Scouting Week 1 Fox Valley football games
Bartlett at Glenbard North
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Glenbard North won, 17-0, last season.
About the Hawks: Their goal is simple — “We want to compete for the conference championship and earn a spot in the playoffs,” said Bartlett coach Milan Vuckovich, who has guided the team to 3 straight 4-5 seasons. The Hawks return plenty of talent, led by senior QB Vince Yario, senior OT/DT Daniel Thorner, senior RB/LB Isaac Harris, senior LB/FB Daniel Jasso, and senior LB/TE Ethan Rataczyk. Olivier Chrapek will handle the kicking and punting duties.
About the Panthers: Like Bartlett, Glenbard North has not reached the state playoffs for 3 consecutive seasons. However, the Panthers showed some mettle by giving playoff-bound Batavia a tough time in a 35-34 regular-season ending loss last season. The Panthers return all-conference RB Donato Gatses and WR Zechariah Morris, along with veterans Tyler Hvorcik, Lucas Kramer, and Danny Mahoney.
Elgin at Fenton
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Fenton won, 35-14, last season.
About the Maroons: Elgin enters the season looking to improve upon last year’s 2-7 campaign. The Maroons return seniors Coreyon Johnson, Jiyion Holmes, and juniors Jayden Edgar and Victor Escobar, while welcoming newcomers Jacob Rufino (QB) and Dan Beckett (FS).
About the Bison: Fenton hopes to build upon last season’s monumental turnaround that saw the team reach the playoffs for the first time since 2014, rebounding from an 0-9 season in 2023 to finish 6-4 a year ago. Returning all-conference players Omar Diaz (RB) and Josh Zuniga (OL/DL) bolster the Bison lineup, while top newcomers include Aaron Corral (OL/LB), Jake Dzierzanowski (OL/DL), Logan Haywood (TE/DE), and Ari Kelley (TE/DL).
Streamwood at Addison Trail
When: 6 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Addison Trail won, 28-0, last season.
About the Sabres: Streamwood will try to pick up where it left off a year ago when it won 2 of its last 3 games — beating Elgin and Elmwood Park. The Sabres return one of the area’s top defensive linemen in 5-8, 235-pound senior all-Upstate Eight Conference performer Ja’Marcus Cole. Other solid returnees are senior S/RB LJ Robles and junior LB/RB Justin Brown.
About the Blazers: Chris Bazant has done a superb job since taking over the helm for the Blazers. After his teams won just 2 of their first 18 games in 2012 and 2022, the Blazers have reached the state playoffs in back-to-back years with a pair of 7-win showings. Senior quarterback Nico Dill returns to lead the Blazers’ attack, while senior linebacker Julian Saucedo supports a defense that kept the Sabres off the scoreboard in last year’s meeting.
Hinsdale Central (4-5) at West Aurora (10-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Red Devils: Hinsdale Central is hoping to turn things around after three consecutive losing seasons, in part a victim of very tough schedules. It doesn’t get much easier this fall, as the Red Devils’ first six games come against teams that won at least one playoff game last year. Hinsdale Central does boast a fair amount of experience, 12 starters back with three in their third year. It starts with lineman Gene Riordan, a 6-foot-5, 280-pound Iowa recruit. He’ll anchor the front protecting quarterback Riley Contreras, another third-year starter. Defensively, junior Tommy Riordan — Gene’s 6-foot-4, 224-pound little brother, already has nine scholarship offers. If it comes down to special teams, it helps Hinsdale Central to have kicker Micah Drescher, committed to Michigan.
About the Blackhawks: The Blackhawks are coming off their best season since 1946, winning their first 10 games, including a 31-21 victory over Huntley in the opening round of the Class 8A state playoffs. Ball State-bound quarterback Mason Atkins returns after completing 72% of his passes for 32 TDs to go with 7 rushing TDs in 2024. Talented receiver Terrence Smith is now at Iowa, but the Blackhawks still have ability out wide like Zach Tomas for Atkins to throw to. West Aurora picked up a talented transfer in senior running back/linebacker Lesroy Tittle, who started as a freshman for three-time Class 5A champion Nazareth.
Geneva (12-2) at Larkin (2-7)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Vikings: Geneva is coming off a historic season in which it won the DuKane Conference title, its first conference title since 2010, and reached the Class 6A state championship game for the first time since 2008. However, the Vikings are returning only a handful of starters from last year, including three starters on offense, with wide receiver Bennett Konkey being the only skill position player back. Quarterback Ben Peterson will man the offense under center, entering his first varsity game with two offers from MAC schools, while also going undefeated both as a freshman and a sophomore. The defense will be a little more experienced for the Vikings, with Dylan Reyes and Dane Turner manning the secondary, Tyler Drake returning to hold down the linebacking core, and linemen David Avitia and Lex Griffith commanding the line. The Vikings won the Week 1 matchup 63-0 last season.
