Scouting the Upstate Eight Conference

Bartlett 2021 spring document: 4-0 general, 4-0 in Upstate Eight.

Coach: Matthew Erlenbaugh.

Value noting: The Hawks enter the 2021 season with heavy hearts after junior offensive lineman Alex Czerwik was killed in an car accident earlier this month. “He was an amazing younger man and can dearly be missed in our program, college, and neighborhood,” stated Bartlett coach Matt Erlenbaugh. The Hawks additionally graduated 2-time all-state TE/DL-LB Alec Palella (Central Michigan) and can have loads of first-year starters this season. “Though there are solely three returning starters, this group did get loads of varsity taking part in time final season,” stated Erlenbaugh. The returnees embody seniors Thomas Hubbard (6-4, 220 OL/DL), James Knight (5-10, 180, WR/CB), Jacob Scearce (6-2, 205, QB), Gabe Bemont (5-11, 180, WR/LB), and Anthony Verges (5-10, 170, RB/FS). The record of newcomers is headed by Blake McCluskey (5-9, 185, OL/LB), Santino Stagen (6-2, 190, OL/LB), and freshman Sam Mancilla (6-0, 240, OL/DL). Bartlett, which has compiled a 19-5 document in Erlenbaugh’s 3 years on the helm, opens its season at Glenbard South on Aug. 27. The Hawks host South Elgin on Oct. 15.

Elgin 2021 spring document: 4-2 general, 4-2 in Upstate Eight.

Coach: Anthony Mason.

Value noting: Hoping to proceed their momentum from final spring’s profitable marketing campaign — the workforce’s first since 2010, the Maroons determine to be led by their skilled offensive line that features seniors Tony Rios (6-0, 260), Will Zamecnik (6-2, 245), Kenny Davis (5-11, 245), and junior Adam Lambaz (5-10, 235). Different notable returnees are senior RB/LB Tayvion Mitchell (5-10, 200), DB Adyn Avina (5-7, 150), and junior lengthy snapper Nick West (6-1, 150). Junior James Syrek (6-1, 165) seems to be to take over for graduated All-Space QB Jeff Lomax, whereas senior Clem McCullough (5-10, 175 athlete), junior Kristian Davis (6-1, 170 DE) and sophomore Matt Lawson (5-10, 180 athlete) lead the record of newcomers. “This workforce has bonded collectively very effectively throughout the offseason,” stated Maroons coach Anthony Mason. “All of our video games being convention video games means rather a lot to us and we need to compete in each recreation, giving us the chance to achieve success. We’re actually grateful to play a full season and have a shot on the IHSA state sequence.” Elgin opens its season in opposition to East Aurora on Aug. 27.

Fenton 2021 spring document: 2-4 general, 2-4 in Upstate Eight.

Coach: Matthew Lynch.

Value noting: On the plus facet, the Bison averaged 27 factors per recreation this previous spring, topping the 40-point mark on 2 events. Nevertheless, Fenton’s protection allowed practically 33 factors per contest and dropped their last 3 video games to Glenbard South (42-15), Bartlett (48-18), and Streamwood (44-41). Fenton, which begins its season at South Elgin on Aug. 27, welcomes the return of senior 2-way gamers Richard Chavez (5-5, 160 WR/DB), Zane Benayad (5-10, 170 RB/LB), Tyshawn Brooks (5-8, 170 RB/LB), Andrew Flint (5-10, 180 OL/LB), and Gregory Mejias (6-2, 250 OL/DL). Newcomers anticipated to contribute embody OL/DL Richard Swanek III (6-3, 195), OL/DL Jordan Wilson (6-4, 215), WR/DB Michael Warkentien (6-0, 175), and WR/DB Sebastian Paiz (5-11, 160). “We wish to compete each recreation within the Upstate Eight Convention,” stated Bison coach Matthew Lynch.

Glenbard East 2021 spring document: 2-3 general, 2-3 in Upstate Eight.

Coach: John Walters.

