Scouting Week 1 Lake County football games
Antioch at Schaumburg
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last year: Schaumburg 12, Antioch 7
Worth noting: A rematch from last year’s opener. Antioch did just fine after that, finishing 8-3 and making it to the second round of the 6A playoffs. Antioch is ranked No. 12 in the Associated Press 6A preseason poll. The Saxons, out of the Mid-Suburban West, made the 8A playoffs last season and lost in the first round. “Schaumburg’s quarterback is a playmaker who has the ability to take a game over,” Sequoits coach Brian Glashagel said. “They have a good portion of their team coming back and what we know and have seen with Schaumburg — our Week 1 is a playoff game.” Glashagel labels Antioch senior defensive end Owen Shea as having been playing “about as good a defensive lineman as I have had,” he said. Veteran Jack Bucar is one of Antioch’s few two-way players, firing it up at both running back and in the defensive backfield. Glashagel also liked the summer wideout DJ Johnson, who anchored the track team’s state 4-by-1 team in the spring, had. “DJ has had a great summer and is another weapon in our talented offense,” he said.
Mundelein at Grant
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last year: Mundelein 42, Grant 27
Scouting Mundelein: Our Lake County Blue Plate Special of the Week. The Mustangs are coming off a 4-5 season and look to take the next step forward under second-year coach Johnny Cowhey. “Grant is a really quality football team that continues to improve,” Cowhey said. “Their running back is truly special and has had some monster games. Their quarterback is in his third year starting and is improving every game. They will be a really good football team this year and a challenge to start the season. Our goal is to win the line of scrimmage. Our linemen have put in a lot of time in the weight room and with speed training. If we can win that battle, we will be in good shape in Week 1.” With all-conference returnee Drew Berek, Division I lineman prospect Cutler Wyss (6-6, 3-15) and captains Logan Young and Frankie Lesniak back, Cowhey says: “we have some experience that should really be a strong foundation for our team.” Senior defensive back-wide receiver Brandon Werner, senior running back Aubre Booker and junior tight end-linebacker Chris Roi were cited by Cowhey for having strong summers. “Brandon is going to have a huge impact on both sides of the ball,” he said. Booker was hurt in last year’s Week 0 scrimmage and missed the season, while Roi earned a starting spot at outside backer and will rotate in at tight end. “I have huge expectations for a breakout year from Aubre and Chris earned a starting spot and will give us more depth and versatility on offense,” Cowhey said.
Scouting Grant: The Bulldogs look to continue the momentum from last year’s playoff team. “We don’t know a whole lot about Mundelein,” Grant coach Tim Norwood said. “We need to be more physical on both the offensive and defensive lines if we want success. Last year against them, turnovers were an issue. We need to take care of the ball.” Nine of Grant’s seniors were up on the varsity and started as sophomores, Norwood noted. “We are very excited about this senior group.” Seniors Matthew Gipson (QB), Tyler Zdon (RB), Max Hembrey (WR) and Logan Myers (inside linebacker) have started since their sophomore years and led Grant in many statistical categories last season.
Glenbrook North at Lakes
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last year: Did not play
Worth noting: A new nonconference matchup for Lakes this season. The Eagles opened with Lake Forest in 2024. Glenbrook North, out of the Central Suburban South Division, went 2-7 a year ago. The Spartans run a 3-4 defense and a spread offense and have 6 returning starters, Lakes coach Jason Ellerman pointed out. “We need to play clean football and not have self-inflicted mistakes to have success.” Jordan Phelan, who played right tackle for the Eagles last year, is now playing center and will get defensive line reps as well. Mason Gialo led Lakes in receiving last season and will also play a critical role at safety. Ellerman said Connor Vinson had a great offseason. “He is the definition of a grinder,” he said. “He plays defensive line for us and is a high-motor kid who will do anything the coaches ask and the team needs.”
