Football season has returned! We asked our coaches to tell them more about their teams. Here’s what they had to say.
*Coaches were contacted multiple times for this exercise. Those responses are below. Don’t see your team? Email Michael Wojtychiw at mmwojtychiw@cps.edu.
School name: Amundsen High School
Last season’s record:4-5
Social media handle: X: AHSFOOTBALL01 INSTAGRAM:amundsenfootball
Returning starters (name, class, position and honors):
Sam Macaluso, 2027, OL/DL, and Team Captain.
Jake Siefert, 2028, WR/QB
Returning non-starters (name, class, position):
Logan Peon, 2029, MLB
Shea O’Conor, 2027, WR/DE
Declan Dailey, 2028, DB/WR
Aydan Soto, 2027, WR
Chris Wilson, 2028, DB/WR
Jayden Soloj, 2028, LB/TB
Milton Follmar, 2027, TB/DB
Marco Celerio, 2027, LB/TB
Soren Diaz-Perez, 2028, OL/DL
Zach Wims, 2028, OL/DL
Robert Guerrero, 2027, OL
Brooks Besson, 2028, TE/DE
Top newcomers (name, class, position):
Alexander Gonzalez, 2028, TB/LB
Bryce Reaven, 2027, WR/DB
John Baranggay, 2028, QB/WR/DB
Westly Walker, 2027, DB/WR
Ryan Riley, 2029, DL
Coach’s season outlook:
Looking to make it back to the playoffs with a completely new team with limited varsity experience.
School name: Bogan
Last season record: 6-2-1
Social Media: Instagram – Boganfootballofficial
Returning starters:
Xavier Terrell – Sr – Qb/Atl
Xavier Alvarez – Sr – Fb/Lb
Jaylen Brown – Jr – Wr/Db
Dedrik Graham – Jr – OL/DL
Jumauri Mickles – Jr – Wr/Db
Miguel Aguilar – Sr – Rb/Lb/P/K
Newcomers:
Kirk Wright – Sr – TE/DE
Aaron Cacaras – Sr – Qb/Wr/Db
Ashton Carraway – So – OL/DL
Keyonte Rogers – Sr – Wr/Db
Coaches season outlook:
We lost a few key players from last year’s 6-2-1 season but are returning a core group of guys looking to prove last year wasn’t a one time thing along with the addition of some new guys with eyes set on building on the success from last season. Key returners Xavier Alvarez – RB/LB, Xavier Terrell – QB/DB, Jaylen Brown – WR/DB, Jumauri Mickles – WR/DB, & Dedrik Graham – OL/DL. A few newcomers looking to make an immediate impact from week 1 are Ashton Carraway, Aaron Cacaras, Keontay Rogers, & Kirk Wright! We have our eyes set on winning the White South and securing Bogan’s first State playoff bid since the 21-22 season.
School name: Chicago Academy
Last season’s record: 5-4
Returning starters (name, class, position and honors):
Steven Villanueva – Junior – OL/DE – Captain
Victor De La Cruz – Junior – QB – Captain
Oscar Bustos – Senior – OL/DT- Captain
Mason Owens – Senior – RB/LB- Captain
Salvador Guzman – Senior – TE/LB
Fabian Booker – Senior – OL/DE
Tyrese Gilmore – Senior – OL/DT
Gianny Cruz – Junior – WR/DB
Returning non-starters (name, class, position):
Juan Hurtado – Sophomore – OL/DT
Justin Marrero – Junior – LB
Immanueld Flecha – Sophomore – OL/DT
Gonzalo Acuna – Sophomore – WR/DB
Brian Washington – Sophomore – WR/DB
Top newcomers (name, class, position):
Ayoub Ihmud – Senior – RB
Silvio Decaro – Senior – WR/DB
Josue Buestan – Sophomore – OL/DT
Brison Henry – Freshman – WR/LB
Coach’s season outlook:
We are excited to continue our co-op with Disney II and build upon our over .500 record last year. The goal and expectation is always the same. Play hard every down and come out 1-0.
