Bob Narang

After playing free safety and slot receiver last season, Riverside-Brookfield senior Warren Mason is primarily a defensive player this season. He's one of the players that's helped lead the 7-0 Bulldogs to their best start since 2001. That, plus notes on Lemont and more.

Marli Smrz threw three touchdown passes, highlighted by a 48-yard TD to Janell Adams, as unbeaten Willowbrook shut out Naperville Central 28-0, while Sarahi Carlos threw a scoring pass in overtime to Gracie Del Toro as West Aurora beat Oswego East 8-6 in the sectional semifinals.

Hinsdale Central junior defensive ends John Breton and Tommy Riordan are both making waves this season. The Red Devils have benefited from the rapid improvements by Breton and Riordan to contend in the West Suburban Silver. That, plus notes on St. Francis and more from Bob Narang

Jackson Failla had to do a lot of research in the offseason to prepare for his senior year after his family moved from Pennsylvania to the Chicago area. But the Nazareth quarterback is fitting in seamlessly, throwing six touchdowns in his first start at Joliet Catholic.

Illinois recruit Will Vala has taken on an expanded role for a Downers Grove North team without injured quarterback Owen Lansu, playing some running back and receiver. That, Lemont takes care of business to move back to .500 and kids keying Montini's 4-0 start in football notes.

After missing the last two weeks with injury, Glenbard West junior quarterback AJ Rayford made his presence felt in his return against Downers Grove North on Saturday.

Downers Grove South's Daniel Mensah took center stage after a halftime featuring a 7-minute fireworks show, scoring three of his four touchdowns to power a 35-23 win over visiting Willowbrook for the Mustangs' first win.

One of four returning starters on York's offensive line, Jack Wahr has worked to make sure the Dukes have experienced a drop-off after reaching the Class 8A championship game last year. That, St. Francis offense takes positives in loss to Loyola and more in Bob Narang's notebook.

Sophomore quarterback Matthew Lee directed the Loyola offense to three straight touchdowns to start the game, and Jordan McKinley ran for two TDs out of Wildcats and caught two TDs in the Ramblers' 43-21 win at St. Francis.

Riverside-Brookfield is a team flying under the radar, but the Bulldogs are 0-2 start and have scored a combined 76 points in those two games. That, Downers Grove South sophomore James Sobkowiak shows moxie and leadership in defeat and more in Bob Narang's football notebook.

Downers Grove North junior Kevin Jay ran for three touchdowns and also threw for a score in relief of Minnesota recruit Owen Lansu, and the Trojans beat Downers Grove South 55-13 for their 11th straight win in the crosstown series.

Glenbard West junior quarterback AJ Rayford makes a memorable debut in his first game after transferring from Providence, Hinsdale Central's eye-opening Week 1 rout of West Aurora, plus notes on Lyons and Montini in Bob Narang's Suburban Life football notebook.

Lyons two-way lineman Roman Sosnovyy waited his turn to be a senior captain. Senior linebacker Patrick Cheney is excited for his last shot to make an impact for the Lions. They're leaders of a senior class aiming even higher after Lyons' historic 11-1 season in 2024.

Downers Grove North senior quarterback Owen Lansu’s legacy is still unfinished. A three-year starter, Lansu has already put his name among the best players in Downers Grove North program history. Heading into his final season he's eyeing a state title to cement his status.

York senior Hunter Stepanich, a rare three-sport athlete committed to play both football and volleyball at Princeton, is poised for an expanded role this season. The 6-foot-7 Stepanich and the Dukes are looking to build off last year's Class 8A championship game appearance.