Libertyville, Wauconda and Grayslake North move up as four other teams crack the top 10.
TOP 10 TEAMS
With records through Wednesday and previous rankings in parentheses.
1. Warren 1-0 (1)
Julian Vieux makes two interceptions as the Blue Devils’ 55-26 win against Hersey turns heads, but it doesn’t get any easier with Maine South up next.
2. Carmel 1-0 (2)
Trae Taylor throws four touchdown passes, including two to Kai Owens, in his first varsity start to lead the Corsairs to a 63-13 win against Grayslake Central.
3. Stevenson 1-0 (3)
Christopher Thorndyke scores three TDs as one of five players to get in the end zone in the Patriots’ 52-14 win against Kenosha Bradford.
4. Libertyville 1-0 (8)
Quinn Schambow goes 11 for 15 for 298 yards and five TDs in the Wildcats’ 43-0 win against Lemont.
5. Wauconda 1-0 (6)
Jackson Rudolph, an all-conference linebacker, rushes for 141 yards and four TDs on 24 carries in the Bulldogs’ 44-34 win against Hinsdale South.
6. Grayslake North 1-0 (10)
Mitchell Hughes completes 13 of 15 passes for 220 yards and two TDs and also runs for a score in the Knights’ 35-14 win against Vernon Hills.
7. Mundelein 1-0 (NR)
Jake Junia‘s two interceptions are among four takeaways by the Mustangs during their 42-27 win against Grant.
8. Lake Forest 1-0 (NR)
Charlie Markee and Jack Burger each catch two TD passes from Daniel Van Camp in the Scouts’ 35-12 win against Lakes.
9. North Chicago 1-0 (NR)
The Warhawks’ 32-0 win against Wheeling is their first shutout since their 2022 opener against Waukegan.
10. Waukegan 1-0 (NR)
Devaughn Brown starts the season in style, returning the opening kickoff 94 yards for a TD in the Bulldogs’ 16-14 win against Plainfield Central.
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Junior running back Aaron Stewart rushes for 362 yards and five touchdowns on 28 carries during Warren’s 55-26 win against Hersey on Friday.
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Junior cornerback Frank Concialdi makes three interceptions and forces a fumble during Stevenson’s 52-14 win against Kenosha Bradford on Friday.
Steve Reaven is a freelance reporter.