Conference: Chicagoland Christian
Head coach: CJ Cesario
2024 record: 13-1 (Defeated Maroa-Forsyth 47-0 in the Class 2A state championship)
2025 outlook:
Before last fall, the Knights had six playoff wins in program history and never had made it past the quarterfinals.
But coach CJ Cesario’s debut season was one for the ages. Chicago Christian’s senior-laden squad had a dominant run to the title capped by a running-clock win over a team it lost to by 36 in the first round of the 2023 playoffs.
Mainstays Brock Sperling, Kenny Jager and Christian Fluutman are among those gone. The only returning starters are junior linebacker Isaac Workman (5-10, 170) and senior center/defensive lineman Heath Sisk (5-11, 195).
Some other players stepping into bigger roles this season will be junior receiver/cornerback Harry Yonker (6-0, 170), senior running back/linebacker Josh Crawford (5-9, 175), junior quarterback/defensive back Tyce Hamstra (6-0, 175), junior two-way lineman Josiah Loerop (5-10, 210) and senior two-way lineman Sean Fielder (6-8, 315).
Others to keep an eye on include freshman tight end/defensive lineman Levi Ipema (6-2, 210), sophomore receiver/defensive back Levi Jager (5-10, 165), senior two-way lineman Caleb Ortel (5-11, 195) and sophomore receiver/defensive back Emmett VanDellen (6-1, 160).
The Knights are projected to move up one class to Class 3A this season, but Cesario welcomes the challenge.
“We’re excited to be in a lot of dogfights this year,” he said. “Excellence is the standard now.”
Schedule
Aug. 29 at Seneca, 7 p.m.
Sept. 5 at Elmwood Park, 7 p.m.
Sept. 12 Wheaton Academy, 7:15 p.m.
Sept. 19 at Bishop McNamara, 7 p.m.
Sept. 26 at Marian Central, 7 p.m.
Oct. 3 St. Edward, 7:15 p.m.
Oct. 10 Aurora Christian, 7:15 p.m.
Oct. 17 Christ the King, 7:15 p.m.
Oct. 24 at Hope Academy, 7 p.m.