First games of the football season are just mere days away. Here we take a look at our schools and what they anticipate for the upcoming season. Don’t see your school? Contact Michael Wojtychiw at mmwojtychiw@cps.edu to get your team on the site!
*All coaches were contacted multiple times for this article. Those responses are listed below.
School name: Agricultural Science
Last year’s record: 5-5
Social media handle: @AgScienceFB (Twitter)
Starters returning (name, position, year in school, honors):
Mikkel Durr – OL/LB – Senior
Carl Spruill – OL/DL – Senior
Bryant Gregory – OL/DL – Senior
Musa Hamadeh – OL/DL – Junior
Kendall Duckett – WR/DB – Senior
Trevon Williams – WR/DB – Sophomore – All Conference
Key reserves returning (name, position, year in school):
Jaylen Dotson – WR/DB – Junior
Malek Haleem – RB/LB – Junior
Tevin Lawrence-Moore – DL – Senior
Davin Martin – WR/DB – Senior
James Mendoza – TE/LB – Junior
Peyton Pettis – WR/DB – Junior
Christian Watson – OL/DL – Senior
Key newcomers (name, position, year in school):
Michael Mendoza – FB/DE – Sophomore
Terrion Hale – FB/LB – Sophomore
Maurice Bush – RB/LB – Junior
Glenn Howell – WR/DB – Senior
Jacarius Smith – WR/DB – Junior
Elijah Henderson – RB/LB – Senior
Coach’s season outlook: Our goal and expectation is to win the CPL White Southwest conference and make a repeat appearance to the state playoffs
School name:Amundsen
Last year’s record: 6-5
Social media handle (if comfortable sharing): @AHSFOOTBALL01
Starters returning (name, position, year in school, honors):
Elmir Gjeka, QB, Senior
Derrick Weems, OL/DL, Senior, First team All City DT
Reggie Mitchell, RB, Junior
Victor Sosa, OL/DL, Senior
Wyatt Kelly, LB, Junior
Adrian Zepeda, LB, Senior
Michael Wojtach, LB/RB, Senior
Edwin Soto, DB/WR, Senior
Adam Awan, DB/WR, Senior
James Reshoft, DL, Junior
Key reserves returning (name, position, year in school):
Solar Strom-Corso, DL/TE, Junior
Jasper Carlson, DB/WR, Junior
Grant Morgan, DB/WR, Junior
Theo Mcdermott, DB/WR, Senior
Key newcomers (name, position, year in school):
Wyatt Perry, DB/WR, Junior
Adam Vuvic, Athlete, Senior
Zach Wims, DL/OL, Freshman
School name: Bulls Prep
Last year’s record: 4-5
Social media handle: @Bullsprepfb
Starters returning (name, position, year in school):
Joseph Balkcom – OL – Sr.
Marquise Streeter – OL – Jr.
Kameron Novy – WR/DB – Sr.
Jermell Mullins – WR/DB – Jr.
Deon Patterson – WR/DB – Sr.
Que Wyatt – DE – Sr.
Key reserves returning (name, position, year in school):
Johnathan Edwards – RB/LB – Sr.
Terrion Henderson – RB/LB – Jr.
Patrick Burch – OL/DL – Sr.
Damari Roscoe – OL/DL – Sr.
Khmari Cross – RB/LB – Sr.
Key newcomers (name, position, year in school):
Deandre Sweezer – OL – So.
Kevin Smith – QB/DB – Sr.
Coach’s season outlook:
Looking to take the next step in our second year in the Red Conference and make it back to the state playoffs after narrowly missing last year.
