#1: Carroll
2019 Record: 7-4
Week 1: at Bishop Luers
We’ve said it all summer: experience will be key this year. Sure, last year is in the past, but when you have one of the best returning quarterbacks in the conference in Jeff Becker (2,039 yds, 52% comp, 26 TD), one of the best groups of skill position players in the conference, and your offense finished with 3,536 total yds while outscoring opponents 283-167 in 2019, it’s hard not to get excited about the possibilities in the new season.
#2: Bishop Dwenger
2019 Record: 11-2
Week 1: vs Wayne
All the pieces are still there, especially where it matters in order for Dwenger to be successful. Vinny Fiacable and Joe Fabini will be the keys for success on the Saints offensive line, where Dwenger wins most of its games. Seniors QB Brenden Lytle (2,045 yds, 61% comp, 18 TD) and RB Devon Tippman (431 yds, 4.8 yds/car, 12 TD) return as well, but keep your eye on RB Gavin Groves as well. The junior had a nice scrimmage on Saturday and will only strengthen the backfield.
#3: Homestead
2019 Record: 11-1
Week 1: vs Northrop
Homestead would have probably been placed at #1 had Luke Goode returned at quarterback. But I’m sure the Spartans don’t care, they’re ready to defend their crown led by RB Braeden Hardwick (957 yds, 6.8 yds/car, 15 TD). Don’t expect the defense to see a huge drop in production either with MLB Luke Palmer, OLB Cole Etchison, among others expecting a big year.
#4: Snider
2019 Record: 7-3
Week 1: vs North Side
The amount of high-quality starters that the Panthers lost was insane. The only place where Snider wasn’t decimated was in their front 7 on defense, where they return guys like MLB Dominick Moon and OLB Isaiah Maxwell. Other than that, they’ll be breaking in a new quarterback, a new running back, a fresh set of wide receivers, and some other players sprinkled throughout the team. Don’t expect Snider to fall off the map, just don’t be surprised to see some early season jitters.
#5: North Side
2019 Record: 4-6
Week 1: at Snider
The team that faces Snider in week 1 also happens to be in the opposite situation from the Panthers. North Side returns a lot. Three wide receivers, Ronald Collins III, Jordan Turner, and Rodney Woods all return as primary threats. Duce Taylor returns with over 500 yds passing a year ago and Jasuan Lambert figures to be a breakout star at running back. Don’t forget Arieon McCarter either, a sneaky safety who had 2 picks and 3 breakups a year ago. Coach Brevard’s Legends are looking good heading into this season.
#6: Concordia
2019 Record: 7-6
Week 1: at South Side
One of the most prolific offenses year in and year out, the Cadets are hoping for a big season from QB Brandon Davis, who had 2,399 yds passing and 21 TD in 2019. RB Amir Drew also returns, with well over 1,000 yards rushing last season. WR Tyler Grossman (38 rec, 663 yds, 8 TD) will take Jalen Vanderbosch’s (48 rec, 748 yds, 7 TD) spot as the lead receiver. The defense needs some work, but CB Kam Vanderbosch is a bright spot. If you like offense and high-scoring games, be sure to catch Concordia in action this year.
#7: Wayne
2019 Record: 0-10
Week 1: at Bishop Dwenger
Year one under Sherwood Haydock will have its ups and downs. The most important thing for Wayne is that they win some games this year. Aidan Meek’s (1,140 yds, 7 TD, 10 INT) growth as a quarterback will be important to watch and Shawn Collins (490 yds, 6.8 yds/car, 5 TD) is a fun option at running back. This team is still a year away from seriously competing, but if they finish the season with a few wins, they could be in a similar position to what North Side is in this year.
#8: Bishop Luers
2019 Record: 2-7
Week 1: vs Carroll
The Knights are ready to erase the memory of the 2019 season. If Luers has an improved season, QB Carson Clark (578 yds, 50% comp, 5 TD) will most likely be the reason why.
#9: Northrop
2019 Record: 5-6
Week 1: at Homestead
Northrop lost some key players such as RB Jeremiah Green, WR Qualen Pettus, and DE Nigel Robertson. However, they do return RB Damarious Cowen (490 yds, 6.1 yds/car, 4 TD). With a new quarterback, the team will go as far as Cowen will take them.
#10: South Side
2019 Record: 1-9
Week 1: vs Concordia
One of the problems the Archers faced last year had to do with their inability to finish games. They were in games against Northrop, Carroll, North Side, Luers, and Huntington North, even leading at times in those games only to let their opponent off the hook. If they lead Concordia this week, or any other team this season, expect the ball to be placed in the hands of RB Matt Morris (287 yds, 4.9 yds/car, 1 TD) to close it out.
