Illini Red Bird preview

Illini Red Bird

Outlook: Curie will learn a lot in the opener against Mount Carmel at Soldier Field. Lane is always tough. Young will be formidable.

Top Five Players (Ht., Wt., Yr.)

L Catrell Brownlee, Young, 5-6, 140, Sr.

LB Marrell Gibson, Lane 6-0, 195, Sr.

L Anthony Jantke, Lane 6-3, 265, Sr.

DB/WR Anthony McKinley, Curie 6-0, 182, Sr.

QB D.J. Purnell, Young 5-7, 140, Sr.

Quote: ‘‘We are light years ahead of where we were last year. Our preseason schedule will definitely get us ready for the conference.’’ —Curie coach Tyson LeBlanc

Did you know? Lane junior tight end Luis Trinca, a college prospect, has a 4.3 GPA.

Predicted finish:Curie, Lane, Young, Foreman, Steinmetz, Lincoln Park.