Vernon Hills at Grayslake North
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last year: Grayslake North 35, Vernon Hills 14
Worth noting: “Vernon Hills is a top-tier program,” North coach Brian Johnson said. “They have a ton of experienced coaches. They have a big line, a good back and a dangerous quarterback. Week 1 games are generally won by the team that makes the fewest mistakes. If we can limit their big plays and keep it close into the fourth quarter, we can be successful.” The Knights have 9 new starters on offense. “It will be interesting to see how they react on that first drive,” Johnson explained. “You can only simulate so much in practice.” The North coaching staff feels good about running back Jacob Sweeney. “Jacob has some big shoes to fill and has done really well in camp. If we can get him some open windows, I like our chances,” Johnson said. Beckett Dovel is a 3-year starter on defense as a junior “and is going to be asked to play more offense this year,” Johnson said. “He has relished his increased workload and gets better at it each day.” Johnson likes where his team is at heading into the opener. “I’m really happy with the progress,” he said.
Grayslake Central at Carmel Catholic
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last year: Carmel 63, Grayslake Central 13
Worth noting: Central is coming off a 4-5 campaign in 2024, while the Corsairs, who won this Week 1 matchup on the road last season, went 3-6. “We don’t know much about Carmel of Mundelein but we do know they will have some talented athletes and will be well coached,” Central coach Brent Pearlman said of the Corsairs, with one of those talented athletes being Nebraska-bound junior QB Trae Taylor. “In Game 1, instead of focusing on the opponent, we need to focus on ourselves and all the variables we control. Our guys have worked very hard this summer and I would like to think our biggest strength is the strength of playing for each other and together as a team.”
Wauconda at Hinsdale South
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last year: Wauconda 44, Hinsdale South 34
Worth noting: This will be the third meeting between the two teams with Wauconda, which shared the conference title with Antioch and advanced to the second round of the 6A playoffs in 2024, winning by 10 at home a year ago. “There is some familiarity,” Bulldogs coach Chris Prostka said. “Hinsdale South hired a new head coach (Jarrod Amolsch) in the offseason, which creates some questions heading into Week 1. They are a team that will not quit and will keep coming after you. Tackling is a major factor for both teams early in the season. We want to eliminate extra yards after contact.” Prostka said. Jack Landmeier had a great summer and fall camp. “Jack has shown great improvement and we look forward to him playing an important role for us,” he said. Prostka added that Nick Letto has increased his physicality and has earned more reps on defense and special teams. Hinsdale South, out of the West Suburban Conference Gold Division, went 4-5 last season.
West Chicago at Round Lake
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last year: West Chicago 42, Round Lake 0
Worth noting: “Our Week 1 opponent is a tough and fast team,” new Round Lake coach Randi Dey said. “We will have to play disciplined football on defense to slow down their offense.” Dey said Marqus Ries can stretch the field vertically, “but in all 3 of our scrimmages, he’s also shown a remarkable ability to fight for the ball,” he said. “He’s also been a great leader to the younger skilled players on the team.” Taron Barnes, Dey added, has been a force for the Panthers in the middle of the defense throughout camps. “Not only is he physical with a high motor, but he’s also a player who motivates those around him,” the coach said. Kevin Rodriguez played quarterback for Round Lake last year, but has changed roles and morphed into the team’s jack-of-all-trades on both sides of the ball. “And he has met that challenge with enthusiasm,” Dey said. “Kevin has shown that we can depend on him anywhere on the field at any time.” Dey has seen a nice shift with his squad thus far. “I have seen a big change in the confidence in the players since I have been here,” he said. “They are a great bunch of young men and I am honored they have accepted myself and the other coaches up to this point to lead them.” West Chicago, out of the Upstate Eight Conference East Division, went 6-4 last season and made the Class 7A playoffs.
Lake Zurich at Fremd
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last year: Fremd 31, Lake Zurich 0
Worth noting: The Bears will look to start strong against a Fremd team that made it to the second round of the 8A playoffs and went 9-2 last season. Lake Zurich is ranked No. 13 in the Class 6A Associated Press preseason poll, one of three North Suburban teams sitting in those preseason state rankings (joining Warren and Libertyville). Fremd is ranked No. 8 in Class 8A. “Fremd is ranked as one of the top teams in the state,” Lake Zurich coach Ron Planz said. “They have a fast, physical defense and a really good offense led by their 3-year starting quarterback. I’m looking forward to seeing how our guys handle the atmosphere and level of play we will see from Fremd.” Planz has been happy with the play of Ryan Hasemeyer at running back, Ethan Elliot at wide receiver and defensive back and Cooper Gwizdala on the defensive line. “All three bring energy and enthusiasm every day,” Planz said. “They have really improved over the offseason and have taken advantage of their opportunities at practice. I think they will each have a great season.” Lake Zurich had a string of 7 playoffs appearances in a row (not counting the COVID year) snapped last season.