About the Royals: The Royals missed the playoffs in back-to-back seasons under head coach Vincent Ray after going 2-7 a season ago. Six of their seven losses came via shutout, while Larkin also gave up 396 points on defense. Senior quarterback Aden Mora will be back under center to lead the Royals.
Glenbard West (4-5 in 2024) at Batavia (12-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Bulldogs: Batavia is coming off its second Class 7A state finals appearance in three seasons and is hoping that a Week 1 victory will jumpstart another return to championship weekend. The Bulldogs enter the season with the roles reversed from last year with a heavily experienced offense and ready to make an instant impact. Junior Michael Vander Luitgaren will be under center after a breakout postseason display last season, and will be aided with more than a few weapons at wide receiver in Brett Berggren (851 passing yards and 10 TDs last season), Plainfield North transfer Darin Ashiru and Bodi Anderson, who was the starting quarterback for this game last season. The offense will also be aided by a big offensive line led by Princeton commit Ryan Myers, who helped pave the way for 167 rushing yards and three touchdowns in their 35-28 victory over the Hilltoppers last year. On defense, Gavin Pecor will man the line while defensive back Andrew Culottta will hold the secondary as the last line of defense.
About the Hilltoppers: Glenbard West is hoping to put an uncharacteristic season in the rearview mirror, as the Hilltoppers missed the playoffs for the first time since 2006. It won’t be easy with a tough schedule right off the bat, with games against Batavia and Joliet Catholic the first two weeks. Brady Johnson, a 6-foot-4 tight end with four scholarship offers, headlines a strong group of skill-position players with junior AJ Rayford, a transfer from Providence, at quarterback. JaMarcus Kelly is a returning all-conference running back running behind a line anchored by 6-foot-7, 280-pound junior Josiah Wallace, a transfer from Mount Carmel with six Division I offers. Defensively, senior Maximus Hetlet is a returning all-conference linebacker who led Glenbard West in tackles last season.
St. Charles East (2-7) at Lincoln-Way Central (10-4)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Saints: St. Charles East has picked up only seven wins in its first four seasons under Nolan Possley, but a good core of returning players are ready to try and get that number up greatly in 2025. The Saints return plenty of offensive firepower, including running back Xander Salazar, who had three 100-yard rushing games in a row before getting knocked out for the season with a concussion, as well as wide receivers Sheko Gjokaj and Gavin Matejko, which should be helpful for sophomore quarterback Cruz Herrera. The defense will also look to improve after letting up 310 points a season ago, with defensive backs Leo Bolsoni and Logan Tatar returning to man the backfield.
About the Knights: Lincoln-Way Central isn’t all that interested in being flashy, but the Knights have established that their grind-it-out mentality can work, as proven by their spotless conference record a year ago. The Knights hope to be more explosive on offense with Drew Woodburn back under center and capable receivers such as Lucas Andresen capable of stretching the field. The defense does have a few gaps to fill, but not in the secondary, where three returners led by all-conference performer Nolan Morrill have that on lockdown. The Knights won a 56-40 barn burner over the Saints to kick off the 2024 season.
St. Charles North (9-2) at Minooka (8-3)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the North Stars: St. Charles North made it to the playoffs for the third straight year and secured its second DuKane Conference title in three seasons. And there’s a good chance that this group can make a big impact once again with 17 returners from last season. The North Stars will have a new quarterback under center for the first time in four years with the graduation of Ethan Plumb, but the new quarterback will have plenty of experienced options to pick from, headlined by Northwestern wide receiver commit Keaton Reinke, who put up 1,218 receiving yards and 21 total touchdowns last year. The defense is just as experienced, with big names like Central Michigan commit Matthew Plumb and Minnesota-Duluth commit Aidan McClure leading the bunch from the linebacker positions.
About the Indians: Minooka has become a playoff regular over the past few years, but has yet to make a dent in terms of making a deep postseason run. This might be the group that could do that, and right away, the Indians get a good measuring stick game. Offensively, Minooka looks like they could be potent with QB Zane Caves at the controls and viable weapons such as RB Chase Nurczyk and TE Jackson Miranda creating opportunities for the offense. Defensively, Minooka was a strong unit last season, and with players such as Brody Kozlowski and Nathan Gonzalez set to return, there’s little reason to believe in a step back there.
