Conference: CCL/ESCC Green
Head coach: Tim Racki
2024 record: 12-2 (Defeated Joliet Catholic 29-27 in Class 5A state championship)
2025 outlook:
Logan Malachuk, who led the Roadrunners to three state titles and set the IHSA career record for passing yardage, has graduated.
But veteran coach Tim Racki, who has won 10 titles overall and the last three in Class 5A, has plenty of experience to lean on as Nazareth moves up to Class 6A this fall.
There are a couple elite playmakers back on offense with seniors Trenton Walker (6-3, 185) and Jake Cestone (6-2, 185). Walker is one of the state’s top uncommitted players, a consensus three-star prospect whose offers include Iowa State. Cestone is committed to Illinois State.
Other starters back on offense are senior linemen Nate Sefcik (6-4, 275) and Tomek Wszelaki (6-0, 270), junior running back Charles Calhoun (5-11, 170), junior lineman Christian Malachuk (6-0, 265) and junior receiver Henry Sakalas (6-3, 175).
There are also seven starters back on defense, including a pair of junior linemen with multiple Power Four offers: Luke Injaychock (6-6, 275) and Chris Kasky (6-5, 235). Also back are senior defensive backs Johnny Colon (5-10, 170), Ben Lukes (5-11, 170) and Eddie McClain (5-7, 165) along with senior linebacker Noah Sanchez (5-1-, 185) and junior linebacker Dylan Wellner (5-10, 185).
The competition to replace Logan Malachuk as the Roadrunners’ quarterback was ongoing in the preseason, with two seniors in the mix: Frankie Nichols and Jackson Failla, a transfer from Pennsylvania.
Schedule
Aug. 29 at Kankakee, 7 p.m.
Sept. 5 Morgan Park, 7 p.m.
Sept. 12 Mount Carmel, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 19 at IC Catholic, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 26 at Joliet Catholic, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 3 St. Rita, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 10 De La Salle, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 17 at Benet, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 24 St. Francis, 7:30 p.m.