Conference: South Suburban Red
Head coach: Ryan Pattison
2025 record: 7-3 (Lost 49-19 to St. Laurence in the first round of the Class 6A playoffs)
2026 outlook:
The Spartans were one of the state’s best feel-good stories last season, going from 0-9 in 2024 to seven wins and their first playoff berth in 16 years.
Now a goal is to have consecutive postseason berths for the first time since 2008-09 with eight returning starters — four on each side of the line.
The four regulars back on offense each made all-conference last season: senior fullback Jayden Schlosser, junior slotback Kamari Polk, senior lineman Karmoni Polk and junior quarterback Danny Strelow.
Anchoring the defense are three third-year starters in senior lineman Justin Lopez and senior safeties Hendryx Goetz and Laith Abassi. Senior cornerback Isiah Perez also was a regular last season.
Some newcomers to watch include junior linebacker Khalid Eid, a St. Laurence transfer; 6-5 junior receiver Blake Hovanes and sophomore running back Jamari Sisson.
“It’s probably one of the more fun years we’ve had here at Oak Lawn because there’s a lot more competition than there’s ever been,” coach Ryan Pattison said. “. … It’s hard to get the same motivation when there’s not someone nipping at your heels. And this is the first (year) where we’re really seeing true, true competition across the board at all spots.”
Schedule
Aug. 21 at Wheeling, 7:30 p.m.
Aug. 28 Thornridge, 6 p.m.
Sept. 4 Reavis, 7 p.m.
Sept. 11 Argo, 7 p.m.
Sept. 18 at Shepard, 7 p.m.
Sept. 25 at Evergreen Park, 6 p.m.
Oct. 2 at Richards, 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 9 Eisenhower, 7 p.m.
Oct. 16 at Lemont, 7:30 p.m.