Burlington Central (8-3) at Crystal Lake South (2-7)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Rockets: Burlington Central lost to Cary-Grove 27-3 in its season opener last year, then went on to earn its first playoff berth in 10 years, as well as win its first playoff game since 2006. Senior QB Landon Arnold replaces FVC Offensive Player of the Year Jackson Alcorn (2,246 passing yards, 22 TDs, one interception), who graduated. Arnold will get protection from a veteran line that includes OT Zach Hultgren (Miami of Ohio commit) and OG/DL Aidan Nuno (UW-Eau Claire). The defense features Nuno, DE Matt Bending (UW-Eau Claire) and DB Parker Auxier. Central beat Crystal Lake South 33-6 in Week 3 last season.
About the Gators: Crystal Lake South has only five wins in the last two seasons and this fall will feature a young squad, particularly on offense. QB Michael Silvius, who shared starting QB duties last year, takes over the position full-time. The Gators’ other veterans include Derek Kraus (RB/LB), Gavin Hastings (LB/WR), Aiden Lira (LB/RB) and Eddie Phillips (DB/WR).
Prairie Ridge (8-3, 7-2 last season) at Cary-Grove (12-1, 9-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Wolves: Prairie Ridge won the FVC championship with a 9-0 record in 2023, before Cary-Grove ran the table in the conference last season. The Wolves lost to C-G 18-12 in Crystal Lake in Week 5 last year after both teams headed into the game with 4-0 records. The Wolves will be led by QB Luke Vanderwiel, who rushed for 1,005 yards and 15 TDs in only seven games last season. WR Eli Loeding, WR/DB Logan Thennes and FB Jake Wagler also return and will be key players for the Wolves’ option offense.
About the Trojans: Cary-Grove begins defense of its FVC title after going 9-0 in the conference last season. The Trojans lost to Geneva 28-26 in the Class 6A state semifinals, snapping their 19-game winning streak. They will feature an entirely new backfield from the one that started against Geneva, as QB Peyton Seaburg (829 rushing yards, 23 TDs) and RB Holden Boone (1,410 yards, 13 TDs) graduated. Senior FB Logan Abrams, who rushed for 1,590 yards and 26 TDs as a sophomore, returns after missing the last seven games of last season with a foot injury. Jack Hissong and Andy Bolf provide bulk and experience on the offensive line.
Huntley (5-5, 5-4) at Crystal Lake Central (3-6, 3-6)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Red Raiders: Huntley secured its third playoff berth in as many years under coach Mike Naymola last season and looks to continue the momentum this fall. The Red Raiders graduated QB Braylon Bowers (1,610 passing yards, 720 rushing yards, 26 combined TDs) but return All-Area first team WR Wyatt Fleck (48 receptions, eight TDs). Fleck and DL Mason Maldonado, another returner, were all-conference picks last season. Huntley beat host Crystal Lake Central 35-7 in the teams’ season opener last year.
About the Tigers: The Matt MacCrindle era begins for Crystal Lake Central. MacCrindle has been coaching football at his high school alma mater for the past 20 years in various capacities and now gets the chance to run the program. He takes over a group that is looking to return to the postseason after a one-year absence. The Tigers’ veterans include Abe Quinn (RB/LB), Tyler Porter (RB/LB), Nolan Nabielec (OL/DL), Logan Gough (OL/DL) and Nick Zuehlke (TE/S).
Jacobs (7-2, 7-3) at Hampshire (1-8, 1-8)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Golden Eagles: Jacobs has made the state playoffs four years in a row under coach Brian Zimmerman and figures to play postseason ball again, as it features talent and experience on both sides of the ball. RB Caden DuMelle has rushed for 2,259 yards in two varsity seasons, but the Golden Eagles also will throw the ball with QB Connor Goehring (637 passing yards) and his twin, WR Carson (27 receptions). LB Jack Coates led the team in tackles (85) as a freshman last season. All-FVC DL/OL Lucas Retzler was a force on both sides of the ball. S Cooper Gulgren was named all-conference as well. Jacobs had a tough game at Hampshire in Week 2 last season, winning 28-21.
About the Whip-Purs: Hampshire counts only four wins in the past three seasons, and the rebuild continues in coach Shane Haak’s third year. Max Jacobs takes over at QB from the graduated Ryan Prowicz (850 passing yards). … The Whip-Purs also will look to WR/DB Chris Whetstone, WR/DB Jaxon Currie, G/LB Carter Hinz, G/DE Alex Sakolari and FB/LB Knox Homola.
McHenry (2-7, 2-7) at Dundee-Crown (2-7, 2-7)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Warriors: Crystal Lake South graduate Colt Nero makes his debut as McHenry’s head coach. In his second stint as a Warriors assistant coach last season, Nero coached on the under levels. His squad features some veteran athletes, including QB Jeffry Schwab, LB/S Nolan Chovanec, all-conference OT Aiden Ramirez and WR/QB/DB Dayton Warren. McHenry edged host Dundee-Crown 14-13 in Week 4 last season.
