High school football 2026: Scouting Lake County
Antioch
Coach: Brian Glashagel
Last year’s record: 8-3, 6-1 (second Northern Lake County)
Top returning players: Gavin Stone (5-8, 170, sr., RB), Logan Lennon (6-1, 175, jr., RB), Kelen Wilson (5-10, 165, jr., RB), Ben Anderson (5-10, 200, sr., OL), Charlie Andre (6-5, 280, jr., OL), Xavier Ingram (6-5, 320, sr., OL), Guilian Santoyo (6-3 240, sr., OL), Alex Herstowski (5-9, 170, sr., DB), Willie Hamilton (5-10, 235, sr., LB), Harrison Victor (6-1, 210, sr., DL), Jack Hultang (6-3, 200, sr., K-P)
Key newcomers: Chance Verden (6-0, 160, sr., WR), Miles Marabella (6-4, 180, soph., WR), Shawn Shaputis (6-2, 230, sr., DL), Kaleb Shanks (6-1, 170, sr., DB)
Sequoits outlook: Stone (1,034 rushing yards, 13 TDs and missed time due to injury), Lennon (849 rushing yards, 259 receiving yards, 11 TDs) and offensive lineman Anderson are returning all-NLCC players…Stone, a senior, and Lennon and Wilson, both juniors, bring back more than 2,500 rushing yards and 35 rushing touchdowns from a year ago…Stone, Hamilton, Lennon and Andre are drawing collegiate interest…Stone also holds the school record in the 100-meter dash during track season…Hamilton, who plays end and linebacker, has started on defense since his sophomore year and is regarded as one of the area’s top defensive players…Hulting is a difference-maker with his leg both kicking and punting…Antioch is 68-5 in NLCC play since the conference formed in 2015.
Coach’s quote: “We just look to reload every season,” said Glashagel, who noted defending league champ Wauconda, Grant, Grayslake North and Lakes are teams to keep an eye on, in particular. “We have a nice mix of experience and new faces coming back.”
Grant Community
Coach: Tim Norwood
Last year’s record: 6-4, 4-3 (fourth Northern Lake County)
Top returning players: Connor Evans (6-0, 175, sr., QB), Dolytn Longtin (5-10, 195, jr., TB), Brody Lyons (6-5, 195, jr., TE), Michael Potempa (5-10, 160, jr., WR), Luke Youngberg (6-2, 340, sr., C), Wyatt Cornell (5-11, 220, sr., MLB), Tyler Crutchfield (5-11, 165, sr., CB), Parker Evans (5-8, 140, jr., CB), Jackson Fudala (5-10, 170, jr., FS), Jonathan Mason (5-11, 220, jr., DT)
Key newcomers: Carter Clemons (5-9, 180, jr., LB), Logan Hamm (6-0, 180, sr., LB), J’Leon Jones (6-0, 200, soph., OL-DL), Elain Lemus (5-8, 240, sr., NG), Chris Parmley (6-3, 240, jr., OT)
Bulldogs outlook: Evans, a wide receiver last year, takes over the quarterback position from the passing-prolific Matthew Gipson (graduated)…Norwood, who noted Antioch continues to be the team to beat in the NLCC, praised Evans as being a program kid who never complains and is always willing to do what is best for the team. “Connor has been waiting two years to become our starting quarterback,” he said. “We are excited to see all his hard work pay off this season.” Longtin ran for 645 yards (8.6 yards per carry) and 5 scores…Youngberg (center) and defenders Cornell (65 tackles) and Crutchfield (40 tackle, 1 pick) are 2-year starters with Cornell, the leader of the Grant defense, earning all-NLCC honors in 2025.
Coach’s quote: “Our defense has experience coming back at every level with 3 starters returning in the secondary,” Norwood said.
