Looking back and looking ahead after one week of prep football

One week into the prep football season and already a million stories on the sidelines.

Let’s spend some time looking back and looking ahead.

Just one, baby

We’re paraphrasing late Raiders owner Al Davis, but we’re talking about Glenbard West in the wake of last week’s 31-28 win over Batavia.

Last season — faced with one of the state’s toughest schedules — the Hilltoppers missed the playoffs for the first time since 2006. At 4-5 the difference was one victory.

The schedule is no easier this year, not starting with Batavia (last year’s runner-up in Class 7A) and Joliet Catholic (second in 5A last season). Downers Grove North, Lyons Twp., York and Hinsdale Central also await in a crushing West Suburban Silver slate.

But already, just one game in, the Hilltoppers must feel a world better than a year ago. Even after winning four of their final five games in 2024, there was no recovering from an unprecedented 0-4 start.

Now, with one humongous win under their belts, the Hilltoppers are instantly on a return course to the postseason. That one victory missing from last year may already be in the bank.

Surprise, surprise

What is it with St. Charles North and season openers?

For three straight years the North Stars played a nail-biter that came down to the final minute. Last week they rallied to a 36-35 win over Minooka after Jesse Padron connected with Braden Harms for a touchdown and Keaton Reinke ran in a game-winning 2-point conversion.

St. Charles North trailed Minooka 24-7 at one point.

Last season the North Stars needed a 99-yard drive, touchdown pass and a 2-point conversion to beat Palatine 28-27. In 2023 a Reinke touchdown catch with 2:06 left lifted St. Charles North to a 37-34 win over the Pirates.

Bottom line … if you’re looking for a good game to see for next season’s opener, might as well put the North Stars on your calendar right now.

The real Hawks

Maine South isn’t afraid to give up a few points. But getting shut out is beyond rare.

The most stunning result of Week 1 was Lincoln-Way East’s 40-0 victory over the Hawks.

Maine South had no answer for USC-bound quarterback Jonas Williams. But the Hawks also failed to dent the scoreboard with an offense led by their own high-caliber quarterback, Indiana commit Jameson Purcell.

Last week marked the first time Maine South had been shut out since losing 17-0 to Loyola in the 2018 8A quarterfinals. The Hawks may give up 40 points from time to time, but they usually answer with 50.

Given their traditional success in the Central Suburban South, the Hawks can afford to beef up their nonconference schedule with opponents like Lincoln-Way East. Warren, Palatine and Barrington (all winners last week) await before the conference games kick in.

History shows that Maine South — now beaten in three straight season openers — will pull things together and be just fine by the postseason.