‘Edgy’ Tim: Four football teams to watch in the IHSA playoffs

The state football playoffs are just around the corner, with the IHSA releasing the playoff pairings next Saturday night. Let's take an early look at some area teams who could be lurking a bit under the radar along with some key names leading the charge into the state playoffs.

Addison Trail (7-1)

So how can a team with a 7-1 record — a team that could earn a high seed in Class 7A with a win against archrival Willowbrook (5-3) this week — be considered a sleeper? Welcome to life in the West Suburban Conference Gold Division, which competes for attention and notice against the Silver Division, a group that seems to always be loaded with highly ranked teams.

Addison Trail coach Chris Bazart has somewhat quietly led the Blazers to back-to-back-to-back playoff appearances for just the second time in school history going back to the 1980s under hall of fame coach Paul Parpet. The Blazers have gotten another impressive season from senior quarterback Nico Dill, a true dual-threat signalcaller and a multi-year starter, along with running back Gio Ortiz. Addison Trail senior kicker Noah Cruz is also a trusted weapon for the Blazers.

Glenbard East (7-1)

The Rams are another team that plays in a league that gets overlooked at times, the Upstate Eight Conference. Glenbard East veteran coach John Walters has built the Rams into a consistent winner. The Rams will have made the IHSA playoffs for seven straight seasons and are eyeing a higher seed in Class 8A with a win Friday night, when they host Riverside-Brookfield (8-0) for the UEC East Division title.

The Rams lean on senior QB Michael Nee, another impressive multiyear starter, along with a strong running game with running back Kendrick Dennis. Glenbard East always plays fast and physical football.

Rolling Meadows (6-2)

The Mustangs have a candidate for coach of the year honors in first-year coach Devonte Amos. The Mustangs are looking to finish the regular season strong Friday when they host Hersey (6-2). The Mustangs have a top-level recruit to watch in senior tight end/defensive end Sean Kerr (Navy) and two key playmakers in QB Joe Brighton and running back Luke Harvey.

This is a Rolling Meadows offense that has scored 395 points in eight games this season. Being capable of putting up points in bunches is a requirement coming out of the offensive-minded Mid-Suburban League East Division year in and year out.

Cary-Grove (6-2)

It also seems strange to even consider the Trojans and veteran coach Brad Seaburg a sleeper or under the radar. However, after dropping its first two games of the season to playoff-bound Prairie Ridge (8-0) and Burlington Central (7-1), Cary-Grove has fought its way back to the top half of the Fox Valley Conference. The Trojans are aiming for a seventh straight win Friday at Jacobs (6-2).

The Trojans’ biggest improvement was getting standout senior two-way star Logan Abrams playing fullback after missing a handful of games on offense. Meanwhile, the underclassmen starting in the Trojans’ triple-option offense — including sophomore QB Jackson Berndt and freshman running back Leo Zavala — continue to grow and improve each week. This is a program that knows how to win consistently in the postseason. The Trojans are projected to play in Class 5A this playoff season.