High School Sports RSS: Football

Graham commits to Ohio State

BY TAYLOR BELL — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00 CST

Wheaton North quarterback Taylor Graham gave an oral commitment to Ohio State. Graham chose the Buckeyes over scholarship offers from UCLA, Colorado, Michigan State, Iowa, Arkansas, Duke and Wisconsin.

Acton: Bolingbrook's happy camper

BY RON KREMER rkremer@scn1.com — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00 CST

Though he retired as Bolingbrook's football coach after the 2001 season, Phil Acton remains involved with the sport as director of the school's summer camp.

Artificial turf coming to Memorial Stadium

BY BRIAN STANLEY bstanley@scn1.com — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:00 CST

The Joliet Park District is moving ahead with plans to install artificial turf at Memorial Stadium, the home field for Joliet Catholic football.

Providence gears up for rough schedule

BY DICK GOSS dgoss@scn1.com — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:00 CST

With plenty of experienced players back on both sides of the ball, Providence is looking forward to another successful football season. But the Celtics will have to navigate perhaps the toughest schedule in the state.

Griffins' Van Gennep ready for his turn

BY DICK GOSS dgoss@scn1.com — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:00 CST

After spending last season as a backup to Spencer Stanek, quarterback Ryne Van Gennep is looking forward to the chance to run Lincoln-Way East's high-powered offense.

Romeoville to rely on Stingily

BY DICK GOSS dgoss@scn1.com — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:00 CST

Cameron Stingily already has several Division I scholarship offers as a linebacker. But the Romeoville senior-to-be also figures to make an impact on offense as a running back this fall.

Group hands down practice guidelines

By BLAKE BAUMGARTNER For The Beacon News — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:01 CST

In hopes of preventing future heat-related fatalities, the National Athletic Trainers' Association released new preseason training guidelines for high school athletes Thursday. While the announcement did not single out any sports, most of the new guidelines deal with conditions involving football.

Two-way standout is Wildcats' 'Webb' gem

BY RON KREMER rkremer@scn1.com — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:00 CST

Not many prep football quarterbacks also play defense, but Wilmington's Colin Webb is the exception that proves the rule. He passed for 14 TDs and had 62 tackles last fall as a junior for the 11-1 Wildcats.

Back to future for Minooka's Krakowski

BY RON KREMER rkremer@scn1.com — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 00:00 CST

Cory Krakowski, a quarterback in Pop Warner ball and during his first two seasons at Minooka, is back at the position after an injury to teammate Mitch Brozovich.

Offers start flowing for St. Rita's Gaston

BY TAYLOR BELL — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 18:00 CST

Though he didn't start till Week 4 of last season, St. Rita defensive tackle Bruce Gaston is drawing plenty of attention from college recruiters.

Football in June? Why not?

BY RON KREMER rkremer@scn1.com — Tue, 9 Jun 2009 18:00 CST

The start of the football season is more than 2 1/2 months away, but that doesn't mean local coaches and players are taking it easy. Many of them will be heading to the University of St. Francis' 7-on-7 passing jamboree, which begins a three-week run on Saturday.

College football recruiting heats up

BY TAYLOR BELL — Sun, 7 Jun 2009 00:00 CST

Football recruiting is picking up in the post-May evaluation period as colleges zero in on Chicago area prospects in the Class of 2010 who impressed on film or at one-day camps or combines.

Lane's Trinca-Pasat commits to Iowa

BY TAYLOR BELL — Sun, 7 Jun 2009 18:00 CST

Defensive end/linebacker Louis Trinca-Pasat of Lane Tech made an oral commitment to Iowa. The 6-2, 230-pounder chose Iowa over Michigan State and Wisconsin.

UCLA offers Wheaton North's Graham

BY ADAM L. JAHNS ajahns@suntimes.com — Sun, 7 Jun 2009 00:00 CST

Add UCLA to the growing list of major college programs after Wheaton North quarterback Taylor Graham. Bruins head coach Rick Neuheisel extended a scholarship offer to the 6-4, 215-pound junior on Saturday after Graham visited the school.

