Maine South continues to be the toast of Class 8A, but when it comes to looking for another team to put on your potential state-title radar, look no further than Lincoln-Way East (4-0).
I saw the Griffins on Friday dismantle a good Lockport team 42-7.
East coach Rob Zvonar has an impressive group of skill-position players on offense. Senior quarterback Ryne Van Gennep (6-foot-2, 190 pounds) can cause opposing defenses problems with his arm and legs. Senior Kevin Starke (6-2, 200) is a strong inside runner, and East has two standout receivers in seniors Brandyn Jackson (6-5, 220) and Alex Evans (6-2, 190).
The Griffins’ defensive line is impressive. It held Lockport (3-1) under 100 total yards and four first downs. Senior Austin Copley (6-5, 230) has drawn limited recruiting interest from a few in-state FCS schools.
Lockport was without junior standout running back Daniel “the Tank” Holman, who had a back injury.
The Jaws Award: You can never be safe in the waters of the Catholic League Blue. Loyola (3-1) beating Mt. Carmel (3-1) 28-15 Friday might seem like a major upset on the surface, but in reality no one in this loaded conference ever is safe. I would not be shocked to see every CCL Blue team with at least one conference loss before all is said and done.
Three cheers for … Thornridge. It has taken Falcons coach Jasper Strong a year or two longer than he would have liked, but Thornridge has been a great success story. Thornridge (4-0) will get its biggest test of the season Friday when it faces 3-1 Bradley-Bourbonnais in a Southwest Suburban Red showdown.
And Proviso West. Most people expected the Panthers to be fun to watch with top senior prospect Kyle Prater (6-5, 205, USC oral), but did anyone outside of Hillside expect this team to be 4-0? Proviso West travels to 4-0 Glenbard West on Saturday afternoon for a West Suburban Silver battle.
Edgy Tim for governor? I spent Saturday in our state capital watching an impressive underclassman, Springfield junior quarterback Tyrell Bolden (6-0, 175). He has great overall skills and is a prospect to watch from the Class of 2011.
Games of interest in Week 5: Wheaton Warrenville South at Naperville North. Expect a packed house in Naperville on Friday night.
Hillcrest at Lemont. Can Hillcrest take the next step against Lemont in a game between unbeatens?
Marist at St. Viator. You’ll see plenty of offense between Marist senior quarterback Mike Perish and St. Viator senior quarterback Julian Sipiora.
