Conference: Catholic League Blue
Head coach: Mike Fitzgerald
2025 record: 4-5
2026 outlook:
The RedHawks move up to one of the state’s toughest conferences, joining two defending state champs — 8A Mount Carmel and 7A Brother Rice — along with perennial power Loyola.
Senior Conor Hunt (5-11, 190) returns as a productive running back after finishing with 700 yards and seven TDs last season.
He is one of five returning starters along with senior defensive back Tommy Hosty (6-0, 190), an all-conference pick in the CCL/ESCC Orange last season; sophomore defensive back Jamison Coulee (5-9, 165); and senior offensive linemen Scott Kulekowskis (6-2, 295) and Peter Vrdolyak (6-4, 240).
The senior class is smaller than in recent seasons, but has some other promising players as well: defensive linemen Bradley Hoff (6-3, 215) and Brandon Brown (6-3, 235), linebackers Marquis Steel (5-10, 205) and Elijah Thornton (5-10, 200), and receiver Nick Mayoski (6-1, 160).
Some newcomers to watch include junior quarterbacks Jake Fleming (6-0, 185) and Jack Bullington (6-2, 205); junior defensive backs Amari Brown (5-11, 170) and Tyler Palacz (5-10, 170: junior running back/linebacker Billy Nitsche (5-10, 180); junior offensive lineman Ray Boyd (6-2, 300); junior receiver Chase Tylka (5-8, 160) and sophomore receiver Conor Fleming (5-11, 170).