Grayslake Central
Coach: Brent Pitt
Last season’s record: 4-5, 3-4 (fifth Northern Lake County)
Top returning players: Ben DeLeon (5-11, 165, jr., RB-DB), Carlton Douglas (6-3, 330, jr., OL-DL), George Flaig (5-11, 165, sr., OL-LB), Jacob Hueser (6-1, 180, jr., OL-DL), Damian Martas (6-2, 320, jr., OL-DL), Karl McDonald (6-1, 200, jr., WR-DB), Easton Moore (6-2, 175, sr., QB-WR-DB), Jayden Musial (5-9, 150, sr., WR-DB), Andrew O’Neill (6-2, 190, sr., TE-LB), Jack Patten (6-4, 295, sr., OL-DL), Ken-Ye Pendleton Jr. (5-9, 165, sr., RB-DB0, David Riley (6-3, 230, sr., OL-DL)
Key newcomers: Ray Ray Wright (5-9, 160, jr., RB-DB), Andy Monzanga (6-4, 175, jr., WR-DB)
Rams outlook: Pitt, who has coached in the program for more than 2 decades, takes over for longtime area coach Brent Pearlman…Patton, Pendleton and O’Neill are players on the college radar…Pitt said O’Neill will be counted on as one of the senior leaders, while Pendleton, Pitt added, has continued to develop and grow as a player and leader in the Rams’ program. ...Pitt noted Patten is another senior who has embraced the expectations of the program. “Jack’s toughness, work ethic and willingness to compete every day will help provide leadership for our team,” he said.
Coach’s quote: “We return a strong group of players who gained valuable experience last season and will be counted on to take the next step as leaders of our program,” Pitt said. “We will continue to build our identity around being physical, playing with great effort and competing for four quarters.”
Grayslake North
Coach: Brian Johnson
Last season’s record: 1-8, 1-6 (seventh Northern Lake County)
Top returning players: Becket Dovel (6-1, 175, sr., RB-LB), Alex Danzy (6-2, 240, jr., OL-DL-C), Jaylen Newkirk (6-2, 175, jr., QB-DB), Lucas Woyat (5-11, 165, jr., WR-DB), Will Foley (5-10, 165, jr., WR-DB), Alejandro Romero (6-2, 165, jr., WR-DB), Angel Rosiles (6-0, 205, sr., TE-LB)
Key newcomers: Jaden Kelly (5-10, 170, jr., RB-LB), Greg Harter (6-0, 250, soph., OL-DL), Finn McMahon (5-11, 185, soph., TE-LB)
Knights outlook: Newkirk is back at quarterback after throwing for 846 yards and 8 touchdowns last year (also scored 2 rushing touchdowns)…Woyat contributed on both sides (214 receiving yards, 2 TDs, 30 tackles), as did Romero (251 receiving yards, 3 TDs, 35 tackles). Rosiles had 36 tackles a year ago…Dovel, who has received college interest from Mankato State, Moorhead State, Northwest Missouri, Drake and Davidson, is back healthy after playing only 3 games last year due to injury. He’s a 4-year varsity player…Johnson called Woyat the iron man on the team. “We will have a tough time keeping him off the field on offense, defense and special teams,” he said.
Coach’s quote: “We were very young last year,” Johnson said. “We finished the season with eight sophomores on offense. We are looking forward to seeing if that experience pays off.”
Lakes
Coach: Jason Ellerman
Last season’s record: 6-4, 5-2 (third Northern Lake County)
Top returning players: AJ Perna (5-10, 160, sr., DB-RB), Ethan Gialo (6-0, 180, sr., QB-DB), Robbie Siebert (6-0, 205, sr., LB-RB), Jayce Figueroa (6-0, 215, sr., OL-DL), Nick Green (6-3, 215, sr., TE-DL), Nate Velez (5-10, 165, sr., DB-RB)
Key newcomers: AJ Hogan (6-1, 160, sr., DB-WR), Colin Fendel (5-11, 215, jr., OL-DL), John Tobin (5-11, 200, sr., LB), Brody LaFrance (5-11, 160, jr., DB-WR)
Eagles outlook: Gialo will be the Eagles’ starting quarterback and Ellerman noted is the team’s fastest player, which could translate into a dual threat at the position…Siebert and Perna are returning starters on defense and Ellerman noted both will have bigger roles on offense…Several Lakes players are investigating Division III college playing options, Ellerman added….Ellerman added Antioch, Grant and Wauconda figure to be tough once again in the NLCC.