Football lifer takes over Wolfpack

BY DAVE MASTERSON dmasterson@scn1.com — Mon, 1 Jun 2009 18:00 CST

Dave Masterson: Guess who's back in the high-school football coaching ranks? Remember Pat Jennings, who stepped down from the Waukegan job just this school year? He's now the main man of the St. Ignatius Wolfpack varsity football squad.

Blue chips, friendship, scholarships

BY TAYLOR BELL — Mon, 1 Jun 2009 18:00 CST

Kyle Prater and Corey Cooper are best friends. They also are two of the top five football prospects in the area. They talk frequently about going to the same college, and Cooper, who committed to Illinois, is hoping to persuade Prater to be his roommate in Champaign.

Chicago area�s Top 30 in Class of 2010

According to Taylor Bell and recruiting analyst Tom Lemming — Sun, 31 May 2009 19:00 CST

Taylor Bell and recruiting analyst Tom Lemming rank the top football players in the Class of 2010. Be sure to see who made their top 30.

Ohio State offers Lane's Tomlinson

BY TAYLOR BELL — Fri, 29 May 2009 18:00 CST

The recruiting stock of Laken Tomlinson soared Friday when Lane Tech's 6-5, 285-pound offensive lineman was offered a scholarship by Ohio State.

Scouts' Rees aims high with mentor dad

BY TAYLOR BELL — Fri, 29 May 2009 18:00 CST

Lake Forest quarterback Tommy Rees, whose dad Bill has evaluated talent from UCLA to the NFL, is now being looked at by plenty of recruiters himself. He already has scholarship offers from Miami (Ohio), Bowling Green and Central Michigan.

Falcons' Graham now on UCLA's radar

BY TAYLOR BELL — Thu, 21 May 2009 18:00 CST

UCLA offensive coordinator Norm Chow made a rare visit to the Midwest last week to watch film of Wheaton North quarterback Taylor Graham, who has scholarship offers from Iowa, Arkansas and Duke.

Wave players choose colleges

Fri, 22 May 2009 04:00 CST

Recruiting: In another sign that St. Edward's football program is heading in the right direction, six Green Wave seniors will make commitments to play college football in a signing ceremony today at the school.

Prospect's Osei: Don't sell me short

BY TAYLOR BELL — Sat, 16 May 2009 14:00 CST

Prospect's Miles Osei knows some college coaches may be looking for a taller quarterback than him. But the junior believes he can thrive in any system if given a chance.

Campanella decides to join rival Montini

BY TAYLOR BELL — Mon, 11 May 2009 18:00 CST

Driscoll football star Nick Campanella, forced to look for another high school to attend as a senior after Driscoll announced it will close after the current school year, said Monday that he will enroll at Montini.

Driscoll football star looks for a new home

BY TAYLOR BELL — Thu, 7 May 2009 18:00 CST

Nick Campanella is a versatile and athletic 6-foot, 202-pounder, who played four positions for Driscoll's football team last season. Instead of trying to figure out his college choice, the talented junior is looking for a new high school.

Mustangs' Whitmer settles on Illini

YOURSEASON.COM STAFF REPORT — Tue, 5 May 2009 18:00 CST

Downers Grove South junior quarterback Chandler Whitmer, who threw for more than 1,400 yards last fall, has committed to play at Illinois.

Top QBs in Midwest to display their skills

BY TAYLOR BELL — Fri, 1 May 2009 18:00 CST

Some of the best quarterbacks in the Midwest, including two who have been offered scholarships by Illinois coach Ron Zook, will showcase their skills this weekend at the DeBartolo Football Festival at the McCook Athletic Facility.

Rich Central turns to Speller

BY ALAN MACEY -- SOUTHTOWNSTAR — Fri, 1 May 2009 18:00 CST

Oliver Speller, a former assistant at Rich Central, has been hired as the Olympians' head football coach. He replaces Steve Tadlock, who was 6-12 in two seasons.

Storm's VanMetre picks Monmouth

Fri, 1 May 2009 04:00 CST

Recruiting: Monmouth College's success during the 2008 football season was enough to attract South Elgin senior Nate VanMetre. VanMetre recently committed to play for the Fighting Scots next fall after three varsity seasons as an offensive lineman with the Storm.