School name: Corliss
Last year’s record: 5-4
Starters returning (name, position, year in school, honors):
Dereon Gardner – OL – SR
Jeremiah Arnold – OL – SR
Devin Willis – OL – SR – All-City
Tony Donegan – DL – SR
Javarion Paxton – DL – SR – All Conference
Kameron Gouard – DL – SR
Shawn Barnes – DB – SR
Jaquan Duckett – WR – SR
Javion Williams – DB – SR
Taylen Reed – QB – JR
Elliott Turner – WR – JR – All-Conference
Kendall Lucas – WR – JR
Paul Smith – LB – SR
Key reserves returning (name, position, year in school):
Leslie Teague – S – JR
Demetrion Loggers – OL – JR
Demetrius Davis – S – JR
Timar Moore – DB – JR
Dacody Dominique – WR – SR
Allen Komperda – TE – SR
Deangelo Willis – LB – SR
Laquarus Moore – LB – SR
Lemuel Austin – WR – SR
Key newcomers (name, position, year in school):
Jonathan Cribbs – QB – SR
Kemane Key – RB – FR
Simar Kippers – OL – SR
Jaquan Gumm
Demetrius Loggers
Demarion Ambrose
Jaden Thomas
Coach’s season outlook: Deep run into the IHSA playoffs
School name: DuSable
Last year’s record: 1-6
Social media handle: Dusableathletics (IG)
Starters returning (name, position, year in school):
Corvanta Matthews – ATH – Soph.
Jamie Spencer – QB/DB, Senior
Jessie Suggs – TE/DE, Junior
Robert Larue – OL/DL, Soph.
Key reserves returning (name, position, year in school):
Jose Delgado – ATH, Soph.
Jonathan Coleman – RB/LB, Junior
Jaymar Beard – TE/DE, Senior
Key newcomers (name, position, year in school):
Tywan McClam – ATH, Soph.
Jayden Reynolds – OL/DL, Soph.
Martrell Wardell – OL/DL, Junior
Coach’s season outlook:
Dusable will be looking to turn the team’s recent football troubles around under new Head Coach Jamal Smothers. Dusable also welcomes Tilden HS and Air Force Academy into a co-operative agreement this year bringing together the talent in the area. Expect to see a new Dusable on the field this season.
School name: Gage Park
Last year’s record: 3-5
Starters returning (name, position, year in school, honors):
Key Seniors:
Arturo Sanchez* – QB/LB
Lashon Washington – WR/DB
Miguel Onorato* – OL/DL
Moises Onorato – OL/DL
Elijah Lee – OL/DL
Stevin Cavin – FB/LB/TE
Sebastian Mendoza-Plata – K/P/OL/DE
Angel Soto – LB
Key Juniors:
Oscar Martinez – Center
Kevin Luna – OL
Fernando Sanchez – LB/TE
Azaya Hunter* – WR
*Denotes CPLCA Blue All-School name:
Key reserves returning (name, position, year in school, stats if available):
Tyshawn Beal – LB, Senior
Kenneth Wright – WR, Sophomore
Key newcomers (name, position, year in school):
Otis Hunter – DB/WR, Senior
D’Majea Green – DB, Senior
Tamarion Jude – RB/DB, Sophomore
Noah Jennings – DB, Junior
Coach’s season outlook:
Gage Park is looking to win the Blue Conference this year with our senior heavy team. We have a lot of young players along with our seniors who will give us the best possible chance to improve this year. This will be our first year with no female players this year as we open up our season. We kick the season off with a tough matchup against Bloom Township (Chicago Heights, IL).
School name: Hyde Park
Last year’s record: 3-6
Returning starters:
Antonio Haywood – Sr. – C/DT
Davion Dorsey – Sr. – G/DT
Malichi Williams – Sr. – WR/P
Keyshawn Coleman – Sr. – ATH
Jontez Brickhouse – Sr. – ATH
Rashad Simmons – Jr. – WR/CB
Alonta Parker – Jr. – RB/LB
Top Newcomers:
Bernard Taylor – Sr. – DT/G
Jacobi Walls – Jr. – OLB/TE
Zyere McNeal – Jr. – DE/TE
Kodjo Tamatekou – Sr. – QB/FS
Season Outlook: We are looking to grow together in year 1 of this new regime. There will be highs and lows. Hopeful to be competitive in this tough conference and build for the future.
