Chicago Public League: Clark Eagles Team Preview

The Clark Eagles are out to change the narrative that kids on the west side of Chicago don't play football. The Eagles were one of three Public League teams to make it to the second round of the 2021 IHSA playoffs. They had an average margin of victory of 35ppg and finished the season with a 9-2 record, but are continuing to fly under the radar as we head into the 2022 fall season.   Clark's strength of schedule was the biggest question surrounding this team last season. On one end of the spectrum, you can only play who's put in front of you, and Clark did what they were supposed to do by dominating the competition. This season, Clark will play in the Red-North conference, will undoubtedly have a tougher schedule, and will finally be given an opportunity to hush the naysayers.   Clark will have one of its largest rosters in recent years with them co-oping with Austin College & Career Academy and Douglass Academy High School. The added bodies will help this team prepare for a more demanding schedule. It's also worth noting this team won't have a home game until week 7 with their new field still being under construction.   Clark has a tougher schedule, no home games until week 7, new teammates from different schools, and an opportunity to hush the critics and prove to everyone they belong in the Chicago Public League hierarchy. This season will be a challenge for Clark, but I know the coaches on their staff and the wealth of talent they have on their team, and I'm more than confident they're built to continue their success.   With that being said, let's look at their upcoming schedule and highlight some players to know…   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots"/>   2022 Fall Schedule   8/28 vs. Chicago (King)   9/2 @ St. Viator   9/10 @ Chicago (Brooks)   9/16 @ Chicago (Whitney Young)   9/24 @ Chicago (Westinghouse)   10/1 @ Chicago (Lane)   10/8 vs. Chicago (Taft)   10/15 @ Chicago (Phillips)   10/21 vs. Chicago (Curie)   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots"/>   Players To Know   [player_tooltip player_id='267760' first='Willie' last='Taylor'] | LB/RB | 2023   <figure class="wp-block-image size-medium"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/04/IMG_5228-e1618925300704-258x300.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-128953"/></figure>   Taylor is one of the more underrated prospects in the state who can get it done on both sides of the ball. A bruising runner on offense and has a nice mix of size and athleticism at the linebacker position.   Tyshon Perkins | ATH | 2024   Perkins' coach mentioned that he is extremely excited to see him take the field this season. His versatility will make him a key cog in Clark's offense as he'll rotate in at quarterback along with having jet and wildcat packages installed for him. He'll also be featured as a defensive back.   Kamrion Rice | RB/DE | 2023   Rice is a 6'2"230lb running back who will also spend some time at defensive end.   [player_tooltip player_id='267148' first='Johnny' last='Smith'] | OL | 2023   <figure class="wp-block-image size-medium"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/06/60-Johnny-Smith.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-352737"/></figure>   Smith will be a four-year varsity starter and is one of the more valuable pieces to Clark's offensive line.   Avion Ellis | OL | 2023   You can't teach size, and Ellis has a lot of it! The 6'7" 330lb offensive lineman should provide solid protection for his quarterback this season.   Adrian Clayton | QB | 2023   Clayton arguably has one of the strongest arms in the Public League and should see a huge jump in production as Clark's starting quarterback this season.   Dontrell Starks | WR/FS | 2023   <figure class="wp-block-image size-medium"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/04/IMG_5267-225x300.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-128960"/></figure>   Starks is an all-conference performer who spent some time at quarterback in previous seasons but will be moving back to his natural position at WR.   Caleb Rogers | RB | 2023   Coach Percy raved about the transfer from Hope Academy and even compared him to Maurice Jones-Drew. Rogers is a natural runner who's solid and powerful, and at 5'5", he can get lost behind the line.   Anthony Spearman-Ramos | K/OLB | 2023   Spearman-Ramos will give Clark another weapon they haven't had in recent years. His coach mentioned he could kick 40-50 yard field goals and allow the team not to rely on going for two after every score.   Anthony Spivey | FB/LB | 2025   Spivey will line up as one of the middle linebackers in Clark's 3-4 scheme. He's 5'10", 230lbs, and his coach used two words to describe him—a hitter!     Kejuan Fountain | TE/OLB | 2023   <figure class="wp-block-image size-medium"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/06/170-Kejuan-Fountain.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-352831"/></figure>   Fountain is 6'2" 220lbs, bench presses 300lbs, and squats 500lbs. He's the leader of this team and has an impressive work ethic. I got to see him at our PrepRedzone Showcase this past summer, and I'll be the first to tell you that he will turn some heads this season.

The Clark Eagles are out to change the narrative that kids on the west side of Chicago don't play football. The Eagles were one of three Public League teams to make it to the second round of the 2021 IHSA playoffs. They had an average margin of victory of 35ppg and finished the season with a 9-2 record, but are continuing to fly under the radar as we head into the 2022 fall season.