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York junior Henry Duda said he was shocked to learn he was the starting running back for the opener, but he's making quite an impact through three games. That, Owen Lansu and Downers Grove North's offense just scratching the surface and more in Bob Narang's football notes.
At 6-foot-1 and 185 pounds, Timothy Christian senior Peter Buikema blends his size, athleticism and deep reservoir of playing experience to be among the top goalies in the state. Let by Buikema and a talented back line, the Trojans have five shutouts in seven games so far.
York senior quarterback Bruno Massel threw for three touchdowns and ran for two scores in a 54-21 win over Downers Grove South on Friday.
Wheaton Academy senior Jeremy Johanik is the third brother to don the Warriors' uniform, and is a two-way starter for a Warriors' team eyeing another deep playoff run after reaching the Class 4A semifinals. That, plus notes on 2-0 Montini, Benet and Fenwick from Bob Narang.
Nazareth's Sam Stec comes from a family of football players that played Division I college ball. The senior lineman is motivated to add to that legacy, and win a third title at Nazareth. That, plus IC Catholic's big win in St. Louis and more.
An all-conference lineman and two-way player, Montini senior JC Hayes is one of nearly 30 seniors returning from last year's Class 3A semifinalist. With that experience, the Broncos are motivated to take it one step further.
The 2024 boys soccer season starts this week. Here are previews of teams from around the Suburban Life coverage area.
Nazareth senior James Penley made a big impression early in his varsity career as a freshman. He was instrumental in Nazareth's win over Joliet Catholic in last year's Class 5A championship game. Now the two-way standout is poised for a big finish to his Roadrunners' career.
Downers Grove North senior linebacker/running back Jake Gregorio is one of the key returnees from last season’s Class 7A runner-up team. The Trojans' leading tackler from last year is slated for a bigger role on offense.
With James Pieropoulos and Keon Maggitt among several talented players back from a 6-4 team, and added depth, Downers Grove South is eyeing a deeper playoff run this season.
With 10 returning starters on defense and eight on offense from a Class 3A semifinal team, Montini has big hopes heading into this season.
Downers Grove North quarterback Owen Lansu blossomed into one of the top players in the West Suburban Conference last season by leading the Trojans to a runner-up finish in Class 7A. Now a junior with nine offers, he's ready to take the next step and lead the Trojans forward.
Summer was almost perfect for Benet’s boys basketball team. The Redwings, who return four of five starters, won 24 of their 25 games in June, absorbing the transfer of star Gabe Sularski.
Burlington Central senior point guard LJ Kerr, also a standout on the football field, has enjoyed a busy and productive summer on the basketball court. Kerr and Patrick Shell are among those players hoping to take a big leap for a Rockets' team coming off a 21-11 season.
Riverside-Brookfield junior guard Cameron Mercer's dad, Ron, was a star at Kentucky and played in the NBA from 1997-2005. Now Cameron Mercer is looking to make his own mark and is the leading returning scorer for a Bulldogs' team coming off a 26-5 season.