As the 2023 season starts Friday, hopes are high among the Redwings (4-5) for a return to the playoffs after a two-year absence. New quarterback Ryan Kubacki Jr., a junior, can make plays with his arms and legs and has two talented targets in senior receivers Pat Pitello and Rocky Rosanova. The Redwings also have more depth on both lines with seniors Michael Bigoness and Gavin Malec and junior Joe Rodi, all returning starters.
The Mustangs (1-8) hope to avoid the injury bug that hampered them last year. They will be big up front with senior Brady Jones and junior Okiki Oyekanmi and deep at running back with seniors Oscar Rivera and Danny Pere. Sophomore running back Charles Flowers could be a future star, and senior Nico Carrier is a top kicker.
The Redhawks (6-4) again will ride their staunch defense, which includes senior defensive end Maverick Ohle, senior linebacker Christian Kuta, junior linebacker Daniel Nussbaum and junior defensive back Aaron Nussbaum. Senior tackle Grant Ellinger (Virginia) and junior center Connor Sands anchor the offensive line in front of new quarterback Jack Cook, a senior. Senior Logan Ellison again will contribute at safety, receiver and kicker.
Senior receiver/safety Luke Williams (Purdue) will garner plenty of attention, but he’s got plenty of talent surrounding him on the Huskies (7-3). Junior Jacob Bell takes over at quarterback and can throw to Williams or junior Brock Pettaway or hand off to senior Cole Arl. On defense, seniors Drew Jennings and Lawson Grier anchor the line, and senior linebacker Matt Murphy returns from injury.
Eight defensive starters graduated, but the Wildcats (8-3) still expect to be dominant on that side of the ball, with senior linemen Nick Williamson and Justin Dutkiewicz and senior defensive backs Miles Miskel and Carter Stare leading the way. Miskel and Stare will also star at receiver. Senior quarterback Ryan Mohler, who replaced injured Mark Mennecke last season, and junior tight end Ryan Mascari also return for the defending DuPage Valley Conference champion.
There is nowhere for the Warriors (0-9) to go but up. Senior Luke Elsea is back for his third season at quarterback and is drawing recruiting interest along with senior receiver/cornerback Tyler Threat, junior two-way lineman Stefan Popov and junior cornerback Dylan Beacom.
Matt Le Cren is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.