ICE Team Previews

[Patrick Devitt]

I know we have some posters here for the Illinois Central Eight teams so here are my previews on the teams I heard back from.

 

[Patrick Devitt]

Coal City Coalers
Coal City, IL

Enrollment:
652

Conference:
Illinois Central Eight

Head Coach:
Francis Loughran

2025 Results:
9-3 Overall, Lost 4A Quaterfinal to Montini Catholic 35-0

Returning Starters:
5 on Offense, 3 on Defense

Players to Watch:
Connor Henline QB (2035 pass yds, 29 TDs)
Logan Natyshok RB/DB (1277 rush yds, 23 TDs, 598 rec yds, 7 TDs)
Emmett Easton DL (66 tkl, 6 sacks, 8 TFL)
Aiden Scrogham RB/LB
Brody D'Orazio OL
Sean Bergin OL
Ty Christopher DL
Tyler Phillips LB

Underclassmen to Watch:
Tyce Farrell WR/DB
Maddox Meents WR/DB

2026 Outlook:
A 4A Quaterfinal appearance was where the 5th season under Francis Loughran ended for the Coalers. The 2026 version of Coal City will be different, but we should look for more of the same. The Coalers will return 5 on offense and 3 on defense this season. The offense will be lead by Cornell committ Logan Natyshok at RB and Connor Henline at QB. The defense has more holes to fill, but Coach Loughran says they have plenty of athletic kids ready to step up and fill holes. Watch for Western Illinois commit Emmett Easton on the DL. The Coalers have a tough non-conference schedule with Morris and Pontiac before ICE play. Coach Loughran believes those two opponents will help prepare them to challenge for the conference title and another postseason run.

 

[Patrick Devitt]

Wilmington Wildcats
Wilmington, IL

Enrollment:
383

Conference:
Illinois Central Eight

Head Coach:
Jeff Reents

2025 Results:
13-1 Overall, Won 2A State Championship over Maroa-Forsyth 42-6

Returning Starters:
6 on Offense, 7 on Defense

Players to Watch:
Declan Moran TE/OLB
Cooper Holman TE/DL
Hunter Kaitschuck RB/LB
Will Wilson OL/DL

Underclassmen to Watch:
Nolan Lindsey DB

2026 Outlook:
Head Coach Jeff Reents and his Wilmington Wildcats wrapped up his 32nd year as head coach with their third state title in the last five seasons after defeating Maroa-Forsyth in the 2A title game. This years Wildcats squad will have to replace some pieces but do bring back 6 starters on offense and 7 on defense. With how this program operates they’ll have a great QB that can operate the offense and a stable of running backs ready to go, so I don’t see Wilmington skipping a beat in 2026. After the covid spring season of 2020 the Wildcats have a record 49-5, won three state titles, and haven’t missed the playoffs since (not counting 2020) since 1995. You’d be foolish to bet against this program come playoff time, so I fully expect them to be in the mix for the Illinois Central Eight Conference title and another state championship.

 

[Patrick Devitt]

Reed-Custer Comets
Braidwood, IL

Enrollment:
375

Conference:
Illinois Central Eight

Head Coach:
Joe Turek

2025 Results:
4-5 Overall

Returning Starters:
6 on Offense, 3 on Defense

Players to Watch:
Jesse Tresouthick QB Sr
Kaiden Klein WR Jr
Nate Vogler LB/RB Jr
Eddie Bryan FS/WR Jr
Alejandro Fierro OL/DL Sr
Donald Bryan DL/FB Sr

Underclassmen to Watch:
Sam Crotty RB/LB So

2026 Outlook:
Joe Turek's first year in charge of the Comets saw them just miss out on the playoff field finishing at 4-5. Optimism is back in the program once again under the new regime. Dont forget Reed-Custer isn't far removed from the best two year run in their program's history (2021 & 2022). The Comets will bring 6 starters on offense and 3 on defense this fall. Coach Turek wants to build off the success and experience gained from the skill players that are returning. If they can solidify their play in the trenches we could see one really solid season in Reed-Custer.

 

[Patrick Devitt]

Preview # 40

Streator Township Bulldogs
Streator, IL

Enrollment:
721

Conference:
Illinois Central Eight

Head Coach:
Jay Slone

2025 Results:
1-8 Overall

Returning Starters:
2 on Offense, 2 on Defense

Players to Watch:
Samuel LeRette QB/DB Sr (767 pass yds, 4 pass TDs, 296 rush yds, 6 rush TDs)
Sharonn Morton WR/DB Sr (146 rush yds, 1 rush TD, 261 rec yds, 2 rec TDs)
Jerrad Clark WR/LB Sr
Mason Clubb OL/DL Jr
Connor Magana OL/DL Jr
Zandar Austin OL/DL Jr
Ved Chaudhari WR/DB Jr
Bruxton Chalkey RB/DB Jr
Damarcus Hunter RB/LB Jr

Underclassmen to Watch:
Carter Heider WR/LB
Beckett Stevens WR/DL So
Noah Pryor OL/DL So

2026 Outlook:
Back for year 2 in Streator is Head Coach Jay Slone. The Bulldogs tooks some lumps in 2025 finishing 1-8, but Coach Slone says the kids are more acclimated with the expectations and understanding the teams identity. With only two starters back on offense and defense many fresh faces will take the field this fall, but the players that are in the mix to play are versatile kids who they staff believe will give Streator an advantage. Look big seasons from Samuel LeRette and Sharonn Morton. Coach Slone states the teams goal is to make the playoffs and if they do it would be their first appearance since 2017.

