By Michael Wojtychiw
The High School Football season is upon us, so we here at the Chicago Public League are taking a look at some of the teams to watch this year and their prospects for the season
**All teams were reached out to for this article, however only teams that responded are displayed below. This will be a running preview list as more teams respond.
Red
School Name: Amundsen
Last year’s Record: 7-3
Social Media Handle: AHSFOOTBALL01
Key Returnees (name, position, year in school):
Max Michonski, WR/DE, Senior
Kael O’Conor, LB/RB, Senior
Derrick Weems, DT/LT, Junior
Wilian Cano, OL/DE, Senior
Emmett Glasscott, OL, Senior
John Norton, WR/DB, Senior
Nick Prestipino, DE/RB, Senior
Mike Wojtach, DL, Junior
Adrian Zepeda, LB, Junior
Edwin Soto, DB/WR, Junior
Key non-starters returning (name, position, year in school):
Victor Sosa, OL/DL, Junior
Ryan Mcmunn, ATH, Senior
Reggie Mitchell, RB, Soph.
Elmir Gjeka, QB, Junior
Adam Awan, DB/WR, Junior
Key newcomers (name, position, year in school):
Shea O’Conor, DE/ATH, Fr.
Conor Fortier, DE/WR, Junior
School Name: Bulls Prep
Last Season’s Record: 7-3
Social Media Handle: @bullsprepfb (Twitter)
Returning Starters (name, position, year in school, stats):
Jaden Pointer, RB, Senior; 700 rushing yards, 11 TDs
Aaron Watson, ATH, Senior; 10 TFL in 2022
Amarrean McLaurin, RB/LB, Senior
Jermel Mullins, WR/DB, Soph.
Lester Perkins, WR/DB, Senior
Armond Woods, OL/DL, Senior
Terryon Scott, OL/DL, Senior
Joseph Balkom, OL, Junior
Isaiah Carter, OL/DL, Senior
Coach’s Season Outlook: We’re looking to continue the streak of making the state playoffs as we move into the CPL Red.
School Name: Curie
Last year’s Record: 4-5
College commitments: Shawn Brown – William Penn University
Key Returnees (name, position, year in school):
Zion Ward – QB/DB, Senior
Isaac Rodriguez – OL/DL, Senior
Israel Fabila – OL/DL, Junior
Deshaun Fernandez – WR/DB, Senior
Key newcomers (name, position, year in school):
Antonio Henry – RB/DB, Junior
Mylan Williams – RB/LB, Junior
Matt Martinez – OL/DL, Junior
DJ Wilks – OL/DL, Sophomore
Gilbert Fabela – RB/DB – Junior
Coach’s Season Outlook: Going into my 3rd season as the Head Coach, my first year was very tough going 0-9, but we took a huge step up last year, going 4-5. One of our main goals this year is break into the ‘winning team” territory and be above .500. Our next goal is to qualify for the city playoffs, and we truly believe if we can build the family and commitment, that Curie Football can do that, and more. Our seniors have had a dedicated summer and first 2 weeks of practice and we are excited for game 1!
Did You Know?: Curie is hosting Marmion Academy for Game 2 at Rockne Stadium for a Veterans and Armed Service members honor night.