Coach’s quote: “We should be able to run the ball better than last year,” Ellerman said. “We should be fundamentally sound on defense.”
Lake Zurich
Coach: Dragan Teonic
Last season’s record: 9-3, 6-1 (second North Suburban)
Top returning players: Jackson Lewandowski (6-4, 240, jr., TE-DE), Brock Rubicz (6-1, 205, sr., LB-RB), Arturo Zarinana (6-0, 210, sr., LB-TE), Tyler Bonelli-Schultz (5-11, 200, jr., LB-OL), Rocco Dicanio (6-0, 230, jr., OL-DL), Frank Arnieri (6-2, 210, sr., DE-NG)
Key newcomers: Joey Wessman (6-2, 215, sr., QB), Benjamin Ferguson (6-0, 170, soph., QB), Adrian Stanek (5-11, 200, jr., RB-LB), Luke Papesch (6-2, 210, sr., TE-WR), Tanner Dye (6-1, 200, sr., TE-WR), Charlie Grund (5-8, 185, sr., FS-RB), Ryan Pease (6-0, 205, sr., OL), Cooper Burzawa (6-3, 265, sr., OL), Dylan Knappstein (sr., K-P), Marko Zaro (sr., K-P), Javian Blanco (5-11, 160, soph., WR-DB), Max Grund (5-11, 160, soph., WR-DB), Logan Coyle (5-10, 160, soph., WR-DB)
Bears outlook: Teonic, who has been a head coach at Harper College, Hersey, South Elgin and Elgin Larkin, takes over a successful Bears program from Ron Planz….Lewandowski has Division I college offers from Miami-Ohio and Toledo. …Teonic has been impressed with Arnieri’s development and believes he can be a difference-maker…Wessman and Ferguson are in the mix to start at quarterback with both bringing strong intangibles such as strong arms and leadership skills…Zarinana is a returning all-NSC player and the leader of the defense. “He’s the next great one in a long lineage of good Lake Zurich linebackers,” Teonic said. Bonelli-Schult also drew high praise from the new coach. “He’s only a junior, is a returning starter and is a future star for Lake Zurich,” Teonic said.
Coach’s quote: “We return the entire front six on defense and our special teams’ specialists are very good,” Teonic said. “We have two capable kickers and punters along with several explosive returners. We are young on offense and will take time to gel, but have the pieces to put it together by the end of the season.”
Libertyville
Coach: Tim Budge
Last season’s record: 5-5, 4-3 (fourth North Suburban)
Top returning players: Brock Williams (6-5, 225, sr., TE), Kaden Butt (6-2, 220, FB-LB), Aiden Weaver (5-8, 180, RB), Aleks Nikolich (6-5, 285, OL-DL), Colten Siebert (6-2, 260, OL-DL), Reid Williams (6-1, 195, DB-RB), Charlie Paden (6-0, 190, WR), Lukas Melton (6-2, 210, FE-TE), Jack Zaban (5-11, 170, K-P), Jacob Syc (6-3, 220, DE-OL)
Key newcomers: Graham Sondalle (6-3, 190, jr.), Luca Kalinowski (5-10, 160, sr.), Matthew Hara (5-11, 185, sr.), Connor Luxon (6-1, 185, sr.)
Wildcats outlook: The University of Texas-bound Williams (40 catches, 580 yards, 10 TDs, 2 return TDs) headlines the list of returners for the Wildcats…Butt, a 3-year starter who has a college offer from Western Illinois and has attracted FCS and other levels as well, had 38 tackles and 8 tackles for loss a year ago and also figures to be key in the backfield… Let’s talk kicking and punting where Zaban made all 26 of his extra points last year and hit 7 of 9 field-goal attempts including a 57-yard bomb that is the fourth-longest FG in state history. Zaban also had 25 touchbacks and averaged 40.4 yards per punt with a long of 73 yards… Reid Williams, Brock’s twin brother, is the leader of the defensive secondary, while Paden gained experience at wideout last year and had a great summer, bringing great hands and blocking skills to the table, Budge said.