School name: ITW David Speer Academy
Last year’s record: 0-8
Social media handle: @itwspeerprideathletics
Key players:
Senior Javion Williams OL/DL
Junior Brandon Trotter OL/DL
Senior Damarius Franklin RB/LB
Junior Jorge Miranda OL/DL/P
Senior Xavier Rucker
Junior Emmanuel Mendez
Sophomore McKye Collins
Coach’s season outlook: Speer Football will be under new leadership this season. After a tough season last year, The Pride is looking to bounce back and claim their first ever conference title. A great summer of preparation is bringing excitement back into the program. Don’t miss Friday Night Lights at Speer. The show will be amazing!
School name: King College Prep
Last year’s record: 5-4
Social media handle (if comfortable sharing): -Instagram: @mlkking_football
Starters returning (name, position, year in school):
Jaden Thomas, QB, Senior
Matthew Chatman, WR / LB, Senior
Dennis Conda, WR / RB, Senior
Deante McNeail, C, Junior
Artese Covington, OL, Soph
Cornelius Moore, OL, Soph
Devin Fields, OL / DL, Junior
Marquese McIntyre, DE / TE, Junior
Nate Guy, LB / RB, Junior
Emmanuel James, DB, Sophomore
Dionte Lawson Jr., DB, Senior
Isaiah Owens, DB, Senior
Justin Williams, DB, Sophomore
Lamar Dean Jr., DB, Junior
Key reserves returning (name, position, year in school):
Alexander Robinson, DL, Junior
Kaiden Harris, DL, Soph
Elijah Prophet, DL, Senior
Nick Brown, DL / OL, Senior
TreMarion Webb, DL / OL, Senior
Kyle Moore, LB, Senior
Nicolas Wilson, CB, Senior
Key newcomers (name, position, year in school):
Jamar Lewis, RB, Freshman
Malachi Mays, RB / DB, Sophomore
Seth Dukes, WR, Junior
Kayvon Sullivan, WR, Sophomore
Jermaine Whitfield, ATH, Sophomore
Rozell Hampton, WR, Soph
Damare Griffin, OL, Soph
Coach’s season outlook:
I am very excited about this season; this is my 3rd year at King and we have grown significantly over the offseason. We had a great offseason building through our strength and conditioning program. We have a big number of returning starters along with some key additions that will have big roles on the team. We are a young, fast, and physical football team. We will be a very fun team to watch.
School name: Lindblom Math & Science Academy
Last year’s record: 7-3
Starters returning (name, position, year in school):
Steffan Young – OG/DL, SR
Key reserves returning (name, position, year in school, stats if available):
Carl Cross – DB/CB, SR
Jabari Leeper – DB/CB, SR (Returning from Injury)
Benjamin Gaeta – LB/FB, SR
Tristan “Tank” Gordon – LB/FB, SR
Malachi Payton – QB/DE, SR, 2 TD Passes
Jalen Jackson – WR/S, JR
Gavin Tillman – WR/DB, 4 Receptions, 2 TD Rec.
Key newcomers (name, position, year in school):
Jue’l Pryor – QB, SO
Joel Beamon – CB, JR
King-Jaden Johnigan – ATH, SR
Daniele Ealy – RB/LB, SO
Josue Olivo – DL/OL, SR
Coach’s season outlook:
WE ARE YOUNG! We’re replacing 21 of the 22 positions on offense and defense from a State Series team. I believe as these guys play and gain experience that we will get better each week. There is a lot of potential with this team that might not show early in the season. The key will be how we handle early challenges and display resiliency.
School name: Orr Academy HS
Last year’s record: 3-6
Starters returning (name, position, year in school, stats/honors if available):
Keion Smart – C/DL/DE – Senior
Semaj Mason – QB/RB/LB – Junior
Greg Robinson – WR/DB/LB – Senior
Terrance Willis – FB/LB/OL – Senior
Nehemiah Wilson – T/DE – Senior
Damajae Lewis – DB/WR/RB – Senior
Ra’Saun Collins – RB/LB – Sophomore
Lomarvion Lancaster – WR/DB – Senior
Key newcomers (name, position, year in school):
Kurell Smith – QB/RB/WR/FS – Sophomore
Willie Banks – OL/DL – Sophomore
Josial Hernandez – RB – Senior
Anthony Smart-Stiff – OL/DL – Senior
Marlon Williams – OL/DL – Senior
Coach’s season outlook:
I predict our season to be 7-2. I think we have a good chance to win our conference which is the White West.
