CSNChicago.com preps reporter "Edgy" Tim O’Halloran spotlights 100 high school football teams in 100 days. The first 75 team profiles will focus on teams making strides across Chicagoland and elsewhere in the state. Starting Jul. 31, we’ll unveil the @CSNPrepsTop 25 Power Rankings, leading up to kickoff on Friday, Aug. 25.
School: Highland Park
Head coach: Joe Horeni
Assistant Coaches: Jason Newberger, Tony Monken, Randy Hoffman, Jimmy Knotek, Anthony Kopp, Ryan Kaltenmark , Don McCord, Bob McCraren, Owen Kugler, Davy Lindquist
How they fared in 2016: 7-3 (4-1 Central Suburban North Conference), made the 2016 Class 7A state playoff field and lost to Plainfield North in opening round action.
2017 Regular Season Schedule:
Aug. 25 – vs Libertyville
Sept. 1 – @ Lakes
Sept. 8 – vs Hersey
Sept. 15- @ Prospect
Sept. 22 - @ Vernon Hills
Sept. 29 – vs Glenbrook North
Oct. 6 - vs Deerfield
Oct. 14 - vs Maine West
Oct. 20- @ Maine East
Biggest storyline: Can the Giants go back-to-back state playoff appearances and also advance deeper in 7A?
Names to watch this season: Junior OL/RB/LB Tom Motzko and Senior QB John Sakos
Biggest holes to fill: While the Giants have a good number of returning starters back (6 offense 7 defense), can they develop much needed depth from the remaining roster?
EDGY's Early Take: Highland Park had a solid season in 2016 including an impressive Week 9 win over Class 5A state finalist Vernon Hills before running into a buzzsaw at Plainfield North (Class 7A state finalist) in the IHSA Class 7A state playoffs. I look for the Giants to again challenge for the CSL North conference crown and to make more noise in Class 7A this coming season.