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Nonconference games
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Bolingbrook at Minooka
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: Bolingbrook 13, Minooka 6 (2003)
About the Raiders: Bolingbrook has some explosive playmakers available on offense, particularly at wide receiver. Sophomores I’Marion Stewart and Kyan Berry-Johnson make a formidable tandem. If the Raiders can find some pieces on the offensive line, they could have a powerful offense. As is the custom at Bolingbrook, the Raiders also have some exceptional talent on defense. Safety Damon Walters and defensive back Amon Walker should anchor a terrific secondary. The Raiders could present problems for foes if they can fill some gaps in the front seven.
About the Indians: If you look at the returning core it is easy to assume Minooka will have a pass-heavy attack. Wide receivers Trevor Hudak and Northern Illinois-bound Malik Armstrong back up that per-supposition, but the fact that Minooka returns four offensive linemen also gives it the flexibility to attack opponents on the ground. Minooka could rotate quarterbacks as well, as Ethan Murphy and Gavin Dooley have different traits.
Friday Night Drive Pick: Minooka
Buffalo Grove at Lincoln-Way Central
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: First meeting
About the Bison: Buffalo Grove appears to have turned the corner after several years of struggles in the Mid-Suburban Conference. The Bison have quite a bit of experience returning, including eight players that have started since their sophomore seasons. Buffalo Grove should be anchored offensively by RB Cole Nixon, while a number of wide receivers return but will be adjusting to a new quarterback.
About the Knights: Lincoln-Way Central finished the spring season with impressive nonconference wins over Plainfield North and Evanston. The Knights are hoping to keep that momentum going but will do so with a largely new cast, particularly in the skill positions. The Knights have a couple of solid offensive linemen returning in Lucas Shanahan and Paul Claussen. Look for the Knights to lean on their defense, particularly with defensive lineman Braden Barrett, linebacker Jack Zastro and defensive back Jack Mackowiak providing the base for what could be a s stingy unit.
FND Pick: Lincoln-Way Central
Crete-Monee at Lincoln-Way East
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: Lincoln-Way East 41, Crete-Monee 13 (2018)
About the Warriors: Crete-Monee doesn’t get pushed in Southland Conference play very often so it often seeks the best nonconference schedule it can. That’s certainly the case here. The Warriors also play Joliet Catholic and Plainfield North outside of their conference. Crete-Monee always has some highly talented players, and this season isn’t any different. Defensive lineman Xavier Slayton and defensive end Brandon Harry are capable of causing trouble if allowed to roam free.
About the Griffins: Lincoln-Way East has a considerable amount of roster turnover, but even with that it’s hard to bet against this program. The Griffins haven’t lost a game since a 2018 Class 8A playoff semifinal loss to Loyola, which is sandwiched around two state championship efforts in 2017 and 2019. There aren’t a lot of familiar names in the starting lineup, which likely will be filled with a number of capable members of the junior class. It’s a talented group that has multiple players capable of breaking out.
FND Pick: Lincoln-Way East
Hersey at Lincoln-Way West
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: First Meeting
About the Huskies: Hersey has become one of the top-tier teams in the Mid-Suburban League, and they look ready to protect that perch. The Huskies return Ben Clawson, who they deploy in a number of ways. He excels at all of them. Hersey also returns QB Jimmy Maku. The Huskies have the look of a team capable of providing offensive fireworks. Hersey also has a host of defensive starters back, but many of them are pulling double duty.
About the Warriors: Lincoln-Way West had a spectacular spring season, rattling off five consecutive wins before falling to district rival Lincoln-Way East in the season finale. A number of players critical to that success return for the Warriors. The offense’s versatility should create matchup problems for a number of the Warriors’ opponents. WR/DB Eric Nowak, who rarely leaves the field, is a key component for Lincoln-Way West.
FND Pick: Hersey
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Lockport at Joliet West
When: 6:30 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: Lockport 35, Joliet West 6 (2015)
About the Porters: There’s plenty of good vibes around the Lockport program right now. A number of key players return who consistently turned in strong performances in the spring season. The roster eventually will get a boost from the return of running back Ty Schultz, who didn’t play in the spring because of an ACL injury. But the Porters developed a impressive running game with Andrew LoPresti, who also returns and is more than capable of shouldering the load.
About the Tigers: Joliet West believes in building around defense. The Tigers have the basic components to build a solid unit. It starts with linebacker Bryan McCoy, who will almost certainly see his share of double teams from opposing offensive lines. The Tigers also have a fair amount of experience in the secondary with Robert Satterwhite and Jerry Richards. Offensively, a bit more is up in the air, but the Tigers do have an explosive playmaker in running back Ena Dorcoo.
