1. Hinsdale Central
Eight returning starters along the offensive and defensive lines–among them Jim Grayheck (6-3, 270), Mike Kennedy (6-4, 260) and James Lill (6-1, 270)–plus QB Brett Morse from last year’s 11-1 team could lead to the Red Devils’ first football state title.
2. Lincoln-Way East
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Preseason favorite in Class 8A returns 18 starters from last season’s semifinalist. In that group is junior lineman Adam Gettis (6-4, 250), a cousin of Pittsburgh Steelers receiver and ex-Thornton star Antwaan Randle El.
3. Maine South
Back-to-back runner-up finishes in 8A have the Hawks primed for a title run behind QB Tyler Knight, running back Jake Bachmeier, offensive tackle Pat Burke (6-3, 305) and defensive end Adam Fee. Coach Dave Inserra’s teams are 26-2 over the last two years.
4. Morgan Park
The quest for the Public League’s first state title continues. The Mustangs boast QB Demetrius Jones, a receiving trio of Chris James, William Worley and Tafari Mahau–the latter two track stars–plus offensive linemen Ramone Johnson (6-5, 315), Mike Smith (6-5, 310), Willie Valentine (6-4, 265) and Demetrius Davison (6-4, 260).
5. Riverside-Brookfield
Foremost among the 14 returning starters from an 8-3 team are QB Chris Pesek, the entire offensive line and receivers Matt Sandrik (6-4, 175) and Mike Kearney. Watch for the emergence of junior receiver Mike Razniewski in coach Otto Zeman’s explosive five-receiver, no-back attack.
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Special section
The Tribune’s preview of the high school fall sports season will appear in the Aug. 26 edition.