warriors: Wheaton Academy begins the 2023 season with a road trip to Austin, Texas, to face St. Michael's. "The Texas trip was a result of needing to fill weeks 1 and 2 with nonconference games while beginning in our new conference (Chicagoland Christian)," said Warriors coach Jim Johanik. "We secured week 2 with St. Charles East, which is nearby but a school four times the size of our enrollment. After many inquiries, the only school that responded for week 1 was a top-5 team in the state across all classes. We didn't want to schedule a hammer week 1 knowing week 2 was going to be a challenge, so we began to look outside the state for this game, and when we did, the vision grew. We raised some funds and had the kids work in the summer to pay for their share of the trip. It's a great opportunity for the boys and the program." The Warriors must find a replacement for since-graduated quarterback Belay Brummel (now a walk-on at Cal) but return several defensive stalwarts, including OL/DL Ethan Brunner and LBs Brett Dieter, Jeremy Johanik, and Brandon Kiebles. The Warriors fly to Texas Thursday morning and return home Saturday night.
About the Crusaders: St. Michael's is coming off a 4-6 campaign a year ago and returns its leading tackler in junior defensive back/wide receiver Utah Anderson (averaged 12.5 tackles per game last season). "There is always a greater unknown in playing a team from out of state," said Johanik. "St. Mike's is in a talent-rich Austin area and has a new coaching staff, which came from strong college programs. We don't have film on them, which means we'll need to make a lot of game day adjustments. It's also going to be over 100 degrees, which means we need to have a solid substitution plan in place."
Chicago Crane at Westmont
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: First meeting between the schools.
About the Cougars: Crane, from the Chicago Public League, finished 3-6 last season. The Cougars return a pair of senior leaders in quarterback Deshun Humphrey and wide receiver Lavell Hardy. "I've seen Crane film from last year and have perused their roster on MaxPreps," said Sentinels coach Lee Maciejewski. "They are gigantic and athletic. They have a good nucleus returning, led by a senior quarterback. I'm expecting a physical game."
About the Sentinels: Maciejewski, a longtime assistant football coach, takes over the helm for the Sentinels - their third head coach in as many seasons. "Basically, what will be going through my mind is, 'here we go again," said Maciejewski. "Did we cover everything? Are the kids ready? Stay focused. If we had two more weeks of practice, I would be saying the same things two weeks from now." Westmont's youthful roster includes 8 sophomores and 7 freshmen. "Right now, I have 22 believers that have worked very hard to learn a completely new system and get fundamentally better and they have," said the coach. "The real challenge lies ahead when they face adversity. The test will be to stay true to what they have learned regardless to what is happening on the field."
Glenbard East at Larkin
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Glenbard East won, 28-0, last year.
About the Rams: Coach John Walters' squad returns 5 defensive and 7 offensive starters from a team that placed second in the Upstate Eight Conference and reached the state playoffs for the fourth consecutive full season. The list of returnees includes 3 all-conference players - LBs Augustus Winkler and Blake Salvino, and Division 1 secondary recruit Eric McClain. Salvino also saw limited time at quarterback last season. Glenbard East's defense recorded 5 shutouts in 10 games a year ago.
About the Royals: Larkin has a new coach, Vincent Ray, who inherits a team that welcomes back all-UEC players Erick Myrick (WR/DB), Jalen Miller (RB/LB), and Kevin Malone (RB/LB) from last year's Class 8A state qualifier. The Royals have reached postseason play in back-to-back seasons - the first time that has happened since 2002-2003. Junior Tizairan Johnson-Williams gets the call at quarterback. What thoughts does Ray expect to be going through his mind prior to his head coaching debut? "Hard work and dedication truly pay off," said Ray. "That I'm proud of how these young men and women sacrificed all summer and finally get a chance to enjoy the fruits of their labor." Ray wants his team to play smart, fast, and tough, which will be imperative against an experienced Rams squad.
