‘Edgy’ Tim: Unsung heroes from the area’s IHSA football semifinalists
The IHSA football season is quickly coming to close as we look forward to the semifinal round this weekend.
The Daily Herald area has five remaining teams. While everyone knows the higher profile players, others who are just as valuable also have played a huge role.
Get to know my Unsung Hero for each remaining DH team.
Batavia
The Bulldogs always have talent and star power, and that also goes for the 2025 Batavia squad. Senior running back Henry Hahn has somewhat quietly gotten the job done this season. Hahn has carried the football 134 times for 780 yards and 13 touchdowns and has been steady and reliable. Hahn, listed at 5-foot-10 and 165 pounds, has good speed and vision and can run effectively between the tackles or bounce it outside. The running game is always a huge part of the Bulldogs’ success. Look for Henry Hahn to get important carries this Saturday against CCL power St. Rita.
Downers Grove North
The Trojans are back in the Class 7A semifinals and travel Saturday to the South Side of Chicago to take on Brother Rice in a game that will be televised on WCIU. Downers North senior running back/defensive back Caden Chiarelli has been playing at a very high level this season. As a running back he’s scored 9 touchdowns including five over the last three weeks. Chiarelli, who is also a wrestler at Downers North, is a valuable defensive back with good ball skills and instincts.
Fremd
The Vikings are in the 8A semifinals for the first time in school history and travel to top-seeded Mount Carmel on Saturday. The Vikings have been getting a Player-of-the-Year caliber season from QB Johnny O'Brien (Northwestern), and that effort will need to continue. One of the Vikings’ biggest leaders and most productive names on defense is linebacker Troy Pepe. Pepe, a team captain, has been making big plays and stops all season long including in Saturday's 35-33 win over Bolingbrook. The Vikings’ defense stepped up big in stuffing the Raiders’ potential game-winning 2-point conversion run to advance to the semifinals.
St. Francis
In 5A, The Spartans will travel north on Saturday to take on Belvidere North. St. Francis is another program with higher profile names having big seasons. Senior receiver/linebacker Tanner Glock has been as valuable as any name in the starting lineup. Glock, listed at 5-11 and 185 pounds, plays both receiver and outside linebacker. He just does everything you need, including the little things. His ability to play in pass coverage as well as be equally strong in run support has been huge in the postseason. Glock is also a consistent target in the passing game who has great hands.
Montini
The Broncos will welcome Morris on Saturday in a 4A semifinal game in Lombard. One of the best two-way players in the IHSA state playoff field could very well be Montini senior running back/defensive back Isaac Alexander. Alexander, a three time all-CCL player, is a veteran team leader, a key running back and a very versatile defender. If the Broncos plan to get back to Illinois State University for the title game, this young man will play a huge role.