School name: Corliss
Last season’s record: 9-3
Returning starters (name, class, position and honors):
Demetris Loggers, Jr., DT, All Conference
Marion Thompson, Jr., DE, All Conference
Jaylin Moore, Sr., SS
Returning non-starters (name, class, position):
Jayce Trigg, Sr., QB
Jaquan Gumm, Jr., Center
Jai Adderly, Sr., Guard
Marcus Smith, Jr., WR
Cayzon McGrudder, Jr., WR
Demarion Ambrose, Jr., WR
KaMane Key, Jr., RB
Demonte Redmond, Sr., RB
Reginald Stephens, Jr., CB
Amaje Long, Jr., LB
Derrick Smith, Jr., CB
Top newcomers (name, class, position):
Jay’dien Watkins, Sr., Guard
Cameron Cobb, Fr., Offensive Tackle
Josiah Richmond, Jr., DE
Juelez Nowells, Jr., LB
Omari Williams, Jr., LB
Diego Langston, Fr., Athlete
Da’One Langston, So., WR
Isiah Martinez, Jr., DE
Coach’s season outlook: Win our last game!!!
School: Curie
2025 record: 8-2
Returning starters (name, position, year, honors and stats if available):
Acuna, Mateo – 6’3, 290, OL/DL, Sr
Burns, Triston – 5’10, 160, RB/DB, Sr.
Hogan, Josiah – 6’1, 205, TE/LB, Sr.
Horton, Dream – 6’2, 165, WR/DB, Jr., All-City/All-Conference
Horton, Malik – 5’11, 195, RB/DB, Jr., All-City/All-Conference
Murillo, Jose – 6’1, 250, OL/DL, Sr.
Nevarez-Valadez, Ivan – 5’10, 170, QB/DB, So.
Tabb, Doumarier – 6’3, 250, OL/DL, Sr.
Returning non-starters:
Edwards, Harper – 5’10, 160, WR/DB, Jr.
Harris, Donta – 5’10, 155, WR/DB, Jr.
Valadez, Santiago – 6’0, 180, RB/LB, Jr.
Williams, Vincent – 5’10, 215, RB/LB, Jr.
Newcomers:
Thompson, JaQuan – 6’3, 230, OL/DL, Jr.
Barrow-Salazar, Isael – 5’8, 180, RB/LB, Fr.
Coach’s Season Outlook: I see the team finishing above .500, but hopefully at least 6-2. We have several players D1 prospects, I can not wait for them to live up to their expectations.
School name: Sarah E Goode STEM Academy
Last season’s record: 7-3
Returning starters (name, class, position, stats and honors):
Ryan Ogburn – Senior G/DT All-conference Lake Forest College Offer
Aedan Cleveland – Senior RB/DB All- Conference; 1048 rushing yds 16 TDs 1 pick 6 for 106 yds
Kayvion Campbell – Senior T/DE All Conference
Daniel Pacheco – Senior FB/LB
Trenell Clark – Senior TE/DT
Thomas Davis – Senior T/NT
Jordan Boston – Junior QB/DB
Justin Harris – Junior TE/DE
Elijah Hitchcock – Junior C
Dorrell Ries – Junior WR/SS
Caron Williams – Junior LB/RB
Returning non-starters (name, class, position):
Royal Smart – Junior C/T/DT
Stephan Crump – Junior DT
Alexander Holt – Junior DB/RB
Dante McConico – Junior C/DE
Jerell Fair – Sophomore WR/FS
Joshua Gandy – Sophomore LB/FB
Adrian Nevarez – Sophomore QB/DB
Top newcomer (name, class, position):
Kaleb Bryant – Senior DB/WR/RB
Coach’s season outlook:
Conference Championship, State or City playoff run
School name: Johnson College Prep
Last season’s record: 0-9
Social media handle: @johnsoncollegeprepfootballteam
Returning starters (name, class, position):
Landon Brooks, 6’3 275, Sr. OL/DL
Donnell Hawkins, 6’2 215 Sr. QB
King Cutler 5’9 Sr. RB, /LB/ S
Kobe Muniga, 6’1 Sr, TE / DE
Terell Sharp, 5’9 Jr. RB,/ K, / DB
Top newcomers (name, class, position):
Darius Thomas, 5’9 Soph. DE/TE
Coach’s season outlook:
Don’t judge Johnson College Prep by last year’s record. Judge us by how much we’ve grown. If we stay healthy, protect the football, and continue buying into the culture, we have a legitimate opportunity to take a significant step forward this season. Success won’t just be measured by wins as it will be measured by establishing a program that competes every week and earns respect through preparation and toughness.