Elgin at Fenton
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Elgin won, 26-7, last year.
About the Maroons: Ninth-year head coach Anthony Mason hopes his team gets off to a good start in Bensenville. Returning players include seniors Gabe Blaha (OL/DL), Aramys Lopez (OL/DL), Lamyni Spates (RB/DB), Fabian Ramirez (RB/DB), and juniors Adrian Jackson (OT) and Robert Capuzi (C). Also keep an eye on junior newcomer Gerardo Depaz (TE/WR).
About the Bison: Shane McNally awaits his head coaching debut for a Fenton team that finished 2-7 a year ago. Junior quarterback Nathan Stewart directs the Bison offense, flanked by seniors Jordan Wilson (TE/DL), Gabriel Salgado (C), and Jordan McDougal (RB/DB).
Glenbard South at East Aurora
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Glenbard South won, 44-12, last year.
About the Raiders: Glenbard South possesses one of the most electrifying players in the state in wide receiver Cam Williams, a Notre Dame commit who caught 47 passes for 1,022 yards and 13 touchdowns last season while helping lead the Raiders to a Class 5A postseason berth. Williams also plays defensive back and handles the punting chores. He will catch passes from a familiar face, 3rd-year varsity starting quarterback Michael Champagne (1,795 yards, 29 TDs, 2 interceptions in 2022).
About the Tomcats: After finishing with back-to-back 4-5 records the past 2 seasons, East Aurora coach Nick Kukuc is hoping his team can muster up at least one more victory to qualify for the state playoffs this season. The list of returning players includes senior QB Amado Martinez, senior WRs Kenneth Cooley, Adam Tavizon, senior RB/LB Montana Calderon, and junior RB/LB Jeremiah Brown.
West Chicago at South Elgin
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: South Elgin won, 51-0, last year.
About the Storm: South Elgin puts a pair of lengthy winning streaks on the line Friday night - a 24-game conference winning streak (dating back to October, 2019), and a 20-game home winning streak (dating back to October, 2018). Coach Dragan Teonic's squad returns all-Upstate Eight Conference offensive lineman Tommy Roath and running back Ari Kravis. The Storm has earned 4 consecutive conference championships.
About the Wildcats: Senior running back/linebacker Vincent Muci figures to lead the way for the Wildcats after rushing for 801 yards on 140 carries with 10 touchdowns last season. Junior WR/DB Tommy Doyle is also back after catching 17 passes for 409 yards and 5 touchdowns a year ago.
Homewood-Flossmoor at Naperville North
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Naperville North won, 40-21, last year.
About the Vikings: Homewood-Flossmoor fields an outstanding junior class, led by Division 1 recruits Cameron Brooks (DE/OT, 6-3, 240), Jarve Bey, Jr. (DL, 6-3, 295), along with senior RB Brandon Brigham, junior QB RJ McDonald, and junior RB Michael Terrell. The Vikings finished 6-4 last season.
About the Huskies: Four of the Huskies' 10 games were decided by 9 or fewer points during last season's Class 8A state playoff campaign. Coach Sean Drendel's squad features WR/FS Luke Williams, a Purdue commit, who caught 42 passes for 614 yards and 5 touchdowns with 32 tackles and 5 interceptions last fall. Williams also is a return threat on special teams. Other players to watch include RB Cole Arl (488 yards, 5 TDs), WR Brock Pettaway (30 catches, 4 TDs), and QB Jacob Bell.
Oswego at Neuqua Valley
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Neuqua Valley won, 28-3, last year.
About the Panthers: Oswego missed the playoffs last season for the first time since 2010. The Panthers return several starters, including offensive linemen Hayden Stroud, Gustavo Guzman, Isaiah Logan, and running back Noah Vera. Despite finishing 3-6 last year, the Panthers outscored their opponents, 206-191.
