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 July 30, we’ll unveil the @NBCSPrepsTop 25 Power Rankings, leading up to kickoff on Friday, Aug. 24.
School: Leo
Head coach: Michael Holmes
Assistant Coaches: Edwon Simmons, Darryl Wedgworth, William Gray, Ernest Bryant, Terrance Cook, Michael Anderson, James Britten and Andre Weathers
How they fared in 2017: 4-7 (2-1 Chicago Catholic League Red Conference). Leo failed to make the 2017 IHSA state football playoff field. The Lions defeated St. Joseph in the CCL playoffs, then lost to Fenwick in second round action.
2018 Regular Season Schedule:
Aug. 24 vs Evergreen Park
Aug. 31 @ De La Salle
Sept. 7 vs DePaul Prep
Sept. 14 vs Fenwick
Sept. 21 @ St. Joseph
Sept. 28 vs Christ the King
Oct. 5 @ Hope Academy
Oct. 12 @ Brother Rice
Oct. 19 vs St. Ignatius
Biggest storyline: Can the Lions get back into the IHSA state playoffs in 2018? Could this group make a deep run?
Names to watch this season: OL/DL Gabrell Spruill and QB Darryl Ousley Parr
Biggest holes to fill: The Lions will welcome back 16 returning starters (nine offense, seven defense) but they could use more depth up front, especially on the defensive line.
EDGY's Early Take: Leo could become a nice sleeper pick to watch this preseason. The Lions always have talent on hand and this year their roster will include deep varsity experience. If Leo can survive the always-rough CCL crossover games (De La Salle, Fenwick, Brother Rice and St. Ignatius) and catch a break or two in the health department they can be a playoff-caliber team.