Conference: Public League Blue Central
Head coach: Eric Villarreal
2024 record: 4-5
2025 outlook:
There’s a newfound sense of optimism at Kelly, which tied for third in the Blue Central last year, a game out of first.
“We set out for the last two years to really transform Kelly football to a winning program again,” coach Eric Villarreal said. “We took our first steps last year, really making a push for conference. We fell a bit short of our goal. But I think showing our team that it is attainable really woke our kids up (to the) possibility.”
Leading the way this season will be a quartet of four-year starters: running back/linebacker Alejandro Herrera (5-7, 150), quarterback/linebacker Juan Jamaica (5-9, 170), offensive guard/defensive end Isaiah Lopez (5-9. 230) and offensive guard/defensive tackle Gael Medrano (5-9, 215).
Herrera had 30 tackles and forced two fumbles last season, while Jamaica finished with 25 tackles and two sacks.
Four more starters are back in junior receiver/safety Rogelio Rivera (5-9, 150), senior running back/safety Arturo Martinez (5-8 175), sophomore guard/tight end/defensive end Jesse Herrera (5-9, 190) and junior running back/linebacker Christopher Lopez (5-7, 165).
Rivera scored four touchdowns and reached 400 yards of total offense, while Martinez had 600 yards of total offense, four TDs and four interceptions. Herrera added 10 tackles, two sacks and an interception, while Lopez finished with three sacks.
Another player to watch is junior transfer Sergio Lara (5-10 160), a tight end/linebacker.
Schedule
Aug. 28 at Foreman, 7 p.m.
Sept. 4 Marine, 4:15 p.m.
Sept. 13 Harlan, 10 a.m.
Sept. 18 Gage Park, 4:15 p.m.
Sept. 27 Woodlawn, 10 a.m.
Oct. 2 at Back of the Yards, 4:15 p.m.
Oct. 11 at DuSable, 9 a.m.
Oct. 18 Washington, 10 a.m.
Oct. 24 TBD