School Name: Simeon
Last Year’s Record: 13-1
Key Returnees (name, year in school, position, accolades):
Mike Beeler, Senior, DE/OLB, All-City
Mar’Sean Cohen, Senior, OLB/RB, 2nd Team All-City
Sean Goodrum, Senior, C/G/NG, 2nd Team All-City
Camren Caldwell, Senior, LB/RB
Christopher Burgess Jr., Junior, DE/OLB
KeShaun Park, Senior, QB/WR/DB
Key Non-Starters Returning (name, year in school, position)
Brandon Easley Jr., Soph., G/LB
Ameer Morrow, Senior, WR/DB
Damarion Harris, Senior, WR/DB
Xzavier McGruder, Soph., WR/DB
Khye J. Brown, Junior, LB/DE
Kaleb Sims, Soph., QB/OLB
Key Newcomers (name, year in school, position):
Te’Shon McGee, Junior, RB/DB
Dewayne Brooks, Senior, WR/RB/DB
Charles Smith, Junior, OLB/DB/WR
Coach’s Season Outlook: IT’S TIME, IT’S TIME, IT’S TIME. To play our last game on Saturday November 25, 2023 at Hancock Stadium
White Central
School Name: Golder College Prep
Last year’s Record: 4-5
Social Media Handle: @BeNobleGolder
Key Returnees (name, position, year in school, accolades):
Jose Puga, FB/LB, Junior; Wrestling All Noble League 1st Team
Noah Wieland, QB/DB, Junior; Football All Noble League 2nd Team
Eddie Fuentes III, OL/DL, Senior; IHSPLA State Finalist
Jovani Hernandez-Rodriguez, OL/DL, Senior
Jordan Avery, OL/DL, Senior
David Esquivel, OL/DL, Junior
Xavier Montanez, WR/DB, Junior
Alex Martinez, WR/DB, Junior
Damien Rivera, OL/DL, Sophomore
Juan Munive, RB/LB, Junior
Michael Bond, FB/LB, Senior; CPLFCA All Conference; IHSPLA State Finalist
Ne’Jean Dunbar, WR/DB, Senior
Darius Williams FB/LB Sophomore
Anthony Osorio RB/WR/DB Sophomore
Alfonso Valencia RB/DB Junior
John Guartan OL/DL Junior CPLFCA All Conference
Tyren Singleton RB/LB Junior
Key newcomers (name, position, year in school):
Andrew Stillwell, WR/DB, Senior
Christian Shelton, WR/DB, Junior
Santiago Hernandez, RB/LB, Senior
Jaeveon Armstrong, WR/DB, Senior
Ernesto Ramirez, FB/LB, Freshman
Sebastian Garcia, OL/DL, Freshman
Isaac Reyes, OL/DL, Freshman
School Name: UIC College Prep
Last year’s Record: 4-5
Key Returnees:
Jeremiah Lopez, QB, Senior; All-Conference 2022
Erick Franco, WR/DB, Senior
LaDarius Sanders, WR/DB, Senior; All-Conference 2022
Marshawn Banks, RB/LB, Senior
Jeremy Hackett, OL/DL, Senior; All-Conference 2022
Bryce Townsend, TE/DL, Senior
Davion Dickerson, DL, Junior
Key non-starters returning:
Devin Tyler, WR/DB, Sophomore
Malik Allen, RB/LB, Sophomore
Julian Collins Jr, WR/DB, Sophomore
Key newcomers:
Chris Perez-Torres, WR/DB, Freshman
Diego Segura, OL. Senior
Coach’s Season Outlook:
We have a great group of seniors who helped rebuild the program over the last three years and some outstanding newcomers. We are excited to build on the last two seasons and looking forward to showing off the work we put in.
White Northwest
School Name: Lincoln Park Lions
Last year’s Record: 7-3
Key Returnees (name, year in school, any accolades/stats):
Cameron Givens, C, Jr.
Evan Bublitz, G, Jr.
Jerrell Benson, WR, Jr.
Gus Wentland, WR, Sr.
Elijah Ramos, LB, Sr.
Adam Benyaich, LB, Sr.
Will Greve, DE, Sr.
Kody Tate, DE, Sr.
Logan Schuler, DT, Sr.
Nathan Nungaray, DB, Sr.
Alex Popov, DB, Sr.
Aidan De La Torre, DB, Sr.
Key non-starters returning (name, year in school):
Denzel Braimah, WR, Sr.
Quavon Oliver, WR, Sr.
Jimmy Chen, OL, Sr.
Keontae Maddox, LB, Sr.
Key newcomers (name, year in school):
Naasir Sanders, WR/DB, So.
Roidell Sanders, DE, So.
Kamari Jones, RB, So.
Devin Trailer, OL, So.
Andrew Phelps, WR, Jr.
Damon Hodges, DE, Sr.
Ibrahim Tayara, OL, Jr.
Cam Toussaint, QB, Jr.
Coach’s Season Outlook:
Lincoln Park is returning 12 starters from last season and looks to build on last year’s success. The offense returns the top 2 receivers from last season in Jerrell Benson and Gus Wentland. Cameron Givens and Evan Bublitz return as starters on the offensive line as Juniors. Cam Toussaint is the new starting QB and is a dynamic athlete. The defensive returns leading tacklers in Elijah Ramos and Aidan De La Torre. Adam Benyaich, Logan Schuler, Kody Tate and Will Greve return in the front 7. Nathan Nungaray and Alex Popov both return at cornerback.