Coach’s quote: “We return two offensive line starters and many skill positions,” Budge said. “We should be well balanced offensively with a strong game and many weapons from Brock Williams and our strong receiving core. We have good team speed on defense and a number of returning starters. Kaden Butt will lead us up front at inside linebacker. We have a great weapon in the kicking game with Jack Zaban.”
Mundelein
Coach: Johnny Cowhey
Last season’s record: 2-7, 1-6 (seventh North Suburban)
Top returning players: Kolton Sydanmaa (jr., ILB), Maddox Solum (jr., SS0, Dylan Leipold (Jr., SS-RB), Cam Earing (sr., WR), Chris Roi (sr., OLB), Will Pasquier (sr., DL), Reyes Zepeda (jr., OL-DL), Jackson Rivas (soph., OL-DL)
Key newcomers: Urijah Wiloughby (jr., OLB), Toby Helkes (sr., ILB), Jackson Recjzyk (jr., WR-P), Dom Niedbalc, jr., OL), Nathan O’Neil (soph., RB-DL), Daniel Felli (jr., RB)
Mustangs outlook: Mundelein has notable experience back on defense and on the offensive line. Sydanmaa (60 tackles, 9 for loss, 2 sacks) was an honorable-mention all-NSC pick, while Solum (60 tackles, 2 INT, 5 pass breakups, 1 defensive score), Leipold (42 tackles, 2 INT, 2 offensive touchdowns) and Roi (30 tackles, 5 for loss, 3 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries) all contributed a year ago… Earing caught 18 passes for 265 yards and 3 scores… Pasquier is a 3-year starter returning after a season-ending, Week 1 ankle injury, while Zepeda started at guard as a sophomore and Rivas started as a freshman at center… Roi, Earing and Pasquier are drawing Division III interest …. Cowhey noted Willoughby took a big leap this summer and is ready to fill Mundelein’s leading tackler shoes from last year… Cowhey added Roi is a leader on defense and will make a major impact on the field…. In terms of the North Suburban, Cowhey feels unlike last year (Warren Township) and two years ago (Libertyville), “there is not a clear preseason favorite,” he said. “I think there will be a ton of competitive games each week, which should make it a very fun conference to follow.”
Coach’s quote: “Our strength this year will be our speed and physicality,” Cowhey said. “We made it an off-season goal to play fast and physical football and they have been living the mantra all summer. We had five sophomores or freshmen start on the team last year and five seniors, so even though we are young, we have a fair amount of experience coming back.”
Round Lake
Coach: Randi Dey
Last season’s record: 1-8, 0-7 (eighth Northern Lake County)
Top returning players: Evan West (5-11, 175, sr., QB), Devin Powell (6-0, 180, sr., WR)
Key newcomers: Jaquan Jamerson (5-11, 180, sr., WR)
Panthers outlook: West (1,500 passing yards, 15 TDs) and Powell (730 receiving yards, 20 yards per catch) are returning all-Northern Lake County selections… Jayden Jean Baptiste is a 6-foot cornerback who runs a 4.5 40-yard dash and is very disciplined, Dey noted … Dylan Wright dealt with shin splints a year ago, but still led the Panthers in tackling… Sammie Espinosa is a 6-1, 230-pound offensive and defensive lineman who is one of the team’s strongest players and runs a sub-5-second 40. He also doubles and triples as the team’s kicker and punter… Of note is newcomer Jamerson, who is a standout 2-time all-NLCC basketball player and already has colleges contacting him about football. Dey pointed out Jamerson did not play football his first three years due to the program’s struggles. “Since he’s seen the shift in culture he’s bought in and is with us,” Dey said. “For him to risk his health going into his last year of basketball says a lot about him as a person as far as being a competitor and wanting more for himself. I really think he'll be all-conference in football, too.”