School name: Payton College Prep
Last year’s record: 9-1
Social media handle: @PaytonPrepFtbl
Seniors (name, position):
Deion Albert – OL/DL
Ryan Fardy – TE/DL
Allen Greyer – RB/LB
Jonathan Guliana – WR/DB
Jayden Im – WR/DB
Zach Schwartz – WR/DB
Eric Wang – WR/DL
Coach’s season outlook: Our goal is pretty consistent year to year: have fun playing the best team game in sports while trying to earn a postseason berth. This year is a challenge as we are in our first year in the Public League Red Division. On paper, we have the most daunting schedule in the history of Payton Football when you consider the difference in enrollment between Payton and most of our Red Division opponents.
School name: Prosser
Last year’s record: 7-2
Social media handle: Prosser_FB
Starters returning (name, position, year in school, stats/honors):
Junior LB – Derrieon Beck
All Conference & All City-Blue Division
52 TCK, 14 TFL 3 INT, 2 SCK, 2 TDs
Senior DT – Jayden McDonald
All Conference & All City-Blue Division
74 TCK, 6 SCK, 3 FF, 3 FR
Senior ATH – Phinis Hiler
All Conference
33 TCK, 7PBU, 436 APY, 3 TDs
Key reserves returning (name, position, year in school):
Junior RB – Treyshaun Strong
Junior ATH – Jayden Perez
Junior WR – Darnell Owens
Sophomore DE/TE – KJ Craig Jr.
Key newcomers (name, position, year in school):
Senior FS/WR – Orlan’tae Smoot
Coach’s season outlook:
With a tough non-conference we’re looking to raise the bar by going on the road in hostile environments. We’re also hoping the competition & experience pay dividends as we fight for a spot in the IHSA State Playoffs.
School Name: Rauner College Prep
Last year’s Record: 5-4
Key Returnees (name, year in school, accolades):
Jeffries Brantley, OG/DL, Senior
Julian Alvarez , OC/DL, Senior
Jamr’jayy Curry, WR/DB, Junior
Taeiron Delaney, WR/DB, Junior
Jathan Sanchez , QB/DB, Senior
Roman Willis, LB/WR, Junior, All-Conference
Roberto Carrasco, DE/WR, Junior
Greg Byndom, DE/OT, Senior
Vincent Duningan, OL/DL, Junior
Micheal Djurjolov, DB/WR, Junior
Sergio Gonzalez OG/DT Senior
Milan Newell, LB/RB, Junior
Charles Williams, LB, Senior
Key non-starters returning (name, year in school):
Alonzo Bustos, LB/FB, Junior
Delonta Holmes, RB/WR/LB, Junior
Jerrel Dorsey, WR/DB. Sophomore
Key newcomers (name, year in school):
Ryden Carrasco, WR/DB, Freshman
Tyshawn Baker, DL/TE, Junior
Willie Trimble, WR/DB, Freshman
Jamarion Curry, LB/FB, Freshman
Thomas Gidney-Carson, OL/DL, Sophomore
Bruno Zarco, WR/DB, Junior
Carlo Alvarado, QB, Junior
De’Ray Robinson, RB/DB, Sophomore
Coach’s Season Outlook: A ton of speed at the skill position. Coming off a pretty good season! With some big strong stout guys in the middle! With a QB who has put in the time to be one of the top QBs in the city! We are excited! A program that is on the rise and to be a big name here soon! Go Wildcats !
