Conference: Southwest Valley Blue
Head coach: Sheamus Murphy
2024 record: 5-5 (Lost 31-14 to Stevenson in the first round of the Class 8A playoffs)
2025 outlook:
Sheamus Murphy, who had successful head-coaching stints at Back of the Yards and Eisenhower, takes over at his alma mater after Troy McAllister left for Homewood-Flossmoor.
Murphy’s staff is an interesting mix with passing game coordinator Justin Hunniford, run game coordinator Mike Schofield and former Eagles head coach Dave Wierzal, among others.
Goals include competing for a conference title and winning a state playoff game for the first time since 2010.
The Eagles have one of the state’s elite seniors in cornerback Vincent Smith (6-2, 205), a West Virginia commit who played at Lemont last year.
The offense is experienced with seven starters back: junior running back Quinn Durkin (5-10, 195), senior running back Luke Basonika (6-0, 200), senior receiver Jeffrey Bellik (5-10, 165), junior receiver Lucas Matykiewicz (6-4, 195), junior lineman Cade Koehler (6-4, 280) and senior linemen Anthony Edelen (5-9, 190) and Nick Barrett (6-2, 260).
Three more starters return on defense besides Smith in senior lineman Jaden Weaver (6-2, 250) and senior linebackers Dillon Czerwinski (6-1, 190) and Beck Stuckel (5-10, 180).
Some varsity newcomers to watch include sophomore offensive lineman Stephen Caxton (6-5, 285), junior quarterback Sean Ruisz (6-2, 185) and sophomore defensive back Vinny Annel (6-0, 185).
Schedule
Aug. 29 at Andrew, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 5 Richards, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 12 at Naperville Central, 7 p.m.
Sept. 19 at Metea Valley, 7 p.m.
Sept. 26 Homewood-Flossmoor, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 3 at Naperville North, 7 p.m.
Oct. 10 Lockport, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 17 Neuqua Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 23 at Lincoln-Way East. 7 p.m.