Conference: CCL/ESCC Blue
Head coach: Casey Quedenfeld
2024 record: 6-4 (Lost 12-7 to Fenwick in the first round of the Class 7A playoffs)
2025 outlook:
After a pair of one-and-done IHSA playoff appearances, the Crusaders have big goals this fall.
“We’re excited about the direction of this team,” coach Casey Quedenfeld said. “The last couple years have had their ups and downs. We haven’t met our expectations and coaches know that, but there’s something a bit different about this locker room.”
The roster is packed with talent and experience, led by four senior Division I commits: 6-4, 290-pound senior defensive tackle King Liggins (Illinois); 6-0, 190-pound quarterback CJ Gray (Army); 5-10, 180-pound cornerback Emeir White (South Dakota State); and 6-1, 190-pound receiver Jovan Green Jr. (South Dakota State).
Brayden Parks, a 6-3, 303-pound junior defensive tackle, is a four-star prospect with dozens of Power Four offers. Edge rusher Kameron McGee (6-3, 242) is the consensus No. 1 sophomore in the state and a top-15 player nationally.
Other top recruits include junior running back Jameson Davis (5-10, 185) and sophomore tight end Jack McNamara (6-5, 237).
In all, the Crusaders have 10 returning starters. Also back on offense are four seniors: offensive linemen Matthew Pikus (6-2, 280) and QwaMaine Spivery (6-1, 340), tight end Colin Goggin (6-0, 215) and running back Jaylin Green (5-8, 185).
The other returning defensive starters are linebacker Charlie Barkmeier (5-11, 195) and safety JaVeyon Lockett (5-9, 170).
Schedule
Aug. 29 Valparaiso (Ind.), 7 p.m.
Sept. 5 at Marist, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 19 Loyola, 7 p.m.
Sept. 26 St. Patrick, 7 p.m.
Oct. 3 at Mount Carmel, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 10 at Notre Dame, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 17 St. Laurence, 7 p.m.
Oct. 24 St. Ignatius, 7 p.m.