About the Wildcats: The defending DuPage Valley Conference champions advanced to the second round of the Class 8A playoffs last season before losing a thrilling 17-14 decision to eventual state runner-up Lincoln-Way East. Quarterback Ryan Mohler returns after leading the Wildcats to a 7-0 record as a starter. Also back are defensive linemen Nick Williamson, Justin Dutkiewicz, wide receivers Carter Stare, Miles Miskel, and tailback Silvano Spatafora.
Oswego East at Waubonsie Valley
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Oswego East won, 35-7, last year.
About the Wolves: The Wolves have reached the state playoffs 7 consecutive seasons (not counting Covid-shortened 2020 campaign), and appear to have a plentiful stock of returnees, led by Army commit Tim Savchuck (OL, 6-4, 285), Western Michigan commit Zac Clarke (OL, 6-6, 265), and SIU commit Aidan Moriarty (TE, 6-4, 240).
About the Warriors: Waubonsie Valley looks to end its 9-game losing streak and seeks improved offensive consistency after scoring double-digit points just once while being shut out 3 times last season. The return of QB Luke Elsea, WR/DB Tyler Threat, and TE/DE Julian Johnson, a Minnesota recruit, should help.
Naperville Central at Hinsdale Central
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: Naperville Central 24, Hinsdale Central 9 (2022)
About the Redhawks: Maverick Ohle, a state champion discus thrower and the DuPage Valley Conference's top defensive lineman last year, returns to anchor the Redhawks' defense. Naperville Central played six sophomores last season, so that experience figures to pay dividends. There are high hopes for new starting quarterback Jack Cook. Speedy junior Nick Zbylut is making the transition from cornerback to the Redhawks' featured back.
About the Red Devils: Hinsdale Central is looking to get back on track after a streak of 10 straight playoff appearances was snapped with the program's fewest wins since 2010. It will be no small feat right off the bat with Naperville Central and a trip to Bolingbrook the first two weeks. There are few full-time starters returning but several players back with some varsity experience. Senior receiver Carter Contreras had 10 catches for 194 yards last season and likely will be catching passes this fall from younger brother Riley Contreras, a sophomore who received some varsity experience last year.
Geneva at Metea Valley
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: Geneva 49, Metea Valley 23 (2022)
About the Vikings: Nate Stempowski is back for his second season at quarterback and has one of the top wideouts in the state in junior Talyn Taylor to be the focal point of Geneva's offense. Troy Velez is also a highly productive running back who will keep defenses honest in coverage. Defensively, Tommy Diamond leads the linebackers with his brother, Will. Rocco Dileonardi is the Vikings' top defensive lineman expected to put up big production numbers.
About the Mustangs: Metea Valley struggled last year, but 12 starters do return and is a program looking to move forward. Oscar Rivera, Lucas Vanvlerah, Daniel Pere and Damarion Lewis are all viable candidates to run the football. Junior quarterback Jake Macleod is in place as the starter, and will have tight end Joey Miller and wideout Christian Lee are at the skill positions.
Gary Bowman Academy (Ind.) at IC Prep
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: First meeting between the teams.
About the Eagles: Bowman Academy finished 3-6 last season and returns senior RB/DL George Myles, junior QB Maurice Jackson, and sophomore (OT/DE) Isaiah Holden.
About the Knights: Plenty of pedigree, as the defending Class 3A state champions have won 4 state titles since 2016. Coach Bill Krefft's squad returns plenty of talent, including senior QB Dennis Mandala and a stable of superb wide receivers in Iowa commit KJ Parker (37 catches, 1082 yards, 17 TDs), Texas A&M commit Eric Karner, seniors Kaleb Ellis, Joey Gliatta, and junior Dominic Hulak. The Knights averaged 44.1 points per game last season.
