‘Edgy’ Tim: Don’t push the panic button yet on these area teams
We now have a third of the IHSA football regular season in the books. Several high-profile area teams are looking to turn things around after a slow start to the season.
Here are some familiar names who could start to turn the season around starting this week.
Geneva (1-2)
The Vikings and head coach Boone Thorgesen put up 56 points in a Week 1 win over Larkin 56-0, but the Vikings have scored just 13 combined points in losses against Oswego (35-6) and St. Charles North (10-7) — two talented, unbeaten teams poised for big seasons. The Vikings will need to continue improving offensively behind talented junior quarterback Ben Peterson and junior wide receiver Bennett Konkey along with a running game that looked to get on track in Friday's loss. The good news for Geneva is this is still a talented team with upside. The not-so-good news is the DuKane Conference schedule won't get any easier starting this Friday against Wheaton-Warrenville South (2-1).
Cary Grove (1-2)
The Trojans also surprised with two straight losses to start the season. Cary-Grove lost to rival Prairie Ridge (31-24) and then to Burlington Central (10-7) before getting a big win on Friday over McHenry (36-23). One huge key to the Trojans’ recent success has been senior fullback/linebacker Logan Abrams (6-foot-3, 230 pounds). Abrams, who returned to playing fullback against McHenry, suffered a season-ending injury in 2024 and is now fully healthy. Abrams’ ability to run over and/or past interior defensive linemen allows the rest of the triple option to flourish with sophomore quarterback Jackson Berndt.
Hersey (1-2)
Hersey and head coach Tom Nelson played some serious early competition by starting with Class 8A state-ranked teams Maine South (2-1) and Warren Township (2-1). The Huskies picked up their first win Friday over Maine West, 48-0. The Huskies have star power this season in senior running back/defensive back Brandon Jenkins (Ohio University) along with sophomore quarterback Jake Nawrot, who is holding Division I offers. Hersey’s defense was inexperienced coming into this season and should benefit from playing two distinct offenses in Maine South (spread passing) and Warren (running game). The remaining schedule for the Huskies should allow them to keep improving and make adjustments to get ready for a tough finish against Prospect and Rolling Meadows.
Libertyville (1-2)
Libertyville and first-year head coach Tim Budge got a strong Week 1 win over Lemont but has since lost to Naperville North (2-1) and Stevenson (2-1). Libertyville has been rotating quarterbacks so far this season with Trevor Wallace and junior Brady Buenik. Buenik, who announced Friday his committed to Tennessee for baseball, left Friday's game with an apparent injury and did not return. The Wildcats still have a strong roster with impact names led by junior tight end Brock Williams, a four-star recruit as rated by Rivals, and senior offensive lineman Myles Batesky (Harvard).
Downers Grove South (0-3)
The Mustangs have seen a combination of losing to an improved program (Metea Valley at 2-1), a Class 7A state title contender (Downers Grove North at 3-0) and then a wild last-second 22-21 loss to West Suburban Gold Conference contender Addison Trail (2-1). How wild was last Friday's loss? Addison Trail senior Noah Cruz kicked a 28-yard, last-second field goal that bounced off the cross bar and went over the bar for the game-winner. Look for Downers South to bounce back as the remaining conference schedule becomes more favorable. Sophomore quarterback James Sobkowiak is a name on the rise. Watching his development will be fun the rest of this season.