Conference: South Suburban Red
Head coach: Tony Sheehan
2025 record: 9-2 (Lost 42-21 to Hersey in the second round of the Class 7A playoffs)
2026 outlook:
The Bulldogs again are the favorites in the South Suburban Red, thanks to an experienced roster and some talented junior transfers.
The four starters back on defense are senior lineman Sincere Harris (6-1, 230), a four-year varsity player; senior lineman/linebacker Khamari Flowers (6-0, 195), who’s in his third varsity season; senior linebacker Mateo Perez (6-0, 190) and junior safety Pierre Ray Jr. (6-2, 185). Ray, who also will play receiver this fall, already has offers from Purdue and San Diego State among others.
Five starters return on offense: senior lineman Josh Valenzuela (6-3, 290), a three-year regular; junior tackle Mahar Hampton (6-3, 300), who also will play defensive tackle; junior lineman Damian Ponce de Leon (6-0, 215); senior receiver Logan Sales (5-10, 170) and junior receiver Jae’Dyn Harris (6-0, 170), who also will play defensive back.
Senior Eric Jacobs (5-10, 175), who started in the secondary last season, takes over at quarterback.
The transfers include running back Jordan Lewis (5-11, 180), who spent last season at Thornwood after making the Richards varsity as a freshman; offensive lineman Gabe Lewis (6-1, 265) from Eisenhower; tight end/linebacker Amauri Johnson (6-3, 200) and defensive lineman/linebacker/fullback Kristen Purnell from Shepard; defensive back NaQuan Griffin (6-2. 185) from Crete-Monee and linebacker/running back Marquis Charles (5-10, 210) from TF North.
Schedule
Aug. 21 DePaul Prep, 6:30 p.m.
Aug. 28 at Homewood-Flossmoor, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 4 Evergreen Park, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 11 Reavis, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 18 at Oak Forest, 7 p.m.
Sept. 25 at Eisenhower, 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 2 Oak Lawn, 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 9 at Shepard, 7 p.m.
Oct. 16 at Argo, 7 p.m.