Football Preview: Breaking down the preseason Super 25 rankings

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Homewood-Flossmoor begins the season with plenty of hype and lofty expectations.

“I guess it is better than being the one on the bottom,” Vikings coach Craig Buzea said. “We talked about it in the offseason and decided to embrace it and go from there. When you return the guys that we do I think we expected it and I think our guys are up for the challenge. We’ll find out, but we have talked to them about it. It’s a whole different beast.”

The Vikings open the season with a major test tonight at Downers Grove South.

“At some point this season we will definitely hit some adversity and it will be interesting to see how we handle it,” Buzea said. “Hopefully our senior leadership can get us through it.”

1. Homewood-Flossmoor: The Vikings reached the 8A state championship game last season and return most of the pieces that took them there including quarterback Bryce Gray and standout running backs Deante and Devonte Harley-Hampton.

2. Glenbard West: Sam Brodner, one of the top running backs in the state, returns and the Hitters always seem to put together a solid defense. Glenbard West advanced to the Class 8A semifinals last season.

3. Nazareth: The defending Class 6A state champions may be even more talented this season. Star athletes like Notre Dame cornerback commit Julian Love have another year of experience. This team is stacked with talent and knows what it takes to win the state title.

4. Maine South: The Hawks feature one of the top offensive lines in the area and one of the top returning quarterbacks. Cincinnati snagged senior offensive lineman Liam O’Sullivan this offseason and Big Ten schools are offering junior Kevin Jarvis. Quarterback Brian Collis is back for another year.

5. Simeon: The Wolverines are once again one of the most athletic teams in the area. Many key pieces return from their run to the state semifinals in Class 8A last season.

6. Lincoln-Way East: Running back Liam Morrissey is back. Last season he racked up more than 1,500 yards and scored 26 touchdowns to help propel the Griffins to the state quarterfinals.

7. Libertyville: Quarterback Riley Lees is one to watch. The Northwestern recruit notched more than 3,300 all-purpose yards last season. Libertyville rolled until they faced Cary-Grove in the Class 7A state semifinals last season.

8. Naperville Central: The Redhawks are led by wide receiver Emmanuel Rugamba and look to rebuild their defense after the loss of several key starters. They play hard, and two years ago took home the Class 8A title after an improbable run.

9. Mount Carmel: The Caravan have a strong quarterback in Anthony Thompson, who is committed to Northern Illinois, and a good backfield led by Anthony Ries.

10. Stevenson: The Patriots will look a lot different with former receiver Jack Sorenson at quarterback. They are a team with heart that knows how to win so watch out for the defending Class 8A champs.

11. Joliet Catholic: The Hilltoppers feature strong offensive and defensive lines that could carry them far in the season. Lineman Tyler Witt leads the way.

12. Bolingbrook: Once again, the Raiders defense is top notch, led by Ohio State linebacker recruit Tuf Borland. There are plenty of good young pieces in place, especially on offense.

13. Montini: Young running back Prince Walker is a name that should emerge this season. He’s only a junior but should be a major playmaker. The Broncos have plenty of talent and several superstars should develop.

14. Loyola: The Ramblers are headlined by Northwestern recruit Eric Eshoo, a receiver, and long snapper John Shannon, a Notre Dame recruit.

15. Providence: The defending Class 7A state champions graduated a lot of key players but plenty still remain. Junior running back Richie Warfield scored four touchdowns in the title game and is force to be reckoned with. The Celtics defense should be a strong point this season.

16. Hinsdale Central: The Red Devils advanced to the second round of the playoffs last season, and return a lot of starters from both lines. They are solid overall and have had a year to develop under coach Dan Hartman.

17. Hinsdale South: A dynamic team that could make some noise this season. Michigan State defensive lineman recruit Josh King leads the way. Expect to see him on both sides of the ball in some capacity. Also watch running back Marcus Curry.

18. Barrington: The Broncos advanced to the state quarterfinals last season and expect to carry that momentum into this season. Quarterback Johnny Davidson led the team to a 10-2 record last season and now has a full year of varsity experience under his belt.

19. Phillips: The Wildcats have a new look offense with the graduation of quarterback Dwayne Collins, but they have replaced him with Connecticut recurit Quayvon Skanes who has shown sparks this preseason. The defense is strong.

20. Neuqua Valley: Plenty of standout athletes, including junior wide receiver Isaiah Robertson and Western Michigan tight end recruit Brett Borske. The Wildcats have a multidimensional offense with plenty of threats. The should adjust quickly to the DuPage Valley conference.

21. Cary-Grove: The Trojans’ triple option attack always seems to reload and with the return of Tyler Pennington they should have another excellent season.

22. Lyons: A lot of young talent returns from a team that lost a first round playoff game 21-17 to eventual Class 8A state champion Stevenson. Quarterback Ben Bryant can sling the ball. The Lyons have made 6 consecutive playoff appearances.

23. New Trier: Advanced to the state quarterfinals last season and should start the season quickly this year. Clay Czyzynski returns at quarterback and has a good team surrounding him.

24. Glenbard North: Another team that could make a run for the DuPage Valley conference crown. Led by running backs Devion Hodges and Vittorio Tricase.

25. St. Francis: The Spartans were a surprise last season as they advanced to the state semifinals. Expect them to take that momentum right into this season.

Contributing: Michael O’Brien

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