Week 1 Matchups to Watch: Brother Rice @ Maine South

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We are 6 days away from Kickoff for the 2023 IHSA Season. Each day leading up to Friday, we will preview impact prospects to keep in eye out for in some of the top opening games in the Land of Lincoln. Starting off with a non-conference matchup between two of the state's top programs in Brother Rice and Maine South, here are 3 rising stars for each team that are sure to turn heads on Friday. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">BROTHER RICE</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Crusaders finished the 2022 season at 7-5, struggling in the CCL Blue with some close conference losses. However, Brother Rice handled their crossover games and non-conference game with ease, going undefeated in those matchups. They were bounced in the 3rd of the playoffs by Mount Carmel, the eventual 7A State Champs who completed an undefeated season. With a strong offensive Class of 2024 returning, as well as some up and coming Class of 2025 defenders, the Crusaders are poised for another successful season even though they play one of the toughest schedules in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["299634"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Pierce is a 6'0 215 lbs linebacker who caused havoc last year in his sophomore season. He tallied 100 tackles last year, seeing time on both the inside and outside. Pierce brings it on every tackle, showcasing the ability to hit open windows with quickness, get downhill, and drive ball carriers backwards at the point on contact. He is extremely fluid when pass dropping as well, shutting down the middle of the field with his length and speed. Pierce currently holds offers from several Power 5 programs, including Ohio State, Illinois, Northwestern, Missouri to name a few. Come Friday, Pierce is sure to make plays all over the field.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["161324"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"The Class of 2024 Navy commit burst onto the scene in his junior campaign. The 5'11, 195 lbs running back plays with a downhill and physical running style that one would expect from a back heading off to the Naval Academy following his senior year. It often takes two defenders to tackle Nauden in the open field, as he runs with low pad level and shows off his ability to run through arm tackles. Additionally, Nauden has tremendous speed and is a threat in the pass game, allowing him to affect the game in a variety of ways. It wouldn't be surprising if Nauden crossed the goal line multiple times on Friday.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["164086"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"Unfortunately for Brown, he missed 5 games last season due to injury. Unfortunately for Brother Rice's opponents this year, the Class of 2024 quarterback is fully healthy and ready to light it up in his final season with the Crusaders. Brown is committed to Butler, but before he heads off to Indianapolis, the 6'1 signal caller is ready to start the season off with a bang. Brown has a massive arm and quick release that fits the ball into tight windows. The ball jumps out of Brown's right hand, moving at a speed that you won't see from most high school quarterbacks. Additionally, he is a long strider who is just as dangerous in the run game as he is the pass game. He displays accuracy, touch, the ability to throw on the run, and poise in the pocket. Come Friday, Brown is sure to make up for lost time by making a statement against the Hawks.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":3,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64e11e72f117c"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">MAINE SOUTH</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Hawks have had one of the more unique offseasons that a high school program in Illinois has seen in a long time. Regardless of what happened over this past year, Maine South still has an extremely talented roster that is sure to make the most of their circumstances. They are loaded with a Class of 2025 that boasts multiple Division I prospects, as well as some key seniors who are ready to make an impact in their final seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["830244"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Stoilov is a 6'4, 275 lbs offensive tackle who is one of the top linemen in the state. The Class of 2025 prospect played with a nastiness and physicality that makes it easy to see why Division I programs are chomping at the bit to sign Stoilov. The left tackle, who added nearly 20 pounds over the offseason, is incredibly athletic for his size. He gets downhill in the run game, driving defensive linemen and linebackers backwards at the first and second levels. In pass pro, he kick steps smoothly, closes space quickly, and looks to finish blocks with the same violence he uses in the run game. Come Friday, you can be sure that the left side of the line will be well protected with Stoilov.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["252454"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"Agosto is a 5'11, 180 lbs wide receiver who can run like the wind. Agosto did most of his damage in the red zone last season, showing off his ability to create separation in short areas and break tackles with the ball in his hands. That being said, Agosto is a threat on any part of the field. He has a quick release off the line of scrimmage, possessing the ability to beat both man and zone coverage. When facing man, Agosto uses his strength, quickness, and route running to create separation. Against zone, he can settle into open windows, showing off his soft hands and ability to gain yards after the catch. Heading into his final season for the Hawks, Agosto is poised for a massive senior season.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["833296"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"Dellumo is a Class of 2025 running back who was nearly impossible to stop in his first varsity season last year. The 5'9, 185 lbs athlete totaled over 1,200 yards and 17 touchdowns a year ago. The first thing that jumps out on his film is speed. Dellumo can hit the edge with urgency and once he turns the corner, good luck catching him. Whether its in the run game, screen game, or passing game, Dellumo is a home run hitter every time he touches the ball. It'll be tough to have a better season than Dellumo did last year, but it would not be surprising if he reached the 20 touchdown mark in his junior year. If he's going to reach that mark, it all starts on Friday against Brother Rice.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":3,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64e11e72f1250"} /-->