Downers Grove North at St. Francis
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: First known meeting
About the Trojans: Downers Grove North last season had its most wins since back-to-back state quarterfinal appearances in 2012 and 2013. Six starters return, led by senior linebacker and Iowa State recruit Cael Brezina. Noah Battle, a senior running back and third-year starter, put up 981 yards and 11 touchdowns as a junior. This games marks the varsity starting debut of touted sophomore quarterback Owen Lansu, who already has recruiting interest from Power 5 conference schools. Senior linebacker Jimmy Janicki and senior defensive back Owen Thulin are others to watch.
About the Spartans: St. Francis, coming off a Class 4A semifinal appearance, has no easy road back to the playoffs. The Spartans joined the CCL/ESCC Orange, with tough nonconference games to start the season with Downers Grove North and Sterling. Ball State recruit Alessio Milivojevic, a third-year starter, is one of the more talented quarterbacks around and threw for 2,450 yards and 36 touchdowns last season. Junior Deshaun Williams is one of his top targets in a talented receiving corps. Dom Beres, a four-year varsity linebacker and last year's Metro Suburban Defensive Player of the Year, is the ringleader of the St. Francis defense. The Spartans return four along the offensive line, but did graduate All-Stater TJ McMillen, now at Illinois.
Marist at Glenbard West
When: 1:30 p.m. Saturday
Last matchup: Glenbard West 33, Marist 31 (2022)
About the RedHawks: It's a new-look Marist team, as the RedHawks return just four starters from the group that lost to York in double overtime in last year's Class 8A second round. Dontrell Jackson, previously the head coach at Thornton, is back at Marist as the offensive coordinator. Senior running back Marc Coy rushed for 478 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. Senior Owen Winters takes over as the starting quarterback. There are big shoes to fill defensively, the graduation of Big Ten recruits Jamel Howard and John Nestor.
About the Hilltoppers: Glenbard West returns seven starters on defense, which an offense that has just three back from a Class 8A semifinalist figures to lean on early. The headliner offensively is senior running back and four-year starter Julius Ellens, who ran for 1,685 yards and 29 touchdowns last year. Ellens had a breakout game as a junior against Marist with over 200 yards of total offense and four touchdowns in a wild Hilltoppers' win. Glenbard West does have a whole lot of talent to replace up front alongside the offensive line. Linebackers Ben Starmann and Ben Cesario were second and third, respectively, in tackles for Glenbard West last season. Glenbard West's junior class is 16-2, with both of those losses coming to Marist.
York at Glenbrook South
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: First known meeting
About the Dukes: The Dukes are coming off a historic season, the first 9-0 regular season in the 103-year history of the program and a Class 8A state semifinal appearance. Leading the returners is senior linebacker Cole Ostendorf, who had 90 tackles and 11.5 sacks and was a Class 8A All-Stater as a junior. Junior defensive end Joseph Reiff, who holds offers from Notre Dame, Iowa and Northwestern, is a name to watch defensively. The Dukes have big shoes to fill offensively at quarterback with Suburban Life Player of the Year Matt Vezza graduated. Senior Sean Winton will likely get the call under center. He'll be helped by returning skill-position talent in Jake Melion at running back and Luke Mailander, an Illinois State recruit, at receiver. York significantly beefed up its nonconference slate with Glenbrook South and Nazareth the first two weeks.
About the Titans: Glenbrook South won the Central Suburban South title last year with the program's most since since 1995, losing to Glenbard West in the second round of the Class 8A playoffs. But the Titans return just five starters, the vast majority of the experience on defense. Defensive end Patrick Benedict, who played offensive tackle last season, is the lone returner on offense. Junior Alan Motoa is expected to start at quarterback.
Conant at Lake Park
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Conant won, 26-13, last year.
About the Cougars: Anthony Donatucci takes over as head coach for Conant, which finished 5-5 and qualified for the state playoffs a year ago. Conant returns dual-threat QB Matt Maize, RB Chad Futris, WRs Connor Minogue, Lennon Johnson, Nathan Hahn, Caden Ryan, LBs Brady Teschner, Josh Barnett, Cooper Hanson, and DL Kehinde Suarau, and Isaiah Paredes.