Coach’s quote: “In many ways, we’re still searching for an identity,” Dey said. “So, at the moment, our strength is our balance.”
Stevenson
Coach: Brent Becker
Last season’s record: 6-4, 5-2 (third North Suburban)
Top returning players: Dylan Fawcett (5-10, 170, sr., WR-DB), Brandon Hersh (5-9, 160, sr., WR-DB), Brody Delevitt (6-0, 175, sr., WR-DB), Isaiah Yun (5-10, 180, sr., WR-DB), Jack Wyma (5-8, 170, sr., RB-DL), Evan Holubetz (6-1, 220, junior, OL-DL), Alex Murillo (6-1, 270, jr., OL-DL)
Key newcomers: Eli Sigal (5-10, jr., QB-LB), Braden Sher (5-10, 170, sr., QB-DB), Luke Clark (6-4, 185, jr., WR-DB), Josh Olex (5-11, 185, sr., OL-DL), Hayden Huddleston (6-2, 210, sr., RB-LB)
Patriots outlook: Fawcett, Hersh, Delevitt, Yun, Wyma, Holubetz and Murillo are returning starters… Hersh caught 25 passes for 428 yards (17.1 yards per catch) and 1 touchdown last season… Fawcett caught 16 passes for 162 yards…Wyma had 17 tackles (2 for loss)… Also of note are returning linemen Holubetz and Murillo, who both started as sophomores… Yun, Fawcett, Hersch, Hudleston, Joseph Davanzo (5-10, 190, sr., RB-LB), Brayden Roth (6-1, 230, sr., OL), Olex, Connor Kenning (6-4, 200, sr., DE), Dan Jordan (6-0, 185, sr., DL) and Ryan Tarr (6-2, 180, sr., K-P) are all recruiting prospects, Becker noted.
Vernon Hills
Coach: Colton Jewell
Last season’s record: 5-5, 4-1 (second Central Suburban North)
Top returning players: Colin McMurray (5-10, 175, sr., QB-DB), Liam Wozniak (6-0, 170, sr., WR-DB), Mikey Lewis (5-11, 170, sr., RB-LB), Alex Aguedamartinez (6-0, 195, OL-LB), Stephen Poleacu (6-0, 255, OL-DL)
Key newcomers: Omari Miller (6-0, 165, soph., WR-DB), Jonathan Keats (6-4, 225, sr., DL-OL), Carson Alper (6-0, 180, jr., LB-WR)
Cougars outlook: Jewell is one of three new Lake County head football coaches along with Lake Zurich’s Teonic and Grayslake Central’s Pitt. Jewell previously was the assistant head coach at St. Patrick in Chicago for four years. Jewell played at Lakes from 2012-2016, had a short hoops career at College of Lake County and then played football at Aurora University under former NFL wide receiver Don Beebe… McMurray and Lewis are returning all-CSC North picks. McMurray, who Jewell said has been very dedicated and has been a leader on the offensive side, threw for 534 yard and 4 scores and ran for 578 yards with 7 touchdowns… Lewis had 79 tackles, 5 tackles for loss and 3 sacks…. Wozniak (30 tackles) also contributed, while Aguedamartinez and Poleacau are returning offensive line starters… Jewell said Miller brings quickness and speed on the outside with great hands, while Alper is tough and physical and a great team player with a high IQ and high motor… Mark down Aug. 28 on the calendar when Jewell returns to Polley Field in Lake Villa to take on his alma mater.
Coach’s quote: “We are a senior-heavy team,” Jewell said. “We have a lot of student-athletes who are stepping up as leaders. This will help guide this team to be successful. We have some explosive players who will help us on both sides of the ball.”
