The football team faces a difficult schedule this season, playing four teams that each had eight wins or more last season. They have already beaten Fremd, a team ranked only one below the Bears at the time according to the Chicago Tribune, and have also won against former state champions Cary Grove.
“We play a very tough schedule, but we have the potential to get into the playoffs and we have a good shot at a successful season,” Bryan Stortz, varsity football head coach, said.
The Bears have five regular season games left, all of which are against conference opponents.

»Libertyville Wildcats:
Libertyville had a losing season last year with four wins and five losses. Since then, the Wildcats have reworked their offense, hoping to have more success.
“[The Wildcats] run very similar schemes to what we do, which we obviously believe in, so that game is always tough,” Stortz said.
Top players: Senior returning quarterback A.J. Schurr, #11, as well as senior wide receivers Jeremy Birck, #3, and Andrew O’Sullivan, #8. The Wildcats also have five defensive starters returning.

»Stevenson Patriots:
The Patriots qualified for the playoffs last year after a successful season of ten total wins and one loss. Stevenson has a new head coach, Bill McNamara, who says his players’ “very good work ethic” will pull them through the season.
“We play as a team,” McNamara said. “Our players understand that they need to do their jobs for our team to be successful.”
Top players: Senior quarterback Kevin Earl, #12, and senior running back Joseph Cassata, #10.

»Warren Blue Devils:
Warren had an 8-3 season last year, including the games from their playoff run. They could have a similar season this year, with many starters returning.
“We appear to be a stronger defensive team than offense at this time,” Dave Mohapp, head coach of Warren’s varsity football team, said. “It will be very important that we are able to develop consistency and balance in our offense to try to keep the LZ offense off the field.”
Top players: Warren has a total of eleven starters, including many defensive players, returning from last year. Expect senior running back Tom Lindal, #22, to be a playmaker.

»Mundelein Mustangs:
The Mustangs have had limited success in recent years, as they have not qualified for the playoffs since 2004. Mundelein had a 2-7 season last year.
Mundelein head coach Bob Stone believes his offensive and defensive players will be cause for an improved season record.
“Our team’s biggest strengths are at the skill positions on both sides of the ball,” Stone said. “I feel we have a good secondary and linebackers on the defense and good running backs and receivers on the offensive side.”
Top players: Senior running back John Devito, #19, as well as Pablo Mata, #40, who is a fullback and a linebacker.

»Lake Forest Scouts:
Lake Forest ended with a 3-6 season last year. This year, one of their biggest strengths is senior leadership, according to Lake Forest head coach Chuck Spagnoli.
“Lake Forest has always given us a certain challenge because of their college-like scheme, but our players usually adjust and do pretty well,” Stortz said.
Top players: Senior quarterback Paul Carollo, #9, and junior running back Owen Williams, #32.