‘Edgy’ Tim: Football playoffs about to get tougher for area teams
Several Daily Herald area football teams have advanced to the IHSA quarterfinals. Let's take an early first look some of the opponents and get you ready for kickoff next weekend.
Class 4A: No. 5 Coal City (9-2) at No. 1 Montini (11-0)
Montini has been flying high all season long and is coming off impressive wins in the first two rounds of the playoffs. The Broncos scored touchdowns on their first eight possessions in Saturday's 47-17 win at Peoria Notre Dame. Look for Coal City to keep the offense rolling after a 49-42 win over Dixon. Coal City has a much more balanced offense than last season and has been more effective throwing the football. Coal City will look toward quarterback Connor Hemline and running back Logan Nayshock as keys in the offensive attack. The Coalers will operate behind big and physical offensive and defensive lines led by junior Emmett Easton, who has been drawing Division I recruiting attention.
Class 7A: No. 7 Lincoln-Way West (10-1) at No. 15 Downers Grove North (9-2)
Downers Grove North is coming off a 19-6 win over West Suburban Silver rival Glenbard West. Next up is Lincoln-Way West, which beat Kenwood 43-20. Lincoln-Way West leans on a roster of 37 seniors, and several are multiyear starters. Keep an eye on running back/defensive back Jahan Abubakar (South Dakota) along with wide receiver/defensive back Chase Markowicz (Illinois State). The Warriors have also gotten a big season from senior quarterback Grant Tustin, whose ability to operate from the pocket as well as use his legs has been an added weapon.
Class 8A: No. 4 Fremd (10-1) at No. 12 Bolingbrook (9-2)
The Vikings hit the road this weekend after impressive home wins over Huntley and Lyons Twp. Next up is Bolingbrook, which has been one of the better turnaround stories this season. The Raiders posted back to back 3-6 seasons and had very few expectations entering the 2025 season. All Bolingbrook has done is win the Southwest Prairie West title and playoff games over Oswego East and Warren while starting 17 underclassmen. The Raiders look to establish the run game and lean on junior TJ Lewis (6 feet, 220 pounds), who has offers from Wisconsin, Indiana, Purdue, Kansas State and Miami of Ohio. Bolingbrook has seen steady improvement from quarterback Tyson Ward and sophomore four-star defensive end Darieon Prescott (6-4, 210 pounds), who is already holding multiple Power Four offers.
Class 8A: No. 2 Barrington (10-1) at No. 23 Lockport (8-3)
Barrington has been on a serious roll and is coming off a strong 38-20 win over Glenbrook South. Lockport, the last public high school to win an 8A title back in 2021, is riding the high of an up-and-down season. The Porters started 1-3 and have gotten through several injuries to win seven straight games including a last-second 21-20 win over Homewood-Flossmoor. Lockport veteran head coach George Czart’s calling card has been his defense along with a balanced offensive attack. Lockport is getting a big season from senior running back/linebacker Colton Benaitis (Central Michigan) along with quarterback Brendan Mecher and running back Chris Miller.