School: Jones College Prep
Social media handle: Instagram: jcpeaglesfootball Twitter/x: Jones_eaglesfb
Returning starters (name, class, position):
Patrick Amazube, Sr., LB/TE
Theodore Damus, Sr., TE/DE
Elijah Milsap, Jr., WR/KR
Jaylen Trice, Sr., LB/RB
Shawn Slaughter, Sr., RB/LB
Mario Robledo, Sr., T/G
Micha Ruiz, Jr., LB/RB
Returning non-starters (name, class, position):
DeMarcus Cooke, So., WR
Tyrell Johnson, Jr., CB/S
Reid Anderson, So., C
Robert Kelley, So., WR/PR
Nixon Lorgeree, Jr., G
Top newcomers (name, class, position):
Mathew Mastro, Fr., WR
Jakob Ruiz, Fr., RB/LB
August Pereira, So., S
Keegan Carter, So., S/KR
Sean Liu, Jr., CB
Coach’s season outlook:
Coach Dickerson was hired as a developer and mentor. He intends to build the culture and the football mindset that was vacant at Jones college prep for many years. Coach Dickerson has 8 seniors who are going to be the cornerstone of the football foundation. With a strong junior class and incoming freshman Dickerson looks to make his mark in the landscape of the Chicago Public League
School name: Kelly College Prep
Last season’s record: 4-4
Returning starters (name, class, position):
Jesse Herrera, QB/LB, Jr.
Chris Lopez, RB/LB, Sr.
Everado Agripino, OL/DL
Cuahutemoc Zahuantitla Mendez, C/DL, Sr.
Gibran Elihu Zahuantitla Mendez, C/OL/DL, Sr.
Returning non-starters (name, class, position):
Jayden Mandujano, WR/DB, Sr.
Jayden Robles, WR/DB, Jr.
Elijah Roman, WR/DB, Jr.
Edgar Valdivia, OL/DL, Jr.
Top newcomers (name, class, position):
Sebastian Padilla, WR/DB, Fr.
Deonta Mcgee, WR/DB, Fr.
Rico Johnson, RB/S, Jr.
Coach’s season outlook:
We are looking to build on a core group of returning players and hope to make a push to win the Blue Conference Division 1 this year. We have a few players needing to grow into their new roles and responsibilities but I am confident that our kids can meet their expectations.
School name: Lake View
Team Goals: Win the White-North Conference & Return to the IHSA Playoffs
Season Outlook
Lake View is looking to build on last year’s 5–5 season, which ended with a devastating loss in the first round of the 2025 IHSA playoffs against Corliss.
The Challenges: This season will test Lake View’s depth, as the roster currently stands at 28 players. Graduating 10 seniors—including three All-Conference running backs—means the Wildcats will be in a rebuilding phase. The toughest departure is All-City Honorable Mention and All-Conference RB Tyrone Townes, who averaged an explosive 9.8 yards per carry and capped off his high school career scoring a touchdown in the Illinois Shrine All-Star game. The smaller roster size will force Lake View to play old-school, “Ironman” football, requiring several players to excel on both sides of the ball.
The Upside: The good news is that the Wildcats are returning massive experience where it matters most: the trenches. The entire offensive line returns except for one graduated senior. Furthermore, the defense should be much improved due to being battle-tested; Lake View started four freshmen and three sophomores on defense last year, and six of those seven young playmakers are back with a full year of varsity experience under their belts.
Top Returners
- Nelson Cosme (Sr.) | 6’2″, 250 lbs (TE/DE/Deep Snapper): The top returning player for Lake View. An All-Conference talent, Cosme is a versatile weapon who will be moved around the field to create big plays when the Wildcats need them most.
- Julian Coleman (Jr.) | 6’1″, 330 lbs (DT/OT): The reigning City shot put champion brings elite size and strength to both lines.
