Conference: CCL/ESCC Orange
Head coach: Mike Fitzgerald
2024 record: 9-2 (Lost 24-20 to Loyola in the second round of the Class 8A playoffs)
2025 outlook:
The RedHawks took a big leap forward in coach Mike Fitzgerald’s debut season, going from 4-5 and missing the playoffs in 2023 to playing eventual Class 8A champ Loyola to a one-score game in the playoffs.
Only four starters are back from that team, but three of them anchor the offensive line: seniors Rico Schrieber (6-7, 350), Danzel Newell (6-5, 250) and Dan Mahoney (5-11, 165). Schrieber is committed to Purdue, while Newell is a New Mexico commit. The other returning regular is junior defensive back Pat Wynn (5-10, 165), a returning state qualifier in the triple jump.
Fitzgerald is expecting nine seniors who saw significant action last year to step into bigger roles: defensive linemen Michael O’Connor (6-4, 250) and Tommy O’Brien (5-10, 210); linebackers Eddie Scheel (5-10, 195), Finn Kelly (6-4, 200) and Brandon Hoff (6-3, 202); quarterback Luke Detampel (6-1, 190), running back Kevin Bartolotta (5-11, 195), receiver Marty Donahue (6-1, 180) and offensive lineman Jack Watson (5-11, 245). O’Connor has a Western Illinois offer.
Detampel offers dual-threat capability, while Bartolotta, junior Conor Hunt and senior Randall Henderson (who was sidelined by injury during summer workouts) give the RedHawks good depth at running back. Other pass-catching options include senior Ayden Ginn, a St. Laurence transfer.
Schedule
Aug. 29 at St. Rita, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 5 Brother Rice, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 12 at Montini, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 19 Joliet Catholic, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 26 IC Catholic, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 3 at Providence, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 10 St. Ignatius, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 17 at Marmion, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 24 at Notre Dame, 7:30 p.m.