About the Lancers: A year ago, the Lancers fell behind Conant early, allowing 3 first-half touchdowns. This season, Lake Park returns its quarterback, Michael McCormick, and leading receiver, Matt Rodriguez, along with secondary performers, Jalen Joseph, and Chaz Orrico.
Moline at Glenbard North
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: First meeting between the schools.
About the Maroons: Moline is no stranger to success, having qualified for the state playoffs 23 times, including the past 2 seasons. The back-to-back Western Big 6 Conference champions reached the second round of the Class 7A playoffs a year ago before dropping a 34-31, quadruple-overtime decision to Yorkville. Coach Mike Morrissey's team returns a pair of senior standouts in MLB/TE Aiden Vercautren and RB/DB Andre Marriott. "They're a very good fundamental team," said Panthers coach Ryan Wilkens. "They're a wing-T offense that is excellent at running the ball. They play fast, aggressive defense and have great size on both sides of the ball."
About the Panthers: Having had just two head coaches - Dale Evans (1975-2004) and Wilkens (19th season) over the past 49 seasons, Glenbard North has stability on par with the Pittsburgh Steelers of the NFL. This year, the Panthers are coming off a rare 4-5 campaign after reaching the state playoffs in 2021 (8-4) and 2019 (7-4). Senior Joe Palermo is expected to anchor the Panthers' offensive line, supported by senior TE/LB Patryk Golinski, senior DL Bebo Senenat, and junior LB/TE Dylan Hendee. Playing in the rugged DuKane Conference, Wilkens understands the importance of nonconference victories. "The last three out of four years, a DuKane team has played in the state championship game," said the coach. "In our conference, if you don't treat every week like it's the playoffs, you won't be in the postseason."
Wheaton North at Downers Grove South
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: Wheaton North 28, Downers Grove South 7 (2022)
About the Falcons: Wheaton North has a fair amount of experience back from a team that reached the second round of the playoffs last year. The man to watch is senior defensive end Joe Barna, an Illinois recruit and one of the state's top prospects in his class. There is a good deal of experience back on offense with quarterback Max Howser, running back Walker Owens and wideout Matt Kuczaj.
About the Mustangs: Downers Grove South overcame an 0-3 start last year to reach the playoffs, but the early schedule - Wheaton North, Downers Grove North, York and Willowbrook - is once again a bear. The strength of the Mustangs' offense will be the running game with 6-foot-7, 285-pound Army recruit Josh Manecke opening holes for third-year starting running back Deon Davis. Defensively there is experience at all three levels, led by two-year starter Matt Lapacek at linebacker. Because of a change in conference scheduling, Downers Grove South is at home the first four weeks of the season.
Simeon at Wheaton Warrenville South
When: 1 p.m. Saturday
Last matchup: Simeon 41, Wheaton Warrenville South 23 (2022)
About the Wolverines: Simeon, traditionally one of the Chicago Public League's strongest programs, will have a different look this fall. Dante Culbreath announced the first week of fall practice that he was stepping down as head coach after 13 seasons. Taking over the reins as head coach for just this season is Derrick Hunter Sr., who was Culbreath's defensive coordinator and previously a head coach at King. Star wide receiver Malik Elzy has graduated and is now at Illinois and running back Andre Crews, who had a huge game against WW South last year at Gately Stadium, has also graduated. Quarterback Keshaun Parker and running back Te'Shon McGee, a transfer from Brother Rice, are players to watch offensively. Defensively, edge Christopher Burgess is one of the top prospects in the state with 31 offers including Alabama, Ohio State, Michigan and Notre Dame. Fellow defensive lineman Mikeshun Beeler is another Division I prospect.