- Aithan Guallpa (Sr.) | 5’10”, 185 lbs (LB/RB)
- Stephan Chi (Sr.) | 5’8″, 210 lbs (C/NG)
- Ethan Lemke (Jr.) | 5’10”, 225 lbs (LB/G)
- Marcus Schmidt (Sr.) | 5’10”, 275 lbs (OT/DT)
- Brent McMillin (Sr.) | 6’2″, 230 lbs (OT)
- Jesse Delgado (Sr.) | 5’8″, 240 lbs (FB/LB)
- Kaleb Lovett (Sr.) | 6’0″, 175 lbs (Athlete)
School name: Lane Tech College Prep High School
Last season’s record: 8-1 (regular season), 9-3 overall
Social media handle: LaneTechFB on X
College commits: K – Atticus Whitted McGill University
Returning starters (name, class, position and honors):
Kanye Williams, senior, OL/DL All Conference 2025 season
Aiden Boywid, senior, linebacker
Paiden Buckner, senior, Corner
Sam Boadu, senior linebacker
Blake Perkins, senior, Quarterback
Britton Perkins, senior, Wide Receiver
Taylor Clay, senior, WR/DB
Atticus Whitted, senior, Kicker
Returning non-starters (name, class, position, stats):
Top newcomers (name, class, position):
Aidan Andrich, junior, Wide Receiver
Garrett Purze, junior, Running back
Lucas Wilson, junior, D Line
Jack Laufter, junior, Line backer
D’Angelo Bell, junior, ATH
Coach’s season outlook:
I believe a regular-season CPL championship appearance is very much achievable, and we are on the cusp of making it there. Last year we won a state playoff game for the first time in 21 yrs. This season we aim to make a deeper run into state in the Class 8A playoffs.
School name: Orr Academy HS
Last season’s record: 3-6
Social media handle: @Orracademyfootball
Returning starters (name, class, position):
Pedro DeJesus – Junior QB/S
Javarion Pipes – Junior LB/TE
Miguel Rivera – Junior OL/DL
David Nash – Senior RB/CB
Top newcomers (name, class, position):
Josiah Medina – Freshman OLB/WR
Coach’s season outlook:
I feel like this season would be a positive one and I see our record showcasing that. I predict a 6-3 record this season with us making the playoffs.
School name: Pritzker College Prep
Last season’s record: 3-6
Returning starters (name, class, position, stats and honors):
Tristen Carter-Houston | 29’ Sophomore | WR/CB | 232 Kick Return Yds, 2 Kick Return TDs
Jordan Ortiz – Captain | 27’ Senior | WR/S | 25 Total Tackles | Noble League All-Academic Team
Elijah Pantoja | 27’ Senior | RT/DE
Christian Ramirez | 28’ Junior | C/DT
Armani Rivera – Captain | 27’ Senior | WR/S | 28 Total Tackles
Aiden Rodriguez – Captain | 27’ Senior | RB/OLB | 290 Rush Yds, 4TDs, 18 Total Tackles
Ranked 28 in Total Points for CPS/CPL, 36 in Rushing Yds for CPS/CPL, 54 in Total TDs for CPS/CPL, 94 in Total Yards for CPS/CPL | Being recruited by D3 Schools
Kris Rodriguez | 29’ Sophomore | ATH/WR
Xavier Rodriguez | 27’ Senior | RB/MLB | 87 All Purpose Yds, 3 TDs, 43 Total Tackles, 4 Fumble Recoveries
Ranked 22 in Total Points for CPS/CPL, 55 in Total TDs for CPS/CPL, and 67 in Total Tackles for CPS/CPL | Noble League 2nd Team
Returning non-starters (name, class, position):
Amarion Dixon | 27’ Senior | ATH
Jayvien Galeas | 27’ Senior | OT/DE
Ethan Ortiz | 27’ Senior | QB/S
Nathan Ortiz | 29’ Sophomore | WR/CB
D’lijah Perez | 29’ Sophomore | G/DT
Jazion Morris | 27’ Senior | WR/QB/CB
Top newcomers (name, class, position):
Gabriel Hazel | 30’ Freshman | TE/DE
Aaron Carothers | 29’ Sophomore | TE/DE
Leo Hernandez-Nunez | 27’ Senior | WR/CB
Coach’s season outlook: We are incredibly excited about the foundation this group has built heading into the season. Led by a deeply committed and highly productive senior class, our focus is on executing with discipline and playing physical football from the first whistle to the last. Having veteran, two-way anchors like Aiden Rodriguez, Xavier Rodriguez, Jordan Ortiz, and Armani Rivera gives us immense reliability on both sides of the ball. We are equally thrilled about our younger talent; our rising star sophomores like Tristen Carter-Houston and our true freshmen like Gabriel Hazel are ready to make an immediate, impactful splash. Our schedule features crucial matchups against Speer, Marine Leadership Academy, and Chicago Academy/Disney II games that will test our resolve. Our ultimate goal is clear: we want to compete and win the Blue North Conference.
