Scouting Week 1 DuPage County football games
St. Francis (10-3) at Kenwood Academy (4-6)
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Gately Stadium.
Last matchup: St. Francis won, 27-21, last season.
About the Spartans: Since taking over in 2017 and finishing 1-8, coach Bob McMillen’s St. Francis teams have posted an impressive 63-16 record, 6 straight postseason appearances, and 3 consecutive double-digit win seasons. They will have to replace standout quarterback Brady Palmer, who transferred to Florida, but return plenty of talent, led by Michigan State-bound WR Zach Washington, and senior WRs Dario Milivojevic and Tanner Glock. Washington is also a threat on special teams as a kick returner (5 TDs in 2024). Defensively, senior nose guard Jaylen Torres earned all-conference accolades as a junior.
About the Broncos: The Broncos enter the season with a 6-year consecutive streak of reaching the state playoffs. This year, they will look for leadership from seniors Kingston Watson (WR) and Jayvon Anderson (RB/LB), while juniors Kenyonte Louis (QB) and Steve Scott (LB/RB) provide youthful promise at the skilled positions.
Lumen Christi (Mich.) (13-1) at Montini (12-2)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: First meeting.
About the Titans: Lumen Christi captured a record-setting 14th state championship — third in a row — with a 56-18 victory over Lansing Catholic in the Division 6 title clash last November. The Titans return several key players from a year ago, including seniors Parker Schirmacher (RB/LB), Jack Fitzpatrick (WR/CB), Nolan Huff (CB/WR), Paul Sattler (SS), Amarion Clay (CB/WR), and junior Lundon Hampton (CB/RB). “We didn’t have a game on scheduled into July and Lumen Christi was in the same position we were, so we agreed to play each other,” said Montini coach Mike Bukovsky. “We only have a one-year deal in place — we both decided to wait until later in the season to decide about next year.”
About the Broncos: Montini enters the season fresh off its own state championship — a 49-8 victory over Monticello in the Class 3A title game last November. The Broncos return 9 starters on offense, including junior QB Izzy Abrams, senior 6-6, 278-pound OT Angelo DeSensi, junior 6-5, 270-pound OT Gavin Ericson, junior RB Santino Tenuta, and senior WR Isaac Alexander. Defensively, 4 starters are back, led by Tenuta (LB), Alexander (SS), and juniors Namari Anderson (DL) and CJ Harkins (DB). “Playing a quality team like Lumen Christi is a huge challenge, and we hope it helps prepare us for our rugged Catholic League schedule ahead,” said Bukovsky. This figures to be one of the area’s top Week 1 matchups between a pair of state powers.
Hillcrest (5-5) at Benet Academy (7-4)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Benet won, 35-13, last season.
About the Hawks: Following 8 straight postseason appearances, the Hawks return several skilled position players looking to stretch that figure to 9, starting with senior QB Anthony Bradley. Last season, Bradley completed more than 60% of his passes while throwing 16 TD passes. His top returning targets are seniors Maurice Garrett (7 TDs) and Jamari Thomas (2 TDs), while Daquan Dennis (3 TDs) and Jacob Johnson (2 TDs) bolster the backfield. Defensively, senior end Max Carmicle recorded a team-high 6 sacks in 2024.
About the Redwings: With the likes of 3 defending state champions — Mt. Carmel (7A), Nazareth (5A), and DePaul Prep (4A) on their schedule, the Redwings realize the importance of jumping off to a fast start. Last season, a Week 1 win over Hillcrest helped catapult Benet to its first playoff berth since 2019. Senior 2-way standout Luke Doyle returns as a threat at wide receiver and defensive back. During preseason practices, senior Ben Clevinger and sophomore Christiano Diomede were vying for the starting quarterback position.
St. Mary’s (Mo.) (4-7) at IC Catholic Prep (4-5)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: IC Catholic Prep won, 27-26 in overtime, last season.
About the Dragons: St. Mary’s returns plenty of firepower in junior RB Kingston Miles, who rushed for 1,076 yards and 14 touchdowns last season, and classmate Caleb Harris (31 carries, 197 yards, 1 TD). Defensively, the Dragons are led by junior free safety Greg Hollis, who paced the team with 77 tackles and 8 interceptions a year ago.