New coach knows Bremen tradition

BY TONY BARANEK -- SOUTHTOWNSTAR — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 18:00 CST

Dan Stell, who served on the staffs of John D'Ambrosio and John Casson at Bremen, is the Braves' new head football coach.

Coaches gearing up for May evaluations

BY TAYLOR BELL — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 12:00 CST

With the recruiting timetable streamlined, college football coaches increasingly are relying on film to evaluate prospects. And, the May evaluation period for college football coaches is just around the corner.

Maloney heading back home to Joliet

BY DICK GOSS -- HERALD NEWS — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 18:00 CST

Former St. Ignatius football coach Mike Maloney has been hired as the coach at Joliet Central, which will return to varsity competition for the 2010 season after ending its athletic ties with Joliet West.

Mustangs' Whitmer is one to watch

BY TAYLOR BELL — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 18:00 CST

Downers Grove South quarterback Chandler Whitmer isn't the biggest quarterback around at 6-1 and 190 pounds. But thanks to hours of watching game film, he's one of the most knowledgeable.

Caravan QB Lynch to play for Team USA

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 18:00 CST

Mount Carmel quarterback Jordan Lynch has been selected for the first-ever USA Football Junior National Team. Lynch, a Sun-Times All-Area team selection and a Northern Illinois signee, led the Caravan to the Class 8A semifinals as a senior.

Lane duo draws D-I interest, offers

BY TAYLOR BELL — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 18:00 CST

In linebacker Louis Trinca-Pasat and lineman Laken Tomlinson, Lane has a pair of Division I football prospects for the first time in recent memory.

Zielke opts to play two sports at college level

Sat, 28 Mar 2009 04:00 CST

Prep football recruiting: Aurora Christian senior David Zielke has decided to play both football and baseball at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, an NCAA Division III program. The wide receiver turned some heads with his record-setting performance in the Eagles' Class 4A state title game loss to Bloomington Central Catholic, resulting in some college interest.

Maine South pulls plug on QB camp

Sat, 7 Mar 2009 16:00 CST

Maine South shut down its quarterback camp for this year after realizing it ran counter to some IHSA rules, the school's athletic director said.

Waukegan coach a winner on and off field

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 04:00 CST

School, community can feel good about head of Bulldogs' football program

Batavia RB Kabba chooses St. Ambrose

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 04:00 CST

Prep football recruiting: Batavia running back J.R. Kabba has decided to continue his athletic career at St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa. He will play football and run track for the NAIA program. Kabba chose St. Ambrose over North Central College in Naperville, as well as several walk-on opportunities at Division II football programs.

A talent-laden 2010

BY TAYLOR BELL — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 16:00 CST

Johnsburg�s C.J. Fiedorowicz is the top-rated football prospect in the area in the Class of 2010 -- a class already being praised for its stock of Division I players. Other standouts include Notre Dame-bound lineman Christian Lombard of Fremd and Illinois-bound safety Corey Cooper of Proviso East.

Chicago Area�s Top 30 Juniors

Sat, 14 Feb 2009 16:00 CST

Taylor Bell and recruiting analyst Tom Lemming break down the top 30 football players in the Class of 2010. Be sure to see if anyone from your team made the cut.

Hilltoppers' Smith heading to Michigan

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 04:00 CST

Prep football recruiting: Fullback Owen Schmitt was a rookie with the Seattle Seahawks in the recently completed NFL season. He was selected in the fifth round of the 2008 draft out of West Virginia. What's that have to do with Calvin Smith? Plenty. Smith, who played his senior year of high school at Joliet Catholic Academy after three years at Providence Catholic, has accepted an invitation to attend the University of Michigan as a preferred walk-on.

Geneva football player dies unexpectedly

BY MATT HANLEY -- BEACON NEWS — Thu, 5 Feb 2009 18:00 CST

A little more than three months ago, John McNeil�s classmates were celebrating his team�s second-place finish in the state football playoffs. Now, those same students are mourning McNeil, 18, who died unexpectedly Thursday.

Signs of the times

BY STEVE TUCKER stucker@suntimes.com — Wed, 4 Feb 2009 18:00 CST

National Signing Day: Thornton quarterback Darren Jones will follow former Illinois assistant Mike Locksley to New Mexico, signing a letter of intent on Wednesday. Other notable players leaving the state include Maine South quarterback Charlie Goro (Vanderbilt) and Morgan Park defensive lineman Craig Drummond (Mississippi).