FND Pick: Lockport
Argo at Joliet Central
When: 6:30 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: First meeting
About the Argonauts: Argo has had a rough go for a while and can relate to some of the issues of its Week 1 opponent. The Argonauts have advanced to the playoffs just twice since 2001 and have only won one playoff game in school history (2013). Argo has also only had more than one win in any season in each of the past five full seasons.
About the Steelmen: Joliet Central will try to start on the right foot with yet another new program leader, Thomas Hart. Hart is the program’s fourth head coach in the past four seasons. Hart already has succeeded in boosting program numbers, which has been a persistent problem for the Steelmen. One thing is certain, this scheduling is a vast improvement for Joliet Central, which has been roughed up by some real schedule inequities with Southwest Prairie Conference West crossover games in the past.
FDN Pick: Argo
Plainfield Central at Addison Trail
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: First Meeting
About the Wildcats: Plainfield Central was trending upward during the spring season with three victories, which is about half the total the program had mustered over the previous seven seasons. There’s reason to believe that the Wildcats can keep that momentum going as they have started to develop a little depth, which will require fewer players to be forced into double duty. They also have returning running back Aaron Larkins who exploded onto the scene with several huge performances in the spring.
About the Blazers: Addison Trail struggled mightily in the spring season, particularly on defense. The lone win in a 1-5 campaign was a 50-47 victory over winless Berwyn-Cicero Morton. The Blazers also have to figure out a way to replace extremely productive graduated running back Eric Reed.
FND Pick: Plainfield Central
Plainfield East at Plainfield North
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: Plainfield North 35, Plainfield East 20 (2019)
About the Bengals: Plainfield East had an odd spring season and played in a manner that threw caution to the wind. The Bengals might prove to be a little more conventional, but their attack plan did allow a lot of players to get experience at the varsity level. A lot of those returners come on defense, and if that solidifies it will give the offense a chance to put some new pieces in place. One thing that isn’t in question on offensive is the big play ability of wide receiver Michael Morgan.
About the Tigers: Like every team at this point of the season there’s a fair amount of questions marks. One thing that isn’t an issue for Plainfield North, however, is what to expect from its offensive line, as all five starters return up front. They will provide protection for bruising runner Jared Gumila as they figure out how to sort out the rest of the skill positions. Defensively, there’s more rebuilding to do, but the Tigers always seem to find their way.
FND Pick: Plainfield North
West Aurora at Plainfield South
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: Plainfield South 34, West Aurora 14 (2019)
About the Blackhawks: It has been a rough transition for West Aurora into the Southwest Prairie Conference, but this current roster finally might make a dent in the league’s armor. An extremely young West Aurora squad took the field in the spring. The experience gained should pay dividends now as about every position is filled with a returning starter. Running back Jeremiah Johnson should be a player to watch.
About the Cougars: It will be an extremely young Plainfield South team that hits the field but also a very talented one. In particular, the backfield will be difficult for opponents. Junior Brian Stanton piled up massive numbers in a limited role as a sophomore and is likely to be a problem for opponents. He’ll be joined in the backfield by another capable runner in Johnny Bailey. If South can continue its tradition of salty defensive units, there’s a good mix here.
FND Pick: Plainfield South
Yorkville at Romeoville
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: Yorkville 42, Romeoville 10 (2015)
About the Foxes: Yorkville has been a steady program in its first two years in the Southwest Prairie. If that’s going to continue it will likely happen in the early going by relying on a defense that has several key players back in the fold, including defensive backs Malachi Jones and Blake Kersting. Offensively, there are a few more question marks, but there’s some promise as well.
About the Spartans: Romeoville started the spring season on the right foot with two wins in its first three games, but after that solid start the Spartans had some issues with numbers and were unable to finish the way they would have preferred. Numbers remain an issue for the program, but they have seen a slight improvement there. Expect Romeoville to employ a heavy dose of running back Jahmari Christian as he was highly productive in the spring.
FND Pick: Yorkville
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Simeon at Joliet Catholic
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: First meeting
About the Wolverines: Simeon is one of the premiere programs in the Chicago Public League. The Wolverines typically possess top-level talent at the offensive specialist positions. This season’s standout is electric wide receiver Malik Elzy.
About the Hilltoppers: After steamrolling its way through the spring season high expectations surround Joliet Catholic, which has several significant returners on both sides of the football. With those expectations comes a rigorous schedule filled with conference and nonconference games that should test the Hilltoppers, starting with this matchup.
FND Pick: Joliet Catholic
Willowbrook at Providence
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: Providence 14, Willowbrook 7 (2019)
About the Warriors: Willowbrook simply has become a program that knows how to stack up victories. This is an opportunity to make a mark outside of the West Suburban Gold, a league the Warriors have dominated in recent seasons. Running back Joshua Brown gives the Warriors a huge weapon for Providence to have to deal with.
