2017 Football Preview: Breaking down the preseason Super 25

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Prairie Ridge’s Samson Evans (22) turns the corner on his way to an 80-yard touchdown run during the first quarter of the IHSA Class 6A state championship football game against Sacred Heart-Griffin, Saturday, Nov. 26, 2016, at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Ill. Prairie Ridge defeated Sacred Heart-Griffin 48-17. (AP Photo/Bradley Leeb)

Prairie Ridge had a perfect season a year ago. It will be a major challenge to keep the streak alive.

“It’s going to be tough,” Prairie Ridge coach Chris Schremp said. “We have to be ready every single game. It was quite an accomplishment to go 14-0 last year going through that conference. We’re the smallest school in the conference too, people don’t realize that.”

Here’s a look at the preseason Super 25.

1. Prairie Ridge: The Wolves are loaded with offensive and defensive firepower. Potent playmaker Samson Evans is a dual-threat quarterback that was unstoppable in 2016. Iowa recruit Jeff Jenkins leads an experienced group of offensive lineman. Prairie Ridge’s defense can also make a difference, led by a solid group of linebackers.

2. Maine South: The defending Class 8A champions are primed for another big season. Running back Fotis Kokosioulis will benefit from a strong offensive line. The Hawks are stacked with high potential up-and-comers like receiver/defensive back Cam Stacy.

3. Loyola:The Ramblers have depth and athleticism at skill positions. Standouts include junior receiver Noah Jones, senior running back Hamid Bullie and offensive lineman Charlie Gross. Coach John Holecek always has a staunch defense.

4. Waubonsie Valley: Top receiver Charles Robinson is at quarterback Tanner Westwood’s disposal. The majority of the offense is back from a productive year where Westwood passed for 1,662 yards and 18 touchdowns. Defensive back Derric Lee is one to watch for the Warriors.

5. Lyons: The Lions are primed for a good season behind quarterback Ben Bryant. They return a majority of their offensive starters and have several high-potential athletes on defense.

6. Glenbard West: The defense will be as strong as always, but expect the offense to lead the way this season. Senior running backs Ryan Diver and Dre Thomas are both talented runners. Receiver Alec Pierce has size and speed.

7. Lincoln-Way East: The Griffins have plenty of size, speed and depth. Lineman Devin O’Rourke leads the defense. Keep an eye on sophomore running back A.J. Henning, who has breakout speed.

8. Phillips: Standout quarterback J’Bore Gibbs and linebacker/running back Craig Elmore set the stage for another big season. Linebacker Terrance Taylor, a transfer from Mount Carmel, adds a lot to the defense. The Wildcats have an extremely challenging schedule the first few weeks.

9. Homewood-Flossmoor: Quarterback may be a question mark, but the Vikings are stacked with big-time talent. Athletes Justin Hall and Mario Wright provide plenty of options.

10. Marist: Longtime assistant Ron Dawczak takes over for Pat Dunne. The Redhawks have a strong defensive line that includes Minnesota recruit Elijah Teague and Indiana recruit Gavin McCabe. The offense has an elite talent in tight end T.J. Ivy.

11. Palatine: New coach Corey Olson has a staunch defense and athletic quarterback D.J. Angelaccio. The Pirates surprised last season with an undefeated conference record and a trip to the state semifinals. They are solidly on the radar now.

12. Barrington: The Broncos return athletes in several key positions, including quarterback Raymond Niro. A new offensive line will have to step up quickly.

13. New Trier: The Trevians (not Class 8A state champs Maine South) won the Central Suburban League South last season. A solid chunk of the offense returns, including tight end Brian Kaiser.

14. Lemont: The defense has plenty of experience and the offense is loaded with talent. Watch for wide receiver Austin Nagel, running back Anthony Martin and receiver Matt Slee.

15. Lake Zurich: New coach Luke Mertens has inherited a team with depth and experience on defense, highlighted by linebacker Jack Sanborn. Quarterback Evan Lewandownski will be a major factor. The Bears are solid and reliable.

16. Huntley: The Red Raiders advanced to the state quarterfinals last season. Senior Eric Mooney, one of the area’s top quarterbacks, leads a young offense.

17. Nazareth: The Roadrunners are back after a rebuilding year. All-around athlete Michael Love can impact several phases of the game. Defensive lineman Isaiah Lee is a force to be reckoned with.

18. Oswego: A lot of firepower returns from last season’s 10-1 squad. Iowa recruit Noah Shannon is a punisher on both lines. Expect the Panthers’ defense to be tough and the offense to develop throughout the season.

19. St. Charles East: The Saints have a two-pronged running back attack with junior Justin Jett and senior Nick Garlisch. Clayton Isbell takes over at quarterback. The offensive line play will determine a lot.

20. Glenbard North: Defensive back Tyrik Henderson leads one of the area’s best secondaries. The Panthers have questions at quarterback and running back, but there are athletic options. The defense will lead early.

21. Naperville Central: An already strong roster was bolstered by two transfers, quarterback Payton Thorne and wide receiver/cornerback Jayden Reed. Young but talented, the Redhawks should steadily improve.

22. Mount Carmel: The Caravan had several players transfer, but the defense has a majority of starters back and elite athlete Alek Thomas takes over full-time at quarterback.

23. Batavia: The Bulldogs advanced to the second round in Class 7A last season. Half the team returns, led by running back Reggie Williams and a staunch offensive line that includes Nolan Eike and Chris Monroe.

24. Crete-Monee: The offense is loaded with speed, strength and breakout talents. Quarterback Isaiah Rucker and running backs Tyler Mays and Xavier Ledet are poised for big seasons. The defense is less experienced but full of potential.

25. Richards: Senior quarterback Sebastian Castro had a terrific summer and he has two excellent targets in Niles Gall and Nathan St. James. The Bulldogs are talented and athletic.

This is just the latest installment of the 2017 Football Preview. Read the rest:

No. 1 Prairie Ridge

No. 2 Maine South

No. 3 Loyola

No. 4 Waubonsie Valley

No. 5 Lyons

Top 10 quarterbacks

Top 10 receivers

Top 10 running backs

Top 10 defensive players

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