LSU stands out; Illini, ND look OK

BY TAYLOR BELL — Wed, 4 Feb 2009 18:00 CST

After Wednesday's National Signing Day, count LSU�s Les Miles, Ohio State�s Jim Tressel and USC�s Pete Carroll among the most excited. But Notre Dame�s Charlie Weis and Illinois� Ron Zook certainly aren�t disappointed even though their incoming freshmen aren�t comparable to recent classes.

Tom Lemming ranks the Big Ten's recruiting classes

Wed, 4 Feb 2009 18:00 CST

Recruiting analyst Tom Lemming breaks down the Big Ten by recruiting classes.

Nation's Super 25 players

Wed, 4 Feb 2009 18:00 CST

Here is a break down of the nation's top players by position, according to recruiting analyst Tom Lemming.

National Signing Day hype signals loss of perspective

BY GREG COUCH gcouch@suntimes.com — Wed, 4 Feb 2009 18:00 CST

Greg Couch: National Signing Day is not officially a national holiday. How did we get here? Shouldn't we feel uncomfortable about dedicating so much time, thought and energy to a bunch of young boys?

Illinois: Zook's class rises with late pickups

BY HERB GOULD hgould@suntimes.com — Wed, 4 Feb 2009 18:00 CST

Ron Zook has set the bar so high that it's not his splashiest class at Illinois. And with 20 signees, it's not his biggest, either. But thanks to some late gets, this class could end up being a very productive one.

Notre Dame: Linebacker Te'o a step up for class

BY NEIL HAYES nhayes@suntimes.com — Wed, 4 Feb 2009 18:00 CST

By signing his name and sporting a blue-and-gold hat, Manti Te'o forever changed the perception of Notre Dame's 2009 recruiting class.

Northwestern: Providence's Ward stands out in balanced class

BY JIM O'DONNELL jodonnell@suntimes.com — Wed, 4 Feb 2009 18:00 CST

Headlining Northwestern's newcomers is four-star offensive tackle Patrick Ward of Providence, who brushed away a list of at least 25 other impressive suitors to become NU's first four-star signee since defensive end Loren Howard in 2001.

Kozlowski named new North Chicago coach

By Dave Masterson dmasterson@scn1.com — Thu, 5 Feb 2009 04:00 CST

Ex-Bear Kozlowski seizes opportunity to coach at North Chicago High

Wildcats find a gem in Providence's Ward

BY JIM O'DONNELL jodonnell@suntimes.com — Tue, 3 Feb 2009 18:00 CST

Northwestern and coach Pat Fitzgerald landed one of the best offensive linemen in Illinois: four-star tackle Patrick Ward of Providence in New Lenox.

Aurora Christian's Kariotis beats odds

Wed, 4 Feb 2009 04:00 CST

Sitting in the kitchen of his Aurora home, Pete Kariotis is one of few high school players who can make the table he rests his hands on seem like a TV tray. He stands 6 feet tall and checks in at 310 pounds. As he shifts, the chair underneath squeals for mercy -- much like many a quarterback who fell victim to the Aurora Christian defensive tackle.

Football standouts have pens at ready

Wed, 4 Feb 2009 04:00 CST

Oswego's football team finished 8-3 and reached the second round of the Class 6A playoffs, but the Panthers will score several more victories today when three players will sign National Letters of Intent to play in college.

AC QB Roberts going to Wheaton

Sat, 31 Jan 2009 00:01 CST

Prep football recruiting: Aurora Christian quarterback Jordan Roberts has decided to continue his football career at Wheaton College. The decision caps nearly a four year journey to find a scholarship offer from a Division I school.

Q & A with Edgy Tim

BY TAYLOR BELL — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 18:00 CST

Football recruiting analyst Tim O'Halloran of EdgyTim.com answers questions from the Sun-Times' Taylor Bell.

Proviso West's Prater lands his 17th offer

BY TINA AKOURIS takouris@suntimes.com — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 18:00 CST

Proviso West wide receiver Kyle Prater is making school history. On Thursday, representatives from Stanford's football team went to the Hillside school and offered Prater a scholarship.