School name: Richards Career Academy
Last season’s record: 7-3
Returning starters
Marquise Hicks – Jr, RB/S
Jeremiah Lee – Senior, OL/LB- All Conference
Jacqual Hines – Jr, OL/DL
Jorvon Sambula – Sophomore, RB/CB
Amari Grayson – Senior, QB/WR/S
Anthony Hawkins – Jr, WR/CB
Returning non-starters (name, class, position, stats):
Terry Smith – Jr, LB/QB
Donnell Hall – Sophomore, TE/LB/FB
Tacourus Henderson – Sophomore, WR/CB
Brady McGrudder – Jr. OL
Jas Davis- Sophomore WR/S
Top newcomers (name, class, position):
Curtiss Tanner Patton – Jr, QB/WR
Kenstin Pearson – Sophomore, FB/SS
Coach’s season outlook: We want to defend are White Central Conference Championship and qualify for IHSA State Playoffs
School: UChicago Woodlawn Charter School
Last season’s record: 9-0
Social media handle: UCWWarriors_FB
Returning starters (name, class, position, stats and honors (if any)):
Michael Hickman – Quarterback/ Senior/ All-Conference
Dale Allen – ATH/ Senior/ All – Conference
Yamari Crowder – OL/DL / Senior/ All-Conference and All-City
LaRome Cotton – OL/DL/ Senior
Darryl Morgan Jr – ATH/ Junior/ All-Conference
Aeneas WIlson – WR/DB/ Sophomore
Cam’Ron Howard – DB/ Junior
Aiden Little – OL/DL/ Junior
Elijah Brown – ATH/ Senior
Returning non-starters (name, class, position, stats):
Brian Jackson – QB/CB/ Senior
Alonte Stanford – EDGE/ Sophomore
Jeremiah Gipson – ATH/ Sophomore
Kairee Gray – ATH/ Sophomore
Jaylen Shaw – ATH/ Sophomore
Isaiah Madrid – ATH/ Sophmore
Darryl Dunn – ATH/ Junior
Kelan Smith – ATH/ Junior
Cameron WIliams – ATH/ Junior
Amari Johnson – ATH/ Junior
Julian Nunnaly – ATH/ Junior
Jeric Hayden – ATH/ Junior
Top newcomers (name, class, position):
Tyrell Sherman Jr – Freshman/ ATH
Coach’s season outlook: Win the White. Make the Playoff.
School name: UIC College Prep
Last season’s record: 5-4
Social media handle: https://www.instagram.com/uiccp.football/
Returning starters (name, class, position and honors):
Winfred Bell – 12 – WR/SS
Vince Chiorlu – 11 – LB
Kavon Grant – 12 – C/DT – ’25 All Conference
Na’Eim Lee – 12 – OG/DT
Briant Long – 12 – OT/DE
Ernest Lyles III – 11 – OG/DT
Jaylin Morgan – 12 – WR/CB
Greg Williams – 11 – WR/RB/CB
Returning non-starters (name, class, position):
Martez Burden – 10 – LB
Ezequel Cardenas – 10 – RB
Michael Esparza-Hernandez – OL
Julius Lugo – 12 – QB (out with injury last year)
Idonije Manuel – 10 – WR
Jaylen Mitchell – 10 – QB
Tyshaun Williams – 10 – OL
Top newcomers (name, class, position):
A’Shun Davis-May – 11 – QB/ATH (Transfer from Schurz)
Ishmael Figueroa – 11 – DL
Joair Gill – 11 – RB/LB (Transfer from Evergreen Park)
Anthony Lopez Jr. – 9 – WR
Christopher Monger – 9 – OL
David Purnell – 11 – DL
Carey Simmons – 9 – LB
Marcus Tucker – 9 – DL
Coach’s season outlook:
This will be by far the toughest schedule UIC College Prep football has ever played. We are coming off a great summer and first week of fall. We have been building up to this opportunity and are ready to meet the moment.