About the Knights: After having its postseason streak end last season for the first time since 2014, IC Catholic Prep eagerly awaits another fierce battle in the CCL/ESCC. The Knights return 11 starters, including senior 2-way standouts Foley Calcagno (RB/LB) and James Aklexander (OL/DL). Promising younger players like juniors Jaden Penna (WR), Tamarian Garner (TE), KC Kekstadt (RB), KJ Reese (RB), and sophomore Will Schmidt (WR/SS) figure to add depth to the Knights’ lineup this season.
Wheaton Academy (9-2) at Providence (4-5)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Warriors: Wheaton Academy has been a powerhouse over the past few years advancing deep into the Class 4A playoffs and putting together a collective record of 36-9 over the last four years. But the Warriors will move up to Class 5A due to the multiplier adjustments and will have to undertake a bit of a rebuilding process if they want to return to their most recent status as it graduated 24 seniors and returns just four starters from last year’s crew.
About the Celtics: Providence missed the playoff field last season, something the Celtics certainly don’t hope becomes a trend. There were a lot of close calls for the Celtics last season, with three of its five losses coming by a field goal or less. Perhaps a year more experience under the belts of the returning Celtics helps prevent that from happening. One of the biggest needs is a little more continuity on offense and some stability at the quarterback position. There’s definitely talent on the Providence roster it comes down to finding the right fit and placement of it.
Neuqua Valley (2-7) at Waubonsie Valley (5-5)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Neuqua Valley won, 40-12, in 2023.
About the Wildcats: After a 1-year scheduling issue with the DuPage Valley football teams splitting into the Southwest Valley, the rivalry between the District 204 schools returns. Neuqua Valley has had the better of it, having won 9 straight times over Waubonsie dating back to 2015. The Wildcats, whose streak of 5 consecutive postseason appearances ended last season, are led by senior WR/ATH Daniel Robinson and senior LB Pierce Stevens.
About the Warriors: Waubonsie returns one of the top uncommitted college prospects in the state — 6-4, 220-pound quarterback Colin Ford, who has a D1 offer from Wyoming. This will be Ford’s first season as a full-time starter. One of his top targets figures to be senior speedster receiver Gavin Ali-Hanlon. A year ago, the Warriors reached the state playoffs for the first time since 2018. Adam Pucylowski returns for his second season as head coach. Waubonsie’s last win over Neuqua came in 2014 (35-28).
New Trier (2-7) at Naperville North (7-3)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Naperville North won, 42-14, last season.
About the Trevians: New Trier hopes to return to postseason play for the first time since 2021. To accomplish that, they must find a way to put more points on the board. A year ago, they averaged a little more than 14 points per game while finishing 2-7, and managed just 23 points during a tough 5-game midseason losing streak.
About the Huskies: While the Huskies must find a way to replace Daily Herald DuPage County All-Area captain Jacob Bell at quarterback, they return one of the state’s top players in senior defensive lineman Gabriel Hill. The Indiana-bound, 6-2, 290-pounder figures to rewrite most of the school’s defensive records this season, and may line up some on offense at tight end. Defensive back Quincy Blaise (2 interceptions) and 6-4, 225-pound tight end Finn Bretag are both Illinois State recruits who should bolster the Huskies’ hopes of returning to the postseason.
Oswego (10-1 in 2024) at Naperville Central (11-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Panthers: Oswego went 9-0 last year during the regular season, then reached the second round of the Class 8A playoffs. But this is a different Oswego team. The Panthers can count on one hand their returning starters. All-conference receiver Teddy Manikas is one of them and will be a favorite target of whoever emerges at quarterback. Talent does appear to be coming from the lower levels that won conference titles last year.
About the Redhawks: Naperville Central last season reached the Class 8A semifinals, but like Oswego graduated a ton of talent. Receiver Vincent Bern, second on the Redhawks in receptions last season, and specialist Gavin Ellison return. Gage Mills, a 6-foot-2, 285-pound senior left tackle, is a transfer who moved in from Texas.