Panthers lineman opts to join Herd

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 04:00 CST

Prep football recruiting: Oswego offensive lineman Jordan Jeffries, who stands 6 feet 7 inches, found a second home in Huntington, W.Va., at Marshall University, where he will be playing football next season.

Drummond heading to Mississippi

SUN-TIMES STAFF REPORT — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 16:00 CST

Morgan Park's Craig Drummond, one of the nation's top defensive end prospects, has committed to Mississippi, according to a report on RebelSports.net.

Preseason Prep Bowl pairings announced

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 19:00 CST

The matchups for the 2009 Preseason Prep Bowl at Soldier Field were announced on Friday. Check out the pairings here.

Ratay runs his way to D-II power

BY TAYLOR BELL — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 19:00 CST

Michael Ratay, one of the most prolific running backs in state football history, has made an oral commitment to Division II power Grand Valley State in Grand Rapids, Mich.

Mlady to play football at Cornell

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 18:00 CST

Naperville North running back Nick Mlady, who will leave the school as its all-time leading rusher, will continue his career at Cornell in the Ivy League.

Drummond de-commits from Illinois

BY TAYLOR BELL — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 18:00 CST

Morgan Park defensive end Craig Drummond, who made an oral commitment to Illinois in November, said Sunday night he has de-committed from Illinois, has re-opened his recruiting process and is seriously considering Mississippi.

Bartlett's Zelinsky chooses Central Michigan

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 04:00 CST

Prep football recruiting: Kyle Zelinsky is scheduled to make an official visit to Central Michigan today. Whomever plays host to the Bartlett star linebacker won't have to go out of his/her way to make it too special of a weekend, though. The Courier News Player of the Year verbally committed to attend CMU recently, spurning several other Division I scholarship offers.

Ewald enjoys being All-American

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 04:00 CST

Last weekend Waubonsie Valley's Mitch Ewald, an Indiana recruit, played in the Offense-Defense All-American Bowl outside Myrtle Beach, S.C. Next weekend the Waubonsie senior is heading to Las Vegas for a kicking camp.

Drummond an All-American hit

Sun, 11 Jan 2009 04:00 CST

It didn't make the Top 10 plays of the day on ESPN on Jan 3. But it was a play the entire nation had a chance to see on NBC. It also was a play Morgan Park senior Craig Drummond probably never will forget.

Corey returns to coach Maine East football

By Jim Edison — Thu, 8 Jan 2009 16:00 CST

Gabe Corey, who coached the Maine East football team for 10 years before stepping down after the 2002 season, will return to coach the Demons for the 2009 season.

Fremd's Lombard picks Notre Dame

BY TAYLOR BELL — Sat, 3 Jan 2009 16:00 CST

Fremd's Christian Lombard, one of the top-rated offensive linemen in the Class of 2010, was watching the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio on Saturday when he casually announced he has made an oral commitment to Notre Dame.

Meteors have some football talent, too

BY TAYLOR BELL — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 15:00 CST

De La Salle is famous for producing Chicago mayors and basketball players, not necessarily in that order. Dan O�Keefe, who recently completed his third season as De La Salle�s football coach, is trying to change that image.

Holliday is GRIDIRON Defensive Player of the Year

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 04:00 CST

GRIDIRON Defensive Player of the Year: It all started in sixth-grade for Roosevelt Holliday. A 5-foot-7, Brett Favre-loving, Green Bay Packers fan, Holliday started playing youth football with the Bolingbrook Trojans. He had to stop playing for two years because the Trojans "didn't have football for the bigger kids." But he was bigger and better by his freshman year and the Bolingbrook Raiders had plenty of room for the 6-foot-3, 303-pound behometh.

Ward is Herald's Offensive Player of the Year

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 04:00 CST

GRIDIRON Offensive Player of the Year: Providence Catholic High School senior Patrick Ward produced more pancakes than an IHOP this season as a 6-foot-7, 290-pound tackle, presiding as the protector of junior quarterback Mike Hoffmeister's blind side as well as being the TNT for explosive junior tailback Tim Hanrahan.The Northwestern-bound Ward is big, strong, smart, tireless and the 2008 GRIDIRON Offensive Player of the Year.