Stevenson at Prospect
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last year: Did not play
Worth noting: A new Week 1 opponent for the Patriots, who opened last year with a Wisconsin school out of Kenosha. Prospect, out of the Mid-Suburban East Division, went 8-3, won a conference title unbeaten and advanced to the second round of the Class 7A playoffs last season. The Knights are ranked No. 10 in the Class 7A Associated Press preseason poll. “We are excited to play a new opponent in Prospect,” Stevenson coach Brent Becker said. “Prospect has a great program that competes at a high level every year. We are excited to see some of our seniors start their senior season.” Stevenson shared the North Suburban title last year with Libertyville and advanced to the state quarterfinals, finishing 10-2. Stevenson has 11 returning starters, including all-North Suburban first-team picks DeAngelo Washington (LB), Aidan Crawley (QB), Zach Becker (TE-DL), Frank Concialdi (DB) and Caden An (PK), as well as honorable-mention choices in Caden Schultz (LB) and Anthony Adams (DL).
Warren Township at Hersey
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last year: Warren 55, Hersey 26
Worth noting: Warren has the highest preseason ranking of any Lake County coverage area school, checking in at No. 7 in the Associated Press Class 8A state poll. Standout running back and University of Illinois commit Aaron Stewart (2,475 rushing yards last season in 12 games) is back for the Blue Devils. Hersey, out of the Mid-Suburban East Division, went 6-4 and made the Class 7A playoffs. The Huskies head into this Week 1 matchup ranked No. 5 in the Class 7A Associated Press preseason state poll. “We know Hersey is an explosive, well-coached team with a lot of talent,” Warren coach Bryan McNulty said. “They have an outstanding running back in Brandon Jenkins and an outstanding quarterback. Their offensive line is very well coached and physical with Jack Nolan. They will be sharp and fast on the edge at receiver. In order for us to be successful, we will have to play with composure on the road and take care of the football. You have to beat Hersey at Hersey because they play particularly well at home. We look forward to having our hands full with a great matchup. Hersey will be good and we look forward to playing them.” McNulty said senior offensive and defensive lineman Victor Drake has been as consistent a player as the Blue Devils have had in a while, while senior wide receiver Simon Castillo, McNulty added, is a team leader capable of changing games. McNulty noted senior linebacker Javon Brisker “has really elevated his game,” he said.
Libertyville at Lemont
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Last year: Libertyville 43, Lemont 0
Worth noting: The Wildcats, under new coach Tim Budge, are looking to continue the momentum from last year that saw them share a conference title and advance to the second round of the 6A playoffs. Lemont, out of the South Suburban Blue Division, won its conference title and made the Class 6A playoffs. “Lemont is one of the perennial powers in 6A with a storied history of success,” Budge said. “Every matchup we have had with them has been a physical, tough game. We have the utmost respect for their program. Lemont will try to establish the run game with a tough offensive line and good running back and tight end. We will have to be gap sound and disciplined to stop their running attack. They complement their run game with a nice perimeter screen game as well as some play-action passes to keep you honest. They will look to take some shots downfield once their ground game has been established. We must play as a team on defense and run to the football to take away big plays. Defensively, they are well coached and we will need to be sound with our assignments and execute our offense game plan to be successful,” Budge said. Myles Batesky, Sawyer Kopala and Aiden Weaver were impressive during the summer and the start of fall practices. “Myles is a 3-year starter and captain. He is the leader of our offensive line and his overall leadership has led to our early season performance,” Budge noted. “Aidan worked really hard in the offseason. He has run the ball effectively all summer and in our scrimmage.” Budge said Nick Ori (WR-DB), Bode Rohrbach (OLB-WR) and Erich Walldrof (ILB-RB) will see a lot of action on both sides of the ball. “This has been one of the tighter-knit groups I have been around over the years,” Budge said. “They really care for one another and push each other to be their respective best.”