Value noting: The Rams try to return to the state playoffs for the third consecutive full season, having certified in 2018 and 2019. With 6 offensive and 5 defensive starters again, they’ll search for management from a gaggle that features seniors Marc Koumounduoos (6-3, 285, OT/DT), Connor Cerkas (5-10, 165 QB), Matt Schager (6-2, 200 LB), Tyrese Buffkin (6-3, 180 WR), Nathan Kelley (6-3, 280 C), Nick Kostov (5-9, 185 RB), Kyrie Jones (6-1, 165 S), Kyle Tyszkiewicz (6-1, 165 WR), Alonso Perkins (6-1, 165 DB), and juniors Raul Garcia (5-8, 160 CB) and Dimitri Hritz (5-10, 180 RB/S). Juniors Delmario Taylor (6-3, 205 DE), Demontay Mack (6-3, 265 DL), Troy Cooper (6-4, 210 DE) and sophomore Dailen Zollicoffer (5-9, 160 WR) headline the record of newcomers. “We can be very skilled within the offensive and defensive ability positions,” stated Rams Eleventh-year coach John Walters. “We’re actually excited in regards to the expertise of those gamers.” The Rams host Larkin of their season opener on Aug. 27.

Glenbard South 2021 spring document: 1-2 general, 1-2 in Upstate Eight.

Coach: Ryan Crissey.

Value noting: After taking part in simply 3 video games final spring, the Raiders are in search of a contemporary begin this season. They need to profit from the return of a number of starters, headlined by senior 4-year varsity starter Trevor Burnett (593 yards speeding final spring), senior 3-year varsity starter LB/WR Dominic D’Ambra (29 tackles, 210 yards receiving), and senior 4-year varsity starter DL/OL Connor Murphy (24 tackles). Different veterans embody Brandon Lim (5-11, 260, OL), Gavin Krisik (6-3, 235, OL), Kenyetta Barlow (6-2, 165, athlete), Sam Scullion (6-0, 195, athlete), Zach Blazek (5-9, 170, WR), and Cain Smith (5-10, 220, DL). The record of newcomers consists of senior Nathan Plaso (5-10, 165, WR), juniors D’Guide Payton (5-8, 145, athlete), Owen Gibson (6-4, 210, LB/TE), Jack Donnelly (6-3, 190, LB), Owen Difranco (6-4, 225, DE), Edwin Tchapda (6-1, 275, OL/DL), and sophomores Michael Champagne (5-9, 165, QB) and Cam Williams (6-2, 180, WR). In accordance with Raiders coach Ryan Crissey, Burnett has obtained 9 Division I scholarship gives, whereas Williams has already garnered 4. “Now we have a number of returning starters and a gifted crop of juniors and sophomores that can be main contributors.” Glenbard South hosts Bartlett on Aug. 27 in an early season battle between hopeful UEC title contenders. “We count on to battle with a couple of faculties for a convention championship,” added Crissey.

Larkin 2021 spring document: 0-4 general, 0-4 in Upstate Eight.

Coach: Grant Dietz.

Value noting: “Our guys have put in loads of laborious work from the shortened COVID spring season into the summer time program to now,” stated Royals coach Grant Dietz, who’s Larkin’s sixth head soccer coach in 3 years. “We’re looking forward to the laborious work to repay for us this season.” The Royals search to enhance upon final spring’s 0-4 mark with the return of 3-year beginning quarterback Dontrell Maxie (5-2, 215) and seniors Jamarion Stubbs (5-10, 150 WR/DB) and Michael Hibbler (5-11, 240 OL/DL). “Dontrell is a dynamic twin risk at quarterback,” Dietz stated of final yr’s all-UEC choice. “Jamarion is elusive with breakaway pace and supplies expertise on protection, whereas Michael was an all-UEC participant final season.” Extra veteran help figures to come back from seniors Giovanni Lara (6-3, 265, OL/DL), Omarion Thomas (6-0, 250, DL/OL), and juniors Angle Gonzalez (6-0, 245, DL/OL) and Chevelle Clements (5-11, RB/LB). “Chevelle can be counted on as our utility man,” stated Dietz, whose squad visits Glenbard East within the Aug. 27 season opener. “Coping with COVID and different conditions have precipitated our numbers to drop however we are going to coach up the gamers we now have and be able to play laborious,” added Dietz.

South Elgin 2021 spring document: 5-0 general, 5-0 in Upstate Eight.