Downers Grove North (10-2) at Morgan Park (10-2)
When: 1 p.m. Saturday, at Gately Stadium
About the Trojans: Downers Grove North followed up its Class 7A runner-up finish in 2023 by reaching the quarterfinals last season. The pieces are in place to keep it rolling, starting with three Big Ten recruits. Minnesota-bound senior Owen Lansu is one of the state’s top quarterbacks, now a third-year starter. Linemen Aiden Solecki is committed to Purdue and tight end/defensive end Will Vala to Illinois. Senior Oliver Thulin, the third Thulin brother to play for the Trojans, had 55 catches for 650 yards and six TDs last season and is projected to play both ways at receiver and defensive back. Defensive back/running back Caden Chiarelli and Joe Lasota were two of the Trojans’ top three tacklers last year.
About the Mustangs: Morgan Park, one of the Chicago Public League’s better programs traditionally, last season reached the Class 5A quarterfinals. The Mustangs have won 10 games in each of the last three seasons and are 49-20 in Chris James’ seven years as head coach. Senior receiver Nasir Rankin is the man to watch. An Illinois recruit who aspires to play both football and basketball in Champaign, Rankin is the second-ranked prospect in the state’s Class of 2026 and had 40 catches for 991 yards and 12 TDs last year.
Downers Grove South (8-3) at Metea Valley (1-8)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About Downers Grove South: The Mustangs in 2024 ran the table to win their third consecutive West Suburban Gold title and captured the program’s first playoff win since 2011. Eight starters return, four each on offense and defense, from that team. Daniel Mensah is a two-way standout at running back and linebacker and Kashius Taylor, 6-foot-3 and 320 pounds, anchors the offensive line. Sophomore sophomore James Sobkowiak steps in at quarterback. Downers Grove South beat Metea Valley 33-15 last year.
About Metea Valley: Patrick Sheehan, who played football in high school at Homewood-Flossmoor and collegiately at Wisconsin-Platteville, takes over as the fourth head coach in Metea history. Sheehan hopes to turn around a Metea program that has one playoff appearance and just 31 total victories in 15 seasons as a varsity program, 6-44 the last six years. Charlie Larson is a dual-threat QB and Zoel Terry plays both ways at running back and defensive back.
Streamwood (3-6) at Addison Trail (7-3)
When: 6 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Addison Trail won, 28-0, last season.
About the Sabres: Streamwood will try to pick up where it left off a year ago when it won 2 of its last 3 games — beating Elgin and Elmwood Park. The Sabres return one of the area’s top defensive linemen in 5-8, 235-pound senior all-Upstate Eight Conference performer Ja’Marcus Cole. Other solid returnees are senior S/RB LJ Robles and junior LB/RB Justin Brown.
About the Blazers: Chris Bazant has done a superb job since taking over the helm for the Blazers. After his teams won just 2 of their first 18 games in 2012 and 2022, the Blazers have reached the state playoffs in back-to-back years with a pair of 7-win showings. Senior quarterback Nico Dill returns to lead the Blazers’ attack, while senior linebacker Julian Saucedo supports a defense that kept the Sabres off the scoreboard in last year’s meeting.
Hinsdale Central (4-5) at West Aurora (10-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Red Devils: Hinsdale Central is hoping to turn things around after three consecutive losing seasons, in part a victim of very tough schedules. It doesn’t get much easier this fall, as the Red Devils’ first six games come against teams that won at least one playoff game last year. Hinsdale Central does boast a fair amount of experience, 12 starters back with three in their third year. It starts with lineman Gene Riordan, a 6-foot-5, 280-pound Iowa recruit. He’ll anchor the front protecting quarterback Riley Contreras, another third-year starter. Defensively, junior Tommy Riordan — Gene’s 6-foot-4, 224-pound little brother, already has nine scholarship offers. If it comes down to special teams, it helps Hinsdale Central to have kicker Micah Drescher, committed to Michigan.
About the Blackhawks: The Blackhawks are coming off their best season since 1946, winning their first 10 games, including a 31-21 victory over Huntley in the opening round of the Class 8A state playoffs. Ball State-bound quarterback Mason Atkins returns after completing 72% of his passes for 32 TDs to go with 7 rushing TDs in 2024. Talented receiver Terrence Smith is now at Iowa, but the Blackhawks still have ability out wide like Zach Tomas for Atkins to throw to. West Aurora picked up a talented transfer in senior running back/linebacker Lesroy Tittle, who started as a freshman for three-time Class 5A champion Nazareth.