School Name: Rowe-Clark
Last year’s record: 4-5
Social Media: @benoblercmsa
Key Returnees:
Marcus Fossett, WR/DB/QB, Senior
Daivion Brooks, RB/LB, Senior
Keshawn Jones, QB, Senior
Brandon Vaughn, WR/DB, Senior
Cameran Morris, DE, TE, Senior
Samarja Williams, OL/DL, Junior
Key non-starters returning:
Jostin Garcia, Kicker, OL, LB, Senior
Octavio Villafana, OL, DL, Senior
Edward Daniels, Wr,RB, DB, Junior
Durell Thomas, WR, QB, Junior ‘
Jamal Dotson, OL, DL, Senior
Abdou Seck, Kicker, DB, Senior
Jahiem Stanton, DB, RB, KR Sophomore
Jeshua Lopez Santana, LB, Senior
Key newcomers:
Tacory Lacy, WR, DB, Freshman
Kalin Rickette, RB, DB, Freshman
Damarcus Sumrell, OL,DL, Freshamn
James Myles, TE, LB, Junior
School name: South Shore International College Prep
Last year’s record: 5-2
Social media handle: SSICP_Football
Starters returning (name, position, year in school, honors):
Reggie Craig – Senior – All Conference
Justen Norris – QB/MLB – Senior – All Conference
Zeb Winford – DB/WR – Senior
Chris Simmons – C/DT – Senior
Armon Kelly – DB/WR – Junior – Academic All State
Derrion Hamilton – Athlete – Senior
Gabe Ferrel – OL/DL – Junior
Brandon Dimming – TE/DE – Senior
Anthony Jefferson – TE/DE – Senior
Dion Johnson – Punter/Kicker – Senior
Abdou Dieng – OL/DL – Senior
John Wilson – OL/DL – Senior
Key reserves returning (name, position, year in school):
Da’Khari Esters – LB/WR – Junior
Lavar Butler – DB/WR – Junior
Tae-Shaun Smith – LB/RB – Junior
Cameron Owens – OL – Junior
Reggie Jenkins – DB/WR – Junior
Alexander Young – DL/OL – Junior
Key newcomers (name, position, year in school):
Coach’s season outlook: We’re looking to go to the state playoffs for the first time since the new building has opened. STATE OR NOTHING!
School name: Sullivan Tigers
Last year’s record:4-5
Social media handle: Instagram @chicagosullivanfootball X (Twitter): @ChicagoSULLIVA1
College commits (if any available): Christopher Adesina – College of DuPage
Starters returning (name, position, year in school, stats):
Logan Rivera – CB/WR, Sophomore; 7 INTs 12 Tackles, 125 Rush Yards
Daevion Greenberg – QB/S/LB, Sophomore; 2 INTs, 4 Tackles, 207 Pass Yds, 3 Rushing TD
Edwin Sanchez – OG/DT, Senior; 17 Tackles, 5 Tackles for loss, 4 Sacks
Abdulwanah Salami – LB/RB, Senior; 14 tackles for loss, 6 sacks, 87 Rushing Yds
Charles Harris Jr – OL/DL Junior; 16 Tackles for loss, 9 Sacks, 22 solo tackles
Lawerence Benson – LB/RB Junior; 9 Tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 314 Rushing yds, 38 Rec Yds, 5 Rushing TD, 42 Carries
Mueller, Mulugeta – LB/RB/ WR, Senior; 6 Tackles, 2 Sacks, 87 Rushing Yds, 4 Catches, 39 Rec Yds
Key reserves returning (name, position, year in school, stats):
Payton Pope – WR/CB, Junior; 87 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TD
Troy Peters – LB/DL/FB, Junior; 5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks
J’varion Johnson – CB/WR, Sophomore; 6 tackles, 12 pass defense breakups, 26 Rec Yds
Key newcomers (name, position, year in school):
Deiondre Davis – OL/DL, Sophomore
Erick Dameian – OL/DL, Junior
Uthman Salami – S/WR, Sophomore
Nyein Min Thant – S/DB, Junior
Terrce Mason, OL/DL, Junior
Coach’s season outlook:
After graduating a senior class of 9 players last year our team is looking to build on our youth. We have are blessed with talented at the sophomore level so this should translate into success as we continue. We have graduated 17 players over the last two years which gives us such a young squad but they are more than ready to compete at the highest level and we look forward to this year’s challenge. Our coaching staff has always been about development this year is no different.
