NBCSportsChicago.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 Aug. 5, we’ll unveil the @NBCSPrepsTop 25 Power Rankings, leading up to kickoff on Friday, Aug. 30.
School: Chicago Christian
Head coach: Nick Cook
Assistant coaches: Dan Chiarito, Tom O'Connor, Sean O'Connor, Zach Kuipers and Corey Bulthuis
How they fared in 2018: 7-4 (2-3 Metro Suburban Red Conference). Chicago Christian made the Class 2A state playoff field, defeated Collins, then lost to Eastland Pearl City in second round action..
2019 regular season schedule:
Aug. 30 vs Noble-Hansberry
Sept. 6 @ Rockford Christian
Sept. 14 @ Guerin Prep
Sept. 20 @ Aurora Central Catholic
Sept. 27 vs Ridgewood
Oct. 4 @ St. Edward
Oct. 11 vs Christ The King
Oct. 18 vs Elmwood Park
Oct. 25 @ Westmont
Biggest storyline: Chicago Christian boasted a three-win improvement from 2017 to 2018, resulting in a playoff berth. Can the Knights get back into the IHSA playoffs and go a little deeper this time around?
Names to watch this season: QB/DB Danny Bulthuis, WR/LB Brian Anderson, TE/LB Ty Sperling and RB/DB Ryley Bulthuis
Biggest holes to fill: The Knights welcome back a nice core of players on both sides of the football from last seasons state playoff team. Overall numbers and depth, though, can always be better.
EDGY's Early Take: Chicago Christian made some serious noise last year, making the state playoff field for the first time since 2008. Head coach Nick Cook has the program headed in the right direction. If the Knights can catch a break or two, including avoiding the injury bug, look for this team to challenge for the Metro Suburban Red conference title race and into the postseason.