 

[Patrick Devitt]

Herscher Tigers
Herscher, IL

Enrollment:
492

Conference:
Illinois Central Eight

Head Coach:
Michael Mosier

2025 Results:
6-4 Overall, Lost 4A 1st Rd to Bishop McNamara 38-14

Returning Starters:
4 on Offense, 4 on Defense

Players to Watch:
Gaige Brown RB Sr
Mason Zirkle OL Sr
Tyler Lunberg LB Sr
Brayden Fields RB Jr

Underclassmen to Watch:
Colton Carson RB/MLB So

2026 Outlook:
Head Coach Mike Mosier got the Tigers back to the playoffs in 2025 and he believes this group has what it takes to put together an even better run in 2026. Senior Running Back Gaige Brown will be a standout for Herscher this fall, but keep an eye on Sophomore back Colton Carson as well. The Illinois Central Eight is tough with Wilmington and Coal City, but this group of kids from Herscher believes they can compete with the Wildcats, the Coalers, and everyone else the conference offers.

 

[Patrick Devitt]

Never heard back from Lisle or Manteno, and Peotone respectfully declined to fill out a questionnaire.

 

[Wilmatucky1]

Beat me to it....I was logging in to post an ICE preview tonight and saw this. I will admit I am a little more out of the loop and honestly with the possibility of a 2-7 making the playoffs (or so I have heard), it is a little harder to get into a deep dive like I have done in the past. The middle of the ICE is also very up for grabs. I also do not know if them middle and bottom has shifted (looking at you Peotone). Anywho, here we are with the 2026 ICE preview.

Braidwood (Reed-Custer) - 2nd year with a new head coach, but how much has RC improved? While I do think they are trending upward in the middle ICE pack, I'm not sure that they will be able to solidify themselves into the top of that middle pack. Their 4 wins last year is a positive at first glance, but I would not consider any of those victories a quality win in the Wilmatucky metric. This year the Comets should start off at 2-1 and it's likely it may actually be 3-0. If they can pull out the 50/50 games later it may well be a decent season. I think their key games will be against St. T, Peotone, and Herscher. Floor 3-6, Ceiling 6-3.

Coal City - Pretty straight forward prediction here. 7-2. Morris will always be a tough one and the ICE championship will be week 9 once again with Wilmington. Both of those games are losses. I think the rest of the games will be like last year, ending with a Coaler running clock victory.

Herscher - This one is a complete wild card to me. Yes they were 6-4 and made the playoffs. But if you look at their wins every one of them was a close game. Did they hit the lotto and get every break needed to win, or are they actually a solid team now? I think they are one of those teams that is cemented in the middle of the ICE and this years results will be similar to last years. Big losses to Wilmo and CC. Loss to Mac in week two. Every other game is a toss up with the exception of Streator and I'd assume Lisle too. Floor 2-7 (although I do think Canton is a win, a loss could happen too). Ceiling 6-3.

Lisle - Welcome back to a varsity season. I have no idea what this will look like for them, but I cannot imagine they will have a respectable team. Sandwich had a decent season the year after they opted out of varsity ball a few years back, but I would think that is tough to do. What did they do to last year to develop any players in the program? Will they have any depth to combat injuries and the long season? I can only see them beating St. Ed's and Streator realistically. Floor 0-9. Ceiling 2-7.

Manteno - Another team stuck in the middle. Johnsburg is always a tough opponent. Plano is not. 1-1 to start conference play. Losses to Wilmo and CC. Wins over Streator and Lisle. What happens in the rest of the games? Floor 3-6. Ceiling 6-3.

Peotone - Last year was awful for the Tone. 3-6 with a forfeit win. Granite City was probably one of the worst teams in the state. And they beat Streator. I like to think Peotone will improve off of that but are they trending downward to the basement of the ICE too? I hope not, I've always respected coach Tolly and thought of the Devils as a team with potential to do well each year. I think they lose their first two conference games. Blue Island is a mediocre large school and Marengo always decent. They also lose to Wilmo and CC. The only for sure wins I see based off of last years results would be Lisle and Streator. The other ICE games I still think will be toss ups. Floor 2-7. Ceiling 5-4.

Streator - Not much to say about the Bulldogs. History repeats itself. Only game they can win is against Lisle. Floor 0-9. Ceiling 1-8.

Wilmington - Love the week 1 matchup with Bishop Mac. Probably their only challenge until they play the coaler in the ICE championship week 9. I know it sounds like a homer take but you have to go with the Champs until proven other wise. 9-0 .

 

[SouthofI80Fan]

I wouldn't be surprised to see a Wilmington and EPG matchup late in the playoffs. Of course Wilmington will need to be 2A for that to happen. TV will probably be in the mix as well.

 

[Wilmatucky1]

I wouldn't be surprised to see a Wilmington and EPG matchup late in the playoffs. Of course Wilmington will need to be 2A for that to happen. TV will probably be in the mix as well.

I foresee a nice playoff run should they be 2A again. 3A may be a little tougher to go deep based on seeding

 

[Doctor_D]

Typical year again. It’s Wilmington and Coal City … and then everyone else.

Coal City hasn’t beaten Wilmington since before COVID. This is probably their best chance in a while.

 

[Carmine Evergreen]

Great job with your conference preview, Patrick Devitt Salute!

The ICE in 2026 is ... same ol ICE. Looking forward to Seneca n Sandwich coming in and mixing things up next season!

Top Tier: Wilmington, Coal City
Middle Tier Slugfest: Manteno, Peotone, Herscher, Braidwood
Bottom Tier: Lisle, Streator

It will be interesting to see if Lisle actually plays all seven conference games. They have to survive a meat grinder before they even