Looking at the past present and future of high school football in the Prairie State.
Staff Report
MaxPreps.com
Best Player: Chris Watt, Sr., OL, Glenbard West
Watt has emerged as one of the top linemen in the country after earning 7A All-State honors last year. The 6-foot-5, 270-pound offensive lineman had 107 pancake blocks and has already committed to play at Notre Dame next season. Returning Stat Leaders – Passing: Zach Kester, Massac County, 188-267, 2744 yards, 33 TDs; Rushing: Michael Ratay, Geneva, 275-1743, 29 TDs.
Best All-Time Player: Dick Butkus, LB, Chicago Vocational
A ferocious hitter, Butkus was a two-time All-America pick at the University of Illinois where he had 145 tackles and forced 10 fumbles as a junior. The 6-3, 245-pounder had 1,020 tackles and 489 assists, recovered 27 fumbles and made 22 interceptions during his nine-year NFL career with the Chicago Bears. He made the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979.
2008 Must See: Addison Driscoll Catholic Seeks Record
The Class 4A power is gunning for its unprecedented eighth consecutive state championship. The Highlanders are under their third new coach – alumnus Brandon New – during this record streak. No other schools have won more than four in a row.
On The Throne: Joliet Catholic Academy
Often ranked nationally, the Joliet powerhouse has compiled a 59-7 record during the past five years and won three state titles (two in Class 5A and one in Class 6A).
Best Rivalry: Mount Carmel vs. St. Rita
The ancient Chicago Catholic League rivals started their series in 1924, with Mount Carmel holding a 58-26-2 advantage. They are located only eight miles apart and draw players from the same basic area. As expected, their match-ups constantly are sold out.
Future Star: Vincent Arterbridge, So., RB, East St. Louis
The 6-2, 215-pounder ran for over 1,300 yards last year as a freshman.
Fun Fact
Desperate to restore the glory of coach
Murney Lazier, who retired in 1974 with a glittering 125-17-4 record,
Evanston officials have named the football field in his honor. They also have hired
Mike Burzawa, who compiled a near-perfect record of 41-1 with four state titles during the last four years at Driscoll Catholic. The capper, however, is that the local neighborhood is allowing lights to be installed after many years of resistance.
MaxPreps Preseason All-State Team
WR – Kraig Appleton,
East St. LouisWR – Ryan Webb, Batavia
WR – Bryon Bailey, Massac County
TE – Shaun Pratl, Richards
OL – Chris Watt, Glenbard West
OL – Jimmy Holtschlag, Quincy Notre Dame
OL – Michael Schofield, Sandburg
OL – Leon Hill, Leo
OL – Patrick Ward, Providence Catholic
QB – Evan Watkins, Glenbard North
QB – Jon Budmayr, Marian Central
RB – Michael Ratay, Geneva
RB – Mike Trumpy, Wheaton North
RB – Nick Mlady, Naperville North
ATH – Jordan Lynch, Mt. Carmel
K – Ben Skaer, Waterloo
DL – Craig Drummond, Morgan Park
DL – Lendell Buckner, Leo
DL – Michael Buchanan, Homewood-Flossmoor
DL – John Brewer, Lake Zurich
LB – Ethan Armstrong, Ottawa
LB – Darius Moffett, Hubbard
LB – Jeremy Johnson, Mt. Carmel
LB – Brennan Quinn, Geneva
LB – Drew Tondini, Morris
DB – Terry Hawthorne, East St. Louis
DB – Riley O’Toole, Naperville Central
DB – Tommy Hopkins, East St. Louis
DB – Anthony Boddy, St. Joseph
P – Rafael Alvarado, TF North