About the Celtics: Providence will go to battle for the last season with veteran coach Mark Coglianese, who will retire from coaching at the conclusion of the season. The Celtics will be a largely new look team particularly at the skill positions. Wide receiver Brayden Garrigan does give Providence one experienced playmaker on which to rely.
FND Pick: Willowbrook
St. Charles East (0-5 last season at Lemont (3-0)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: St. Charles East 12, Lemont 6 (2019)
About the Saints: In one of the more surprising stories of the spring season, the Saints went winless in five games. If there is one program that likely is to have at the very least a modest turnaround, it’s this one. Quarterback Nathan Hayes gives the Saints a great place to start on offense, while offensive tackle Austin Barrett should give Hayes plenty of time to operate.
About Lemont: The Indians went young last season. Almost the entire defense is made up of players that played extensively in the spring. Offensively, Lemont also has experience with a full backfield of players that saw plenty of snaps, including running backs Sam Andreotti and Albert Kunickis, but the breakout player might be massive offensive lineman Mack Indestad.
FND Pick: Lemont
Morris at Coal City
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: Coal City 48, Morris 33 (2019)
About Morris: In the summer, Morris has shown plenty of signs that it could be pretty prolific through the air. Quarterback Zach Romak returns. He should engineer an offense that has plenty of capable targets, such as Aidan Romak and Myles Johnston. Several players will be asked to go both ways, but linebacker Jorge Loza should be a mainstay.
About the Coalers: It likely will be a year of transition for the Coalers as they will go to battle with a new head coach in Francis Loughran. It also will be a different looking offense as its main weapon as of late, Asa Cooper, has graduated from the program. That’s a big loss, but the Coalers’ hallmark always has been the defense. It still looks like the program has enough there to keep the Coalers on a path to the postseason.
FND Pick: Morris
Peoria Manual at Peotone
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: Peotone 35, Peoria Manual 8 (2019)
About the Rams: The Rams are in the midst of a rough patch, having not won more than one game in any season since 2011. They are members of the Big Twelve Conference, a league that is filled with programs that Manual has had trouble matching up with.
About the Blue Devils: Peotone has emerged as a solid program in the Illinois Central Eight, just missing out on a share of the conference title in the spring. The Blue Devils have quite a bit of experience returning but will rely on a number of players in the early going that are expected to perform on both sides of the ball. Developing depth will be critical.
FND Pick: Peotone
Reed-Custer at Elmwood Park
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: First Meeting
About the Comets: Reed-Custer will look very familiar to those that saw it in the spring as 19 of the 22 starters return. Tops among those players are two-way lineman Kody Christian and running back/linebacker Jaden Christian, who should provide a foundation for the Comets as they try to find their way back to the playoff field for the first time since 2009.
About the Tigers: Elmwood Park had found itself in the postseason field in each of the past three full seasons, but took a step back in the spring, dropping all four of its decisions. Elmwood Park could use a good start before entering into a Metro Suburban schedule that won’t provide a lot of breaks.
FND Pick: Reed-Custer
Wilmington at Marengo
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: Marengo 21, Wilmington 14 (1996)
About the Wildcats: Willing nonconference opponents have been hard to come by for the Wildcats, so they are forced to make a significant road trip to fill out the slate. WIlmington ran through a short schedule last year without a loss and will look to carry that momentum into the fall, where linebacker Alan Richards should anchor the defense, a unit that typically sets the tone for the team.
About the Indians: Marengo has put together a solid run over the past few seasons, including the spring, where its 4-2 mark was blemished by two losses to the same team, powerhouse Richmond-Burton. The roster took some big hits to graduation, but quarterback Josh Holst does return.
FND Pick: Wilmington
Salt Fork at Dwight
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Last matchup: Salt Fork 42, Dwight 0 (2017)
About the Storm: Salt Fork is consistently one of the better programs in the Vermilion Valley’s previous incarnation, having made the playoffs in the past four full seasons. The Storm also netted an above .500 record in the spring season, a consistent bench mark for a program that only has missed the playoffs once since 2001.
About the Trojans: After starting the spring season with back-to-back victories, Dwight limped through the back of half of its schedule with three rough losses to conference foes.
FND Pick: Salt Fork
Westville at Seneca
When: 7 p.m. Saturday
Last matchup: First Meeting
About the Tigers: Westville slowly has climbed back from a rough 2018 season when it went winless, which was a far cry from when the program was a playoff regular in the earlier parts of the decade. It’s a pretty experienced group of returners for the Tigers as they try to continue their progression.
About the Fighting Irish: Seneca was senior dominated in the spring, but new head coach Terry Maxwell, who formerly was an assistant in the program, likes the potential of his young group. How young is the group? About half of the varsity roster comes from the sophomore class, including returning starting quarterback Nathan Grant.
FND Pick: Seneca