School Name: Schurz
Last year’s Record: 5-5
Social Media Handle: @schurzathletics
Key Returnees (name, year in school, any accolades/stats):
Robert Holmes, C/DL, Senior
Brian Carrerra, OL/DL, Senior
Jarvion Murray, RB/DB, Senior
Jose Perez, WR/DE, Senior
Justin Vega, QB/DE, Sophomore
Damarion Jenkins, LB/FB, Junior
Ameir Alexander LB/RB, Junior
Kevin Escoto, OL/DL, Junior
Angel Alvarado, OL/DL, Junior
Alexander Falconer, OL/LB, Sophomore
Jaime Herrera, DL/OL, Senior
Key non-starters returning (name, year in school, accolades/stats):
Edurado Salgado, QB/DB, Senior
Omarion Scott, WR/DB, Sophomore
Hanz Delizo, WR/DB, Senior
Othello Kelly, WR/DB, Junior
Jaqueze Fair, OL/DL, Sophomore
Jeremiah Hymon, OL/DL, Sophomore
Carlos Diaz, RB/DB, Junior
Marc Molex, WR/LB, Junior
Elijah Perez, WR/DB, Junior
Key newcomers (name, year in school):
Tyree Jacob OL/DL, Sophomore
Adan Margil DB, Sophomore
Coach’s Season Outlook:
One thing we know for sure is that there will be a NEW Conference CHAMP this year. And I hope to see SCHURZ in it! Coming off a winning season at 5-5 and making IHSA postseason play, most of our players returning from last season. We are very excited this season
School Name: Von Steuben
Last year’s Record: 3-6
Social Media Handle: @VonpanthersFB (Twitter)
Key Returnees (name, year in school):
Joele Arzuaga, LB/RB, Senior
Darrell Stewart, LB/RB, Senior
Mack Martinez, RB, Senior
Godswill Achinivu, QB, Senior
Josh Tanksley, OL/DL, Junior
Fabio Amovin, OL/DL, Senior
Keith Davis, WR, Senior
Anthony Hotca, DB, Senior
Saul Rodriguez, LB, Senior
Jalen Pillow, OL/DL, Junior
Rex Speyer, OL, Senior
Key non-starters returning (name, year in school):
Younes Ghrissi, QB, Junior
Dennis Djirackor, WR/LB, Junior
David Segura, WR, Junior
Miguel Ramirez, LB, Senior
Marvin Flores, LB, Junior
Key newcomers (name, year in school):
Xavier Talavera, RB/DL, Senior
Coach’s Season Outlook:
After an injury riddled 2022 the program looks to rebound and compete for a conference title.
White South Central
School Name: Gary Comer College Prep
Last year’s Record: 6-4
Social Media Handle: @gccpfootball on IG
Key Returnees (name, position, year in school):
Jeremy Reeves, WR/S, Senior
Kenneth Barrett, QB, Senior
Steven Williams, WR, Junior
Josh Golden, OL, Senior
Malik Tate, LB, Senior
Malik Flowers, DB/WR, Senior
Tajuan Brassel, CB/WR, Junior
Albert Ross, TE/LB, Senior
Jermaine Ervin, RB/S, Senior
Key newcomers (name, position, year in school):
Jaleel Bryant, RB/LB, Sophomore
Larry Carr, RB/S, Junior
Montrel Robinson, WR/DB, Junior
Coach’s Season Outlook: 7-2. New Head Coach, Staff Seek to Continue Comer Football Tradition
White West
School Name: Walter Payton College Prep
Last year’s Record: 8-3
Social Media Handle: @PaytonPrepFtbl
Key Returnees (name, position, year in school):
Nathan DeLoach, QB/DB, Sr
Morrison Giggetts, WR/LB, Sr
Isa Katz, K/P, Sr
Nic Koutsonicolis, OL/DL, Sr
Henry Nicewick, WR/WB, Sr
Liam Wills, OL/DL, Sr
Coach’s Season Outlook: Payton looks to continue to represent the CPL in the IHSA playoffs via a competitive conference schedule.
