Outlook: With 25 seniors back, Oak Forest coach Gene Johnston is optimistic. But don’t count out defending champ Bremen or explosive Rich South. Eric Powell could singlehandedly rush Rich East into contention.
1995 state qualifiers: Bremen (third round), Rich East (first round).
Quotable: Bremen coach John D’Ambrosio: “I came out and picked our team as the favorite in conference last year and the other coaches in my school district got all over me. So I’m going to put the preseason pressure on Oak Forest this year.”
Players to watch: Eric Powell (TB, 6-0, 200), Rich East; Rocco Mossuto (WR, 6-2, 190), Kevin Randolph (QB, 6-1, 160), Brian Vladika (DE/OL, 6-3, 220), Oak Forest; Asa Slaughter (WR, 6-1, 210), Jim Kiner (QB, 6-2, 190), Tinley Park; Dan Urban (QB, 5-11, 173), L.T. Griffin (LB/OG, 6-2, 219), Rich South; Rudy Knapp (DE, 5-10, 210), Jovan Jones (CB, 6-1, 200), Bremen; Brian Hodges (QB, 6-5, 210) Rich Central; Tony Diaz (OL/DL, 6-2, 270), T.F. North.
Key games: Bremen at Oak Forest, Oct. 11; Oak Forest at Rich South, Oct. 18; Rich South at Bremen, Oct. 25.
Predicted ’96 finish: Oak Forest, Bremen, Rich South, Rich East, Tinley Park, Rich Central Thornton Fractional North.