Warren Township
Coach: Bryan McNulty
Last season’s record: 9-2, 7-0 (North Suburban champions)
Top returning players: Kayden Millbrooks (6-4, 275, jr., DL), Jayden Muirguia (6-0, 270, sr., OL), Immanual Gahima (6-4, 275, sr., OL), Nolan Lopez (5-10, 250, jr., OL), Kentrell Lear (6-1, 210, sr., TE-DE), Zech Yancey (5-11, 170, sr., WR-DB), Braylan McMillon (5-10, 220, sr., LB), Jayden Wright (5-9, 175, jr., DB), Grant Haack (5-9, 180, jr., DB), Adam Benske (5-9, 175, jr., K), Andy Alluri (6-1, 200, sr., K), Emmanuel Ubaka (6-4, 300, OL)
Key newcomers: Xavier Vinson (6-4, 200, jr., QB), Johnny Randolph (5-11, 180, jr., RB), Mikey Bunch (6-3, 190, sr., WR), Ozi Hernandez (5-9, 165, sr., WR), Pearce Estrada (6-0, 220, jr., TE-FB), Carter Davis (6-1, 290, jr., OL)
Blue Devils outlook: While standout running back Aaron Stewart is off to the University of Illinois, the cupboards are far from empty in Gurnee. Millbrooks started 11 games as a sophomore, while Muirguia also started 11 games at center and holds multiple college offers, McNulty noted. Gahima started every game on the offensive line, while Lopez started 7 games as a sophomore. Lear had 10 catches and 2 touchdowns as starting tight tend, while McMillon started at linebacker and was Warren’s second-leading tackler. Wright started 8 games at corner as a sophomore, while Ubaka holds multiple college offers (Division II and NAIA), McNulty said… More recruiting, Vinson also holds multiple Division III offers… McNulty said the big, fast and very talented Millbrooks should hold multiple Division I offers after this season, while Randolph, he added, should be the next in a line of outstanding tailbacks at Warren. “Johnny embodies what we do as a program as well as anybody,” McNulty said. “He is tough, a hard worker and competitive…” McNulty said defensive lineman Xavien Yarborough should have a breakout year, while McMillon is as good a linebacker as Warren has had in awhile… McNulty pointed out the North Suburban has had three different champions the last three years, “which is good for our conference,” he said.
Coach’s quote: “We are really young,” McNulty said. “Our strength will be our togetherness as a team. We will continue to play fast and tough football together.”
Wauconda
Coach: Chris Prostka
Last season’s record: 9-1, 7-0 (Northern Lake County champions)
Top returning players: Brody Rudolph (5-10, 225, sr., RB-LB), Jayden Sanders (6-4, 200, sr., OL-DL), Luke Sickmeir (6-3, 195, sr., WR-TE-DB), Finn Loomis (5-10, 220, jr., OL-DL), Noah Schuck (6-3, 235, jr., OL-DL), Austin Zuraski (6-2, 180, TE-LB, jr.)
Key newcomers: Brian Hart (5-9, 165, sr., RB-LB), Brody McKenna (5-11, 195, sr., RB-LB), Sebastian Torres (6-0, 240, jr., OL-DL), Colton Zak (5-10, 185, soph., RB-LB)
Bulldogs outlook: Sickmeir (33 catches, 782 yards, 9 TDs), who is drawing interest from Illinois, Indiana State, Yale, Wisconsin-Oshkosh and Waterbury, is a returning all-state honorable-mention pick. Rudolph (451 rushing yards, 8 TDs, 72 tackles, 12 for loss), drawing interest from Indiana State, Dubuque, Wartburg and Wisconsin-Oshkosh, was an all-NLCC pick last year… Loomis made 22 tackles on the varsity as a sophomore last season… Cooper Karaszewski takes over at quarterback. “Cooper spent a lot of time in the off-season developing as a passer,” Prostka said. “We believe he will run our offense efficiently and be able to make plays when needed.” …The defending conference-champion Bulldogs also are bolstered by Hart and McKenna, who return after focusing on wrestling last year. Hart was a fourth-place state finisher last year, while McKenna also made the state wrestling tournament. “Both are phenomenal athletes and are tough,” Prostka said.
Coach’s quote: “We have some experienced players, multiyear varsity starters, as well as a new class of seniors that will be stepping into bigger roles this season,” Prostka said. “Our depth will be a strong point and will allow us to limit the number of players going both ways.”