Coach: Dragan Teonic.

Value noting: Contemporary from an unbeaten spring marketing campaign, the Storm look to proceed that momentum into the latter half of 2021. Outscoring its opponents by a staggering 44-11 common final spring, South Elgin figures to be a significant power within the Upstate Eight Convention title chase as soon as once more. “Our purpose is to be aggressive within the Upstate Eight and proceed our climb in Class 8A,” stated Storm coach Dragan Teonic, who has compiled a 21-6 mark in 3 seasons on the helm. Returning offensive starters are senior all-UEC choices Joey Viverito (6-1, 220, TE) and Jalen Jones (6-2, 180, WR), supported by seniors Dominic Cianciarulo (5-10, 235, OL), Spencer Menchaca (5-9, 170, WR), Kai Paz (5-11, 165, WR), and junior Nathan Dinse (6-2, 220, OL). Defensive returnees embody all-state senior DB Jordan Jones (6-1, 180), Omari Larson (5-10, 200, DL), Salvi Macaluso (6-2, 210, LB), Alex Rios (6-1, 185, LB), Axel Bernal (5-11, 185, LB), Paz (DB) and Jalen Jones (DB). The record of newcomers consists of seniors Gino Santini (6-1, 210, TE/DL), Cole Wilmot (6-0, 200, WR/DL), juniors Mason Montgomery (6-1, 180, WR/DB), Tyler Henson (6-5, 295, OL/DL), Kyle Steinhofer (6-0, 175, WR/DB), and sophomores Tommy Roath (5-10, 250, OL/DL), Jacob Sullivan (6-0, 185, QB), and Ari Kravis (5-10, 200, RB/LB).

Streamwood 2021 spring document: 5-1 general, 5-1 in Upstate Eight.

Coach: Keith McMaster.

Value noting: After experiencing back-to-back, 2-7 seasons in 2018 and 2019, Streamwood posted a formidable 5-1 mark throughout the shortened 2021 spring marketing campaign. Now, the Sabres need extra. “We’re trying to construct on the success of final season,” stated Sabres 2nd-year head coach Keith McMaster. “The purpose is to make the playoffs for the primary time in a decade (2011).” That confidence is boosted by the return of senior veteran starters Isaac Martinez (5-11, 185), who gained 799 yards speeding with a 7.13-yard common per carry and 12 touchdowns final spring, Michael Estrada (5-11, 180, LB/RB), who collected 35 tackles — 2nd on the workforce, and Justin Sharks (6-1, 185, SS), who had 24 tackles, together with 5 for loss with a pair of interceptions. Senior offensive linemen Jojo Chamopoulos (5-10, 220), Eric Gomez (6-1, 250), and Richard Rodriguez (6-2, 265) additionally return to bolster the inside for the Sabres. Streamwood additionally expects a carry from sophomore newcomer Taro Ishikawa (5-9, 175, RB), who averaged 4.58 yards per carry final spring. Streamwood opens its season at West Chicago on Aug. 27.

West Chicago 2021 spring document: 0-2 general, 0-2 in Upstate Eight.

Coach: Tyler Belding.

Value noting: The Wildcats’ shortened spring season was extra abbreviated than anticipated, with the workforce taking part in simply two video games — dropping 46-8 to Streamwood on March 19 and dropping a 21-20 choice to Elgin on April 16. “After graduating a gifted senior class, we wish to reload with a balanced mixture of juniors and seniors, together with 12 returning gamers who’ve varsity expertise,” stated Wildcats coach Tyler Belding, whose workforce hosts Streamwood in its season opener on Aug. 27. Heading the record of returning veterans are Pedro Vazquez (6-0, 215, DL), who recorded a team-high 7 tackles for loss final spring, Mason Wright (6-1, 190, WR), who had 14 catches for 285 yards with 3 TDs), Ethan Ross (5-7, 170, RB/LB), and Dejon Davis (5-9, 210, OL). The record of newcomers consists of Joey Ferruzza (5-9, 180, LB/RB), Adrian Munoz (5-9, 170, QB/LB), Jaden Bates (5-10, 160, DB), and Aidan Murrin (6-1, 170, WR).