About the Tigers: WW South, looking to make a return to the playoffs, has tough sledding right out of the gates with nonconference matchups against Simeon and Lyons before DuKane Conference play starts. Junior quarterback Luca Carbonaro, who threw for 1,105 yards and seven touchdowns as a sophomore, leads seven returning starters on offense. Matt Crider is the Tigers' top running back returning. Players to watch defensively include cornerback Connor Sliwa and linebackers John Jensen and Lucas Rossini.
Willowbrook at Notre Dame
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: Notre Dame 28, Willowbrook 0 (2022)
About the Warriors: Willowbrook last season had its fewest wins in a nine-game season since 2015 and didn't win the West Suburban Gold since 2016, but did make its seventh consecutive playoff appearance. Senior quarterback Arthur Palicki, a four-year varsity starter, leads 10 returning starters back on offense and nine on defense. Willowbrook will start five junior offensive linemen in front of him. The Warriors at times played 10 sophomores on varsity last season, experience that should benefit them right out of the gate.
About the Dons: Notre Dame is coming off a Class 6A quarterfinals appearance after reaching the Prep Bowl championship in 2021. Seniors Jimmy Donnelly, Ryan Losik, Ricky Russ and Max Cerrado return along the offensive line. Senior Leo Fraterrigo and sophomore Luke Dickey were both vying for the starting quarterback job in the preseason.
Wauconda at Hinsdale South
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: First known meeting
About the Bulldogs: Wauconda, 19-3 the last two seasons, has an experienced group back from a team that reached the second round of the Class 6A playoffs last year. Senior Connor Vanselow ran for 1,055 yards and had 18 total TDs last year, while junior Logan Olsen passed for 1,100 yards and threw 14 scores as a sophomore. Zach Johnson is the leader of Wauconda's defense with three starters back on the offensive line.
About the Hornets: The Hornets are coming off their second consecutive 4-5 season, five years removed from their last winning season and playoff appearance in 2018. Five starters return on offense and seven on defense. All-conference wide receiver/outside linebacker Nate Fundator is among the names to watch.
Westinghouse at Montini
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: First known meeting
About the Warriors: Westinghouse is coming off a 5-5 season, losing to eventual Class 5A runner-up Sycamore 54-13 in the first round of the playoffs. It was the program's first playoff appearance since 2017.
About the Broncos: Montini is looking to reestablish its pedigree. The Broncos are coming off back-to-back 3-6 seasons after making 27 straight playoff appearances. The schedule once Montini starts CCL/ESCC is a bear, but this opener provides an opportunity for a fast start. George Asay, who played running back, wide receiver, linebacker and special teams, is the Broncos' ringleader along with running back Alex Marre. A deep, talented senior class promises high hopes.
Oak Forest at Benet
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: First known meeting
About the Bengals: Oak Forest last season squeaked into the playoffs for the first time since 2016; before that, the Bengals had 17 consecutive playoff appearances.
About the Redwings: Benet is looking to make a return to the playoffs after back-to-back 4-5 seasons, following eight straight playoff appearances. New offensive coordinator Craig Harmon brings 18 years of coaching experience in college, 10 at the Division I level most recently as the quarterbacks coach at Temple. Junior Ryan Kubacki Jr. takes over at quarterback. Benet's defensive line is expected to be a strength, what head coach Pat New said is the best group he's had in the last 10 years.
Lisle at Harvard
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: Lisle beat Harvard 27-0 in last year's season opener.
About the Lions: Lisle made the playoffs for a fourth consecutive year and lost to Byron in the first round of the Class 3A playoffs last season. … Cory Dillard, the son of former Lions athletic director Dan Dillard, takes over as head coach. … RB-DBs Drew Nigro and Antonio Nicholas are two of the Lions' key returning players.
About the Hornets: The Hornets struggled to score last season with 69 total points. … Brad Swanson takes over for former coach Sean Saylor after coaching for four seasons at Kewanee, where his teams were 22-13. … RB Danny Rojas will be one of the Hornets' leading ball carriers. Brian Cordova, RIley Vest, Carlos Tejada and Lucas Waldo are back on the line.