Talking with ‘Edgy’: MSL crossovers, Mundelein’s roll, Downers North or Glenbard West

This edition of Talking with Edgy takes us deeper into the local high school football scene.

Daily Herald columnist Kevin Schmit sits down again with “Edgy” Tim O’Halloran, the Rivals prep football expert, to discuss the upcoming Mid-Suburban League crossovers, recruit film, Mundelein’s roll and a great West Suburban Conference Silver Division matchup between Glenbard West and Downers Grove North.

Kevin Schmit: The MSL crossovers arrive on Thursday this season. Which one are you most looking forward to and why?

“Edgy” Tim: It kind of bums me out that I can’t go to any of the games because I’ve got my Thursday radio show (Pigskin Preview, WJOL 1340 AM, 6 to 8 p.m.). There’s actually some pretty good games.

The one I’m really intrigued by is Fremd and Prospect. (The Knights’ Jackson) Cacini is a really good quarterback. Outside of (Hersey’s Jake Nawrot), he’s the best quarterback in that conference, I think. And then there’s Will Clark at Fremd. He was a backup last year and waited his turn. Now he’s taking that opportunity and he’s running with it.

It’s a big matchup for sure. I think everyone’s pointing to Week 9 (when Hersey plays Prospect), but I really don’t think you can look past Fremd. If I could blow off my show and go to a game Thursday, that’d be the one.

KS: Mundelein and Zion-Benton surprisingly remain unbeaten. Can they keep it going this week in the North Suburban Conference against winless Warren and Stevenson, respectively?

ET: I’m not sure but I think there’s a possibility. Zion’s got some players. Jamere French, the running back, is really good. I watched his tape, and that’s a kid who’s committed to Ohio, but he has that athletic ability where other schools are going to take a look at him.

If Zion wins that game against Stevenson, you’ve got to say it’s a message game.

And it’s weird to say, but both of them may have clinched a playoff spot. Mundelein has had more close calls with the playoffs in recent years with 4-5 seasons where they were competitive. If you had the expanded playoffs back then, they might have surprised some people.

I think there’s a chance for both of them to win those games. I’m not expecting it, but I think there’s a chance. The fan in me is pulling for both of them this season.

KS: What area recruits have helped themselves with colleges thanks to their early film?

ET: Kajus Muralis, a junior lineman from Waubonsie Valley, he’s got a gigantic frame at 6-foot-7, 265 pounds. I think schools wanted to see how he could move and what improvements he’s made. I think he’s much more confident this year. More experience, more confidence, and it’s starting to show on film.

Payton Urry out of St. Charles North. (The junior tight end is) 6-6, 240 pounds. He passes the eyeball test in person, and coaches wanted to see that on tape. I’m hearing from guys who are starting to show a little more interest in him.

Same with Liam Barrett, the (6-7, 255-pound junior) lineman out of St. Charles East. The family bloodline is there, the lineage is there. And, again, I think schools wanted to see him show it on tape. He’s much more physical and aggressive on tape this year, and that’s exactly what they want to see.

(IC Catholic Prep junior athlete) Grant Bowen is amazing. He’s already a major Power 4 guy, and his play so far is backing it up. He’s 6-4, probably 230 pounds plus. He’s athletic, he can run and he’s very physical when he needs to be. His tape was just … wow … holy cow.

KS: Glenbard West at Downers Grove North. Who you got?

ET: They know each other incredibly well. There’s no real surprises when they play each other. Offensively, North may be boring but they’re really effective. They both play really good defense. I think West has a little bit more explosiveness but North is just really good.

It’s at North so I’ll go with the home team. But, for the most part, that’s a coin flip game.

KS: Where are you going this weekend?

ET: Thursday kind of disrupted the schedule, but I’m going to stay south on Friday. I’m going to see Oswego and Bolingbrook. And then Saturday, Lincoln-Way Central is hosting Lutheran North out of St. Louis. They’re usually a top Midwest team.

It’s one of those games you never really expect to see on the schedule, so I think that’ll be interesting. It’s got some recruiting stuff behind it, too, because Lutheran North has a couple guys.