By Mark Gregory @Hear_The_Beard
Top team: Bolingbrook. The Raiders return 10 players to the offensive side of the football and will feature an offense that will go to the air more than fans have seen in the past. With a schedule that still features H-F and Lincoln-Way East, The Brook may not win the SWSC, but will be a battle tested team come playoff time.
Sleeper team: Lockport. The Porters have been on an upward swing under coach Dan Starkey and last season missed the playoffs because of a play here and a play there. This season, Lockport returns QB Ben Davis to make sure those things do not haplen again. Look for a 5-4 team and a playoff berth for the Porters.
Player to watch: Ke’Von Johnson, JCA. Only a junior, Johnson was thrown into action last year when Harry Davis went out with an injury and rushed for nearly 1,000 yards. Now the focal point of the Hilltopper double wing offense, Johnson will be a head turner this season.
Offensive Player of the Year: Marquis Thomas, Westmont. Coach Otto Zeman is getting back to his spread offense this season and Thomas is the go-to guy. The dynamic receiver and running back will rack up the yards in the fast paced air attack.
Defensive Player of the Year: Izayah Green-May, Bolingbrook. The University of Wisconsin recruit is a terror to opposing offenses. A hybrid linebacker/defensive end, Green-May has the ability to get after the QB as well as defend the run. Look for big things from the leader of the Raider D.
Game most excited for: Joliet Central/Plainfield Central. Someone has to win this one. The Steelmen have yet to win since the program resplit and the Wildcats are 0 for the last three years. When they meet in week 4, Joliet Central should be rocking. Both teams will face a young Plainfield East team before week 4, so a win over the Bengals by either program will eliminate some of the drama.
Preseason top 10:
- Bolingbrook
- Maine South
- Benet
- Notre Dame
- Plainfield North
- JCA
- Minooka
- Downers North
- Lockport
- Joliet West