Blue Central
School Name: Gage Park Owls
Last year’s Record: 2-7
Social Media Handle: @GageParkFB on Twitter
Key Returnees (name, position, year in school, any accolades/stats):
Keith Santana***(SR) – QB/WR/FS
Travion Washington** (SR) -LB
Arturo Sanchez* (JR)- QB/LB
Angel Soto (SR) – OL/DL
Fernando Sanchez (SO) – LB
Eduardo Gonzalez (JR) – TE
Miguel Ornato (JR) – OL/DL
Kevin Porter (SR) – OL/LB
Lashon Washington (JR) – RB/FS
Lashonda Washington (SO) – WR/DB
Xavier Clark (SO) – CB
Azaya Hunter (SO) – WR/DB
*All Conference – CPLCA
***All City Player – CPLCA
Key newcomers (name, position, year in school):
Kevin Luna (SO) – OL/DL
Oscar Martinez (SO) – OL/DL
Davion Dudley (JR) – OL/DL
Randy Sanchez (FR) – QB/LB
Yeemie Taiwhan (FR) – QB/LB
Christian Ratouloski (SO) – OL/QB
Kenneth Wright (FR) – WR/DB
Tommie Rodriguez (JR) – DL/LB
Reymundo Luna (JR) – OL
Joseph Balderas (FR) – OL
Coach’s Season Outlook:
Gage Park is in the third year of a complete program restoration and rebuild. The Owls are returning two All-Conference and All-City players with quarterback Keith Santana and linebacker Travion Washington. They look to get the Owls back the respected Gage Park teams the school had in the late 2000’s. The Owls will rely on their offensive and defensive lines to battle for wins this season. With the addition of new coaches and a different focus, Coach Norwood and the Owls are aiming high this season.
Did You Know?: The game versus DuSable is homecoming for the Owls and the coaches know each other very well. Konesha Rhea coached Coach Norwood during his semi-pro football years. Gage Park has females playing for the third consecutive season. Gage Park has four sets of siblings playing as well as them having cousins on the team as well.
Blue West
School Name: Prosser
Last Year’s Record: 6-3 (4-1)
Social Media Handle: @Prosser_FB (Twitter)
Key Returnees:
Carlos Ramirez-Deida, ATH, S(enior; (2022 Stats: (5 Games): 402 All-Purpose Yards, 6.1 Yards Per Touch)
Tyshaun Strong, DB/WR, Senior; (2022 Stats: 24 Total Tackles, 4 Int, 3 PBU & 1 FR)
Jayden McDonald, DT/FB, Junior; (2022 Stats: 19 Total Tackles, 12 Tackles for Loss, 4 Sacks)
Derrieon Beck, LB/TE, Sophomore; (2022 Stats: 25 Total Tackles, 3 Tackles for Loss, 4 PBU)
Phinis Hiler, ATH, Junior; (2022 Stats: 35 Total Tackles, 3 Int, 11 PBU, 2 FR & 1 TD); All-Conference
Humberto Velazquez, K/ATH, Senior; (2022 Stats: 45 Total Tackles, 1 INT, 1 FF & 1 FR); All-Conference & All-Public League K/P
Key Non-Starters Returning:
Ethan Velazquez, QB, Senior
Tyjuan Gardner, RB/SS, Senior
Govanni Harris, ATH, Sophomore
Treyshaun Strong, RB/LB, Sophomore
Key Newcomers:
Keith Craig Jr., ATH, Freshman
Coach’s Season Outlook:
Coach Hosey, a Prosser alum (‘04), believes this ‘23 team has limitless potential after building a solid foundation with last year’s senior class. Coach Hosey is looking forward to how the offense evolves in year two while building on a stellar defense that yielded less than 12 points a game last season in hopes of not only securing a conference championship this upcoming season but also moving up to the White Division the following season! Coach Hosey genuinely believes this season of young Falcons are their biggest opposition this season… time will tell if they can live up to their potential!
In the first year of current Head Coach Jason Hosey’s regime, the Falcons were able to finish the season 6-3 overall and 4-1 in conference play, their only conference loss came at the hands of eventual champions Chicago Academy by 9 points. That loss has single-handedly motivated this year’s team throughout the off-season & summer workouts!