School name: UIC College Prep
Last year’s record: 7-3
Social media handle: @uicfirecats, @coachstahman
Starters returning (name, position, year in school, honors):
Malik Allen – RB/LB – Jr
Andre Boone – RB/WR/DB – Jr
Julian Collins Jr. – WR/DB – Jr
Davion Dickerson – OL/DL – Sr – 2 time all conference DL
Demetrius Douglas – DB – Jr
Terrance Freeman – OL/DL – So
Kavon Grant – OL/DL – So
Kobe Hassel – RB/LB – Sr
Jaylin Morgan – WR/DB – So
Chris Perez-Torres – WR/DB – So
Tristan Pierre – WR/DB – Sr
Justin Tarr – RB/LB – Sr
Devin Tyler – WR/DB – Jr
Key reserves returning (name, position, year in school):
Julius Lugo – QB – So
Earl McGhee – OL – So
Ca’Ron Cobrin – LB – Jr
Key newcomers (name, position, year in school):
Eric Grays – WR/DB – Fr
Trevon Hicks – OL/DL – Jr
Brian Kerby – QB/DB – Fr
TerMari Matthews – OL/LB – Jr
Aden Moore – DB – Fr
Ketyalla Triggleth – OL/DL – Jr
Greg Williams – WR/DB – Fr
Coach’s season outlook:
Last year was our school’s first-ever playoff berth and second time in three years making runner-up in our conference. We have a great group of newcomers alongside a core group of seniors and juniors who are ready to compete. We feel confident we will continue to build on the success of our last three seasons.
School name: Uplift
Last year’s record: none
Starters returning (name, position, year in school):
Jerrion Turner, WR/DB, Sophomore
Tre’Von Tuff, RB
Kewan Watts, QB
Key newcomers (name, position, year in school):
Mekhi Khalid, Sr, DE
Coach’s season outlook: Taking every game a down at a time. As returning to the CPL as a varsity season we are looking to shock the city. Understanding that we will face a lot of ups and downs. But staying focused with the task at hand.
School name: Urban Prep
Last year’s record: 1-8
Starters returning (name, position, year in school):
Senior: Raymond Gardner – RB
Senior: Khamarja Fisher – WR
Junior: Caleb Hayden – MLB
Junior: Sincere Dawson – OLB
Key reserves returning (name, position, year in school):
Junior: Antwon Shelton – C
Junior: Amir Fergueson – LB
Key newcomers (name, position, year in school):
Senior: Jemon Booker – QB
Junior: Ronald Brooks – DB
Junior: Kaleb Harris – RT
Junior: Jaydon Johnson – DE
Senior: Damarion White – CB
Junior: Raymond Nutull – WR
Coach’s season outlook:
We’re entering this season with a new staff and a fresh standard for the Urban Prep Academies Football Program. Our team is young, athletic, and ready to make a statement. After a challenging 1-8 season, our players are more determined than ever to turn things around. Driven by our Urban Prep mindset, “We Believe,” we have key contributors in every position group, including our returning starters, all of whom are outstanding student-athletes.
On defense, we’re anchored by Junior linebacker Caleb Harris (6’2″, 225 lbs) and Junior defensive end Sincere Dawson (6′ 1″, 190 lbs). Offensively, we’ll rely on seniors Raymond Gardner (5’9″, 170 lbs, Running Back) and Khamarja Fisher (5’8″, 155 lbs, Slot Receiver), both of whom have the potential to deliver explosive plays.
School name: Von Steuben
Last year’s record: 3 – 6
Starters returning (name, position, year in school):
Joshua Tanksley – OL/DL – Senior
Jalen Pillow – OL/DL – Senior
Younes Ghrissi – QB – Senior
Dennis Djrackor – WR/S – Senior
Coach’s season outlook: The Von Steuben Panthers are a young team looking to get back to competing within the conference. This season, the talent and new direction of the team can make this happen.
