Naperville North, loaded with experienced and talented players, is a likely contender for the Class 3A state title.
BENET
The Redwings (14-4-3) bring back 13 players, including four starters, after finishing second in the East Suburban Catholic Conference last season. The ensemble attack is led by sophomore midfielder Jack Wesley, junior midfielder Mateo Picha and senior forward Brendan Bergnach. Senior Jack Kuelthau (St. Thomas), an all-sectional pick, moves from the midfield back to defender and joins senior Danny Sterba to headline a new-look defense.
METEA VALLEY
The Mustangs (8-11-1) welcome back two all-sectional players, senior midfielders Sahil Khare and Anthony Hildreth, as well as fellow All-DuPage Valley Conference selection Cole Hatfield, a senior forward. “We have 13 players that have a tremendous work ethic and energy,” Metea Valley coach Josh Robinson said. “They truly want to leave something behind and are excited to battle a very difficult schedule.” Senior defender Cameron Leys, a captain, plans to kick for the football team too.
NAPERVILLE CENTRAL
The Redhawks (12-6-7) enter a new era with junior Eli Jarrell, an all-sectional selection, being the only remaining player from their 2022 Class 3A state championship team. Coach Troy Adams still expects to compete for conference and sectional titles with a strong midfield featuring Jarrell and seniors Michael DeFalco and Ryan Lafferty. Junior Ryan Gervase, an all-conference pick, leads a defense looking for more consistency.
NAPERVILLE NORTH
The Huskies (23-2-3) will be strong contenders for the 3A state title with 10 starters back after finishing third last year. Senior forwards Noah Radeke and Jaxon Stokes, both all-state selections after combining for more than 50 goals, are two of the best attackers in the state. The back line of junior Sam Hess, an all-sectional pick; senior Connor Hanrahan; junior Colin McMahon; and junior Josh Pedersen could be the best in school history.
NEUQUA VALLEY
The Wildcats (9-7-2) return four starters, including senior forward Dominic Landato, their leading scorer and an all-sectional pick last year. Senior midfielder Esteban Pimentel, junior midfielder Ricardo Robledo and junior defender Wes Karubas also are back. Senior forward Zach Aouf and two juniors, midfielder Ebraheem Yaghmour and goalkeeper Oskar Marcinkowski, are the top newcomers.
WAUBONSIE VALLEY
The Warriors (6-11-4) return three all-conference players: senior defender Cade Valek (Alabama-Huntsville) and senior midfielder Lachlan Ladd, both all-sectional picks, and senior defender Amiel Nichani. Coach Jose Garcia said that trio bring great leadership and create strong team unity. Forward Lucas Garcia and defenders Evan Wojtowich and Rihaan Gupta headline a strong group of sophomores.
Matt Le Cren is a freelance reporter.
