Previewing the Fox Valley Conference Fox Division

E-mail this story

Print this story

Share

Players to Watch

Bryan Bradshaw, Prairie Ridge, Quarterback

Bradshaw, a third-year starter, is masterful running the Wolves’ option attack and always seems to make the correct reads. He is crucial for an offense that must replace its entire offensive line.

C.J. Fiedorowicz, Johnsburg, Wide Receiver-Linebacker

The 6-foot-7, 235-pound junior led the area with 64 receptions and 1,043 yards last season. Eventually  he will have his pick of whatever major NCAA Division I program he wants.

Jerad Grundy, Johnsburg, Quarterback

The 6-foot-1 senior lefty led the area with 2,313 yards and 22 touchdowns last season. He’s headed to Miami (Fla.) as a baseball pitcher, but he’ll cause defenses plenty of trouble this fall.

Jordan Neukirch, Huntley, Running Back-Linebacker

Neukirch, a three-year, two-way starter, provides a presence in the backfield and in the middle of the defense. He committed to NCAA Division I-AA Illinois State.

Evan Van Klei, Crystal Lake Central, Defensive Tackle

Van Klei (6-foot-4, 240 pounds) is back for his third varsity season to bolster Central’s defense. The Tigers hope opponents have as much trouble handling Van Klei as they do in practice.

Brad Young, Prairie Ridge, Linebacker

Young (6-foot, 200 pounds) is one of the top returning defenders in the area. Wolves coach Chris Schremp says, “He’s one of the hardest-working kids I’ve ever been around.”

Team on the Rise

Crystal Lake Central

The Tigers are coming off their first back-to-back winning seasons since 1990 and 1991. They missed the playoffs last year on points, but shouldn’t have to worry about that this season. Six or seven victories are well within reach.

Top three contenders

Prairie Ridge, Johnsburg, Crystal Lake Central

Pivotal Games

Johnsburg at Prairie Ridge

Friday, Sept. 26, 7:45 p.m.

Right out of the box these two frontrunners get each other on the week of division openers. Prairie Ridge’s offense likely will be not as explosive as last year’s, while Johnsburg’s might be more powerful.

Crystal Lake Central at Prairie Ridge

Friday, Oct. 3, 7:45 p.m.

The Tigers should have built some momentum by this point in the season, but they know any road to the FVC Fox championship must go through Prairie Ridge.

Johnsburg at Crystal Lake Central

Friday, Oct. 17, 7:45 p.m.

No matter what either of these two teams do against Prairie Ridge, this still will be a game which could have significant bearings on the division race

Grayslake Central at Grayslake North

Friday, Oct. 17, 7:45 p.m.

The Rams and Knights are 1-1 after two years of the intra-city rivalry. On this night, one team is certain to go home in a good mood.

Huntley at Johnsburg

Friday, Oct. 24, 7:45 p.m.

The Red Raiders are itching for their second playoff appearance in school history. A win in their season finale might deliver just that.

Predicted champion

Prairie Ridge

The Wolves shared the FVC Fox title two years ago with Central, then won outright with their first undefeated regular season in school history last year. They graduated their entire offensive line, but Bradshaw, FB Kevin Keener and several key returnees on defense are enough to make them the pick again.

– Joe Stevenson