Spotlight Matchups: Week 1 in Illinois Football

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Fenwick vs DePaul College Prep</strong><br>Week 1 kicks off with two programs that have state championship expectations. <strong>Fenwick</strong> features linebacker <strong>Jack Paris</strong>, one of the top uncommitted seniors in Illinois with offers from Army, Navy, and Vanderbilt among others. Senior safety <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='279386' first='Tommy' last='Thies']</strong> and quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='401610' first='Jamen' last='Williams']</strong> are also key pieces for the Friars. <strong>DePaul Prep</strong> comes in as the defending 4A state champion and will not go down easy, but <strong>Fenwick's</strong> overall depth and star power should make the difference. Prediction: <strong>Fenwick</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Wilmington vs Morris</strong><br>This matchup should be a physical contest from start to finish. <strong>Wilmington</strong> is coming off another playoff run and will lean heavily on senior running back <strong>Ryan Kettman</strong>, who rushed for over 1,400 yards last fall and earned all-state recognition. <strong>Kettman</strong> will be counted on to carry much of the load as the Wildcats look to reload after losing some key graduates. <strong>Morris</strong> will bring toughness and discipline as always, but <strong>Wilmington's</strong> ability to control the game on the ground should give them the edge. Prediction: <strong>Wilmington</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Nazareth Academy vs Kankakee</strong><br>This is one of the headline games of the week and features two of the top programs in the state. <strong>Nazareth</strong> is once again loaded and has the look of a team capable of adding another state title to its resume. Wide receiver <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1585141' first='Trenton' last='Walker']</strong> is one of the best pass catchers in Illinois, hauling in 77 passes for over 1,400 yards and 19 touchdowns last season. Cornerback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='801882' first='Johnny' last='Colon']</strong> is another name to know on a defense that will make things difficult for opponents. <strong>Kankakee</strong> enters ranked top five in 5A and will lean on its speed and athleticism, but <strong>Nazareth's</strong> proven talent and championship pedigree make them the favorite. Prediction: <strong>Nazareth</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Downers Grove North vs Morgan Park</strong><br>Another must-watch game in Week 1 features two teams loaded with talent. <strong>Downers Grove North</strong> is ranked number one in Class 7A and is led by quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='212320' first='Owen' last='Lansu']</strong>, a Minnesota commit with over 3,000 career passing yards. Tight end <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1623276' first='Will' last='Vala']</strong> is one of the top offensive weapons in the Chicago area and <strong>Aiden Solecki</strong> anchors the line. <strong>Morgan Park</strong> has big-time playmakers of its own. Wide receiver and defensive back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='801887' first='Nasir' last='Rankin']</strong> is a dynamic athlete with multiple Division 1 offers, while defensive lineman <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1619545' first='Carmelow' last='Reed']</strong> is committed to Ole Miss and gives the Mustangs a disruptive presence in the trenches. This matchup will feature plenty of star power, but <strong>Downers Grove North's</strong> balance and experience should allow them to come out on top. Prediction: <strong>Downers Grove North</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->