About the Chargers: Dundee-Crown opened last season with a 20-14 win over Crystal Lake South, then lost its next five games. The Chargers will feature a new QB in junior Ikey Grzynkowicz, who replaces the graduated Hayden DeMarsh (1,112 passing yards, 13 TDs). When Grzynkowicz isn’t looking for WRs Kyle and Ryan Pierce, he’ll look to hand off to three-year varsity veteran Kadin Malone or junior Tristan Gatenby, who also plays LB and will be a leader on defense.
Kaneland (5-5) at Rock Island (1-8)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Knights: The Knights look to recreate their blistering 4-0 start to last year and are in good shape to do so — 17 starters return from last year. But there’s a couple new pieces as well, so to speak. Evan Frieders returns after skipping his junior year to focus on basketball. He had a lot of playing time as a receiver. And the quarterback throwing him the ball, Jalen Carter, is new as well. But the senior played at St. Francis last year and was a quarterback for Aurora Christian two years ago. Coach Michael Thorgesen said he’s a good teammate who has put in the work to learn the offense. Thorgesen also said it’s the first meeting between the two programs.
About the Rocks: The Rocks struggled through a 1-8 year last season, missing the playoffs for the third straight season. It’s their longest postseason drought since missing every postseason starting in 1983 and ending in 1992. Their lone win last year was a 13-6 win against a Galesburg team that went winless. The team graduated 22 seniors off last year’s roster. Aside from a 41-31 loss to Dunlap, every other loss was by at least 21 points, and aside from the Dunlap game the Rocks never scored more than 14 points. They allowed 34 or more points in every loss last year.
Aurora Central Catholic at St. Edward
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Aurora Central Catholic won, 20-8, last season.
About the Chargers: After finishing with 3 consecutive 3-6 campaigns, the Chargers are looking for a few more wins this season. Senior Trey Seifrid is one of the team’s best athletes, averaging 91 yards rushing per game with 10 touchdowns last season. He will be supported by seniors Barack Mohammed and Brodie Curry.
About the Green Wave: St. Edward looks to snap an 18-game losing streak dating back to October of 2022. The Green Wave figure to be led by seniors Zach Sauceda (QB/LB), Luciano Mauro (OT/DE), Jesus Morales (DT/OL, and sophomore Jake Linkowski (QB/SS).
Marmion at Oak Forest
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Marmion won, 21-15, last season.
About the Cadets: A total of 11 underclassmen starters return with postseason experience after the Cadets reached the state playoffs for the first time since 2021 last season. That group is headed by 2-way threat Colin Mceniry (WR/DB) and 6-3, 295-pound Michael Harris (OL). Also back are senior linebacker Vinnie Testa (7 tackles per game), junior defensive back Mikey Stumm, and junior tailbacks Will Wilde (48 yards per game) and Henry Miller (5 TDs). Sophomore Roy Magana, Jr., figures to get the call at starting quarterback.
About the Bengals: Last season, the Bengals reached postseason play for the second time in 4 years under head coach Anthony Malopsy. This year, they return senior tailback Jason Janke (113 yards per game, 4 TDs) and senior quarterback Daniel Chopp from a team that overcame an 0-2 start to win 7 of its next 8 games before dropping a 42-21 decision to Chatham Glenwood in the second round of the 6A playoffs.
Ottawa Marquette at Aurora Christian
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Aurora Christian won, 24-19, last season.
About the Crusaders: The Crusaders are no strangers to postseason play, having reached the state playoffs 12 straight seasons. First-year head coach Ken Carlson takes the helm, helped by the return of third-year starting quarterback Anthony Couch. Seniors Grant Dose, Jaxsen Higgins, and junior Jacoby Gooden figure to line up in the backfield behind a solid offensive line. Defensively, ends Blayden Cassel and Marcus Baker return to bolster a unit that looks to improve.
About the Eagles: A year ago, the Eagles rallied for 14 fourth-quarter points during their 5-point road win over Ottawa Marquette, as quarterback Asa Johnson passed for a pair of TDs. Johnson returns for his senior season after throwing for 2,332 yards and 24 TDs last year. Nolan Robertson (20 catches, 3 TDs) is the leading returning receiver, while senior safety Cole McCall collected 59 tackles last season. “We’ve had a very good offseason — great commitment and focus,” said Eagles coach David Beebe.
— Joe Aguilar, Joel Boenitz, Eddie Carifio and Joshua Welge from Shaw Local contributed to this preview.