York (11-3) at Glenbrook South (5-5)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Dukes: York is coming off its greatest postseason run, finishing second in Class 8A in the program’s first state championship game appearance. The Dukes, who have reached the 8A semifinals the last three years, look poised to not miss a beat with 11 returning starters and a junior class that has not lost a game in high school. Henry Duda ran for 1,049 yards and seven TDs as a junior. Hunter Stepanich, a 6-foot-8 tight end/defensive end, is a Princeton commit for both football and volleyball. Georgetown commit and senior Costa Kampas, 6-foot-5 and 285 pounds, returns to anchor the Dukes’ offensive line and senior receiver Simon Kodosky also returns.
York has beaten Glenbrook South in the season opener the last two years, 28-10 last season.
About the Titans: Glenbrook South in 2024 made its fourth consecutive playoff appearance. A tough schedule awaits early to keep that streak going, four playoff teams from last season to start the year. Andrew Bonvechio returns at quarterback to guide the Titans, who return four players on offense. Glenbrook South has five returnees on the defensive side led by DT Munkh Tsog, who has multiple FCS offers
Wauconda (8-3) at Hinsdale South (4-5)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
About the Bulldogs: Wauconda has 22 seniors back, five starters on offense and seven on defense, from a team that shared the Northern Lake County Conference title with Antioch last season. Senior fullback Jackson Rudolph ran for 1,309 yards and 24 touchdowns. Another Rudolph, Brody Rudolph, had 69 tackles defensively at linebacker. Wauconda beat Hinsdale South 44-34 last season.
About the Hornets: Jarrod Amolsch, who has been a coach at Hinsdale South for 25 years, most recently on the defensive side, takes over as head coach. The Hornets hope to take the next step after finishing 4-5 the last four seasons. Eight starters return, including two-way starting lineman Luke Brossard. Hinsdale South is bolstered by a junior class that went 7-2 last season as sophomores.
Willowbrook (7-4) at Glenbard East (9-2)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
About the Warriors: The Warriors made it eight consecutive postseason appearances in 2024, and have won at least one playoff game in all but one of those seasons. Dynamic playmaker KJ Rhodes has graduated, but seven starters return. The man to watch is senior receiver/defensive back OJ Powell, who is drawing some recruiting interest from MAC schools. Also back is junior quarterback Jahonise Reed.
About the Rams: Glenbard East has four defensive starters and six offensive starters back as the program aims for its seventh consecutive playoff appearance. A strength lies offensively with the Rams’ skill-position players. That starts with senior quarterback Michael Nee. Recently committed to South Dakota for basketball, Nee threw 24 touchdown passes while completing 70% of his passes last season. Senior Kedrick Dennis rushed for eight TDs last year.
Glenbard East beat Willowbrook 30-23 last season in a game decided in the final seconds.
Glenbard West (4-5) at Batavia (10-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Hilltoppers: Glenbard West is hoping to put an uncharacteristic season in the rearview mirror, as the Hilltoppers missed the playoffs for the first time since 2006. It won’t be easy with a tough schedule right off the bat, games with Batavia and Joliet Catholic the first two weeks. Brady Johnson, a 6-foot-4 tight end with four scholarship offers, headlines a strong group of skill-position players with junior AJ Rayford, a transfer from Providence, at quarterback. JaMarcus Kelly is a returning all-conference running back running behind a line anchored by 6-foot-7, 280-pound junior Josiah Wallace, a transfer from Mount Carmel with six Division I offers. Defensively, senior Maximus Hetlet is a returning all-conference linebacker who led Glenbard West in tackles last season
About the Bulldogs: Batavia last season reached the Class 7A state championship game for the second time in three seasons, and is a contender to do so again. Junior quarterback Michael Vander Luitgaren, coming off a memorable playoff run, begins his first full season as starter. He’ll have plenty of weapons to throw to including Brett Berggren, who had 851 receiving yards and 10 TDs last year, Plainfield North transfer Darin Ashiru and Bodi Anderson, last year’s quarterback for most of the season. Princeton commit Ryan Myers leads a huge offensive line while Gavin Pecor anchors the defensive front.
Simeon (7-3) at Wheaton North (4-5)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Wolverines: Simeon won seven games last season in Sinque Turner’s first year as head coach. Turner returned to his alma mater after seven seasons coaching at Kenwood. The Wolverines have been a model of consistency in the Chicago Public League, qualifying for the playoffs in every season since 1987. McHale Blade, a 6-foot-5, 245-pound defensive end committed to Michigan and one of the state’s top senior prospects, transferred to Simeon from Hillcrest after missing his junior year with a torn ACL. Edge rusher Brian DeMoss is a top prospect in Illinois’ junior class.
About the Falcons: Wheaton North seeks a bounce-back season after missing the playoffs for the first time since 2019. Shane Diericx, a Holy Cross, anchors the middle of the Falcons’ defense at linebacker and is also a target offensively at tight end. Ryan O’Connor, a running back/linebacker, is another two-way threat.
Wheaton Warrenville South (5-5) at Glenbard South (6-4)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
About the Tigers: The Tigers, coming off their third playoff appearance in four years, have high hopes with 17 starters returning. It starts with running back Owen Yorke, who rushed for 1,254 yards and 14 touchdowns and also caught 26 passes and two TDs as a junior. Justin Miller will be under center for the Tigers after the graduation of three-year starter Luca Carbonaro. Nine starters return on defense, led by three-year starter Zach Rogers and leading tackler Axel Boecker. WW South beat Glenbard South 35-10 last year.
About the Raiders: Glenbard South, coming off its 13th consecutive playoff appearance, returns six starters on offense and six on defense from a team that finished second in the Upstate Eight East. A player to watch is 6-foot-5 tight end/defensive end Henry Riley. Elijah Donahue is a sophomore with tremendous potential and fellow sophomore Mason Fort is the projected starting quarterback. Tailback/receiver Jonny Baldauf is another player to watch.
Bartlett (4-5) at Glenbard North (2-7)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: Glenbard North won, 17-0, last season.
About the Hawks: Their goal is simple — “We want to compete for the conference championship and earn a spot in the playoffs,” said Bartlett coach Milan Vuckovich, who has guided the team to 3 straight 4-5 seasons. The Hawks return plenty of talent, led by senior QB Vince Yario, senior OT/DT Daniel Thorner, senior RB/LB Isaac Harris, senior LB/FB Daniel Jasso, and senior LB/TE Ethan Rataczyk. Olivier Chrapek will handle the kicking and punting duties.
About the Panthers: Like Bartlett, Glenbard North has not reached the state playoffs for 3 consecutive seasons. However, the Panthers showed some mettle by giving playoff-bound Batavia a tough time in a 35-34 regular-season ending loss last season. The Panthers return all-conference RB Donato Gatses and WR Zechariah Morris, along with veterans Tyler Hvorcik, Lucas Kramer, and Danny Mahoney.
Conant (0-9) at Lake Park (4-5)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last year: Lake Park 41, Conant 14
Outlook: With 17 returning starters for Conant, there is optimism. Conant comes in looking to break a couple of streaks. The Cougars have lost 13 games in a row in the regular season. They also have lost two straight to Lake Park. Conant will have 10 players back on defense as well as its entire offensive line. Tyler Marchese returns at quarterback for the Cougars. Lake Park will be sparked by returnees George Tzamouranis at quarterback and wide receiver Niko Menos.
Orr (4-5) at Westmont (2-6)
When: 7 p.m. Friday.
Last matchup: First meeting.
About the Spartans: The Spartans are hoping to continue their positive momentum after winning 3 of their last 5 games last season. Seniors Brandon Brown (RB/LB) and Cyrus Westbrook (QB) look to be major contributors.
About the Sentinels: The Sentinels must find a way to replace Daily Herald DuPage County All-Area 2-way standout Lucas Fears. Senior Yannis Tutuianu (RB/LB) and junior Bryan Baker (LB/QB) return for head coach Lee Maciejewski — his third season at the helm.
— Joshua Welge and Steve Soucie from Shaw Local News Network contributed to this preview.