Conference: Upstate 8 East
Head coach: Sam Styler
2024 record: 4-5
2025 outlook:
Getting back to the postseason is a priority for the Bulldogs, who missed the playoffs last year for the first time since 2018.
There’s good experience on both sides of the ball with seven starters back on offense and six starters returning on defense.
The skill positions are especially well-seasoned. Junior starting quarterback Giancarlo Garcia (6-0, 180), senior running back Jacob Retana (5-8, 175), senior receivers Jayden Karas (6-0, 155) and Xavier Mrozik-DeJesus (5-11, 160) and junior receiver Nico Caputo (5-7m 150) all return. Mrozik-DeJesus is a Mercyhurst lacrosse commit.
Senior Joey Campagna (6-2, 275) and junior Joaquin Jara (6-3, 265) return to anchor the offensive line.
On defense, the returning starters are senior defensive backs Warren Mason (6-1, 190), John Evans Jr. (5-10, 150) and Oscar Aguirre (6-1, 180) along with junior linebacker Bryan Rimpila (6-1, 205) and junior lineman Andrew Olivares (5-9, 280), senior lineman Damian Nieves (6-0, 225).
Some other players to watch include sophomore offensive lineman Charlie Joha (6-4, 265), junior linebacker Anthony Lembcke (5-10, 190), senior defensive lineman Ben Biskupic (6-1, 190), senior receiver/defensive back/kicker John Bielobradek (5-10, 185) and senior linebacker/running back Damian Renteria (5-10, 175).
Schedule
Aug. 29 at Niles West, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 5 Hinsdale South, 7 p.m.
Sept. 12 at Ridgewood, 7 p.m.
Sept. 19 Elgin, 7 p.m.
Sept. 26 Fenton, 7 p.m.
Oct. 3 at Glenbard South, 7 p.m.
Oct. 10 Elmwood Park, 7 p.m.
Oct. 17 West Chicago, 7 p.m.
Oct. 24 at Glenbard East, 7 p.m.