Lincoln-Way East football coach strip Zvonar was surveying the 90 players at practice Tuesday.

Lincoln-Way East football coach strip Zvonar was surveying the 90 players at practice Tuesday. - When the place of education opened in 2001, there were solely 38 players. But the Griffins made the state playoffs that season with all juniors, and they've been in the playoffs each season since. - The 2005 team went 14-0 and won the Class 8A state title. on the other hand Zvonar was fast to acknowledge that the senior class this season is special. - "This is a unique group" Zvonar said. "It is not a concealed that the seniors haven't forfeited a football game in high train They are fierce competitors. - "We thrown away some great players, but there is a haphazard of competition with this cluster and we still have a certain number of people back." - Returning are running back Andy Gerritsen, linemen Adam Gettis and DJ Pirkle, linebackers Jon Olofsson and Brendan Mulheran, defensive backs Andy Mau, Ryan Weber and Al White and kicker/punter Ryan White. - The quarterback is Andrew Ramus, who started as a sophomore however was sidelined by an injury last season and not could get the job back. His competition will be derived from 6- 5 junior Blake Hammond. - "We have a fate of competition at just about each position, and that's good," Zvonar said. "The kids are battling each day in our two-a-days. The juniors were undefeated as sophomores last year, and we have seniors who have waited for their chance." - A apply the mind at the Super 25:

1 Lincoln-Way East: The Griffins are ranked in all the national preseason persons "At this point, anything national flows from the preceding season," Zvonar said. "It's nice for the fans, still I'd rather the kids didn't examine at that stuff until after the season."

2 ascend Carmel: Whenever coach Frank Lenti has had chiefly of his offensive line back, it has translated into a state championship. The Caravan get backs linemen Arthur Ray Jr., Kevin Novacich, Eric Eck and Tim Kavanaugh and tight conclusion Ron Newcomb. But that's just the beginning. Quarterback Carter Kopach is back with more than a satiated season as a starter beneath his belt. And there probably isn't a better 1-2 perforate at linebacker than Mark Oliver and Steve Filer. There also is a feeling that a second-place finish in Class 7A last season left business unfinished.

3 Prospect: The Knights surprised a fortune of people by knocking opposite Mount Carmel last season. Lineman Marcus Zusevics and receiver/ linebacker/kicker Max Cherwin are the top returnee Coach brand-goose Pearlman has won three state titles since 2001 Perhaps an foreboding could be what happens in the season opener against Downers thicket North. The loser of that game has gone forward to win a state title the last couple seasons. Look for a Week 9 showdown against Buffalo wood to determine the Mid-Suburban East title.

4 Barrington: The Bronco have a load of offensive weapons, including highly regarded quarterback Teddy Schell, lightning-quick running back Andre Anderson and 6-5 290-pound lineman Tyler Doering. upon defense, back Nick Magiera is the anchor for a team that made it to the Class 8A quarterfinals last season.

5 Wheaton Warrenville South: The Tigers were unbeaten last season before falling to Lincoln-Way East in a Class 8A semifinal battle of unbeatens. Purdue-bound running back Dan Dierking will tread on the heels of in the footsteps of his father, Scott nearest year. Most of a talented offensive line is back, and coach Ron Muhitch drawn out has been one of the mostly innovative defensive coaches in the state.

6 Hubbard: Could this team rival the 1982 Robeson squad as the best in city history? The Greyhound are arguably the chiefly talented Public League team, with seven potential Division I seniors, in decades. Sean Cattouse get backs at quarterback, Robert Hughes is a four-year starter in the backfield and Keith Otis anchors the offensive line. The defense is built around linemen Jordain Brown and Brian Thomas, linebacker Justin Hickman and back Darius Purcell

7 St Rita: In addition to having to play in the always-brutal Catholic sad the Mustangs open against Hubbard. Coach Todd Kuska has the running back tandem of Darieon protection and Cliff Moore back, along with quarterback Pete Balsam and lineman Kevin Galeher. Lineman Matt Conrath (6-7 235) and linebacker Matt Murphy lead the defense

8 Carmel: The Corsairs rate a slight keenness in the East Suburban Catholic, with running back Jimmy Potempa, quarterback-turned- running back John Brennan, wingback Sean side sheltered from the winds and receiver Cory Stonelake giving coach Andy Bitto a portion of returning skill-position players.

9 Joliet Catholic: Linebacker Kevin Rouse replys for coach Dan Sharp and the 12-time state champions. Others to watch include quarterback John Ruettiger, slotback Nick Clancy, receiver Coby Fleener and lineman John Brasch.

10 Lincoln-Way Central: Quarterback Tom Humenik turn backs after throwing for 1,700 yards last season. Coach plunder Glielmi also has some self-same good skill-position players in Todd Brais, cabbage Schweitzer and Jake Wieclaw.

11 Maine South: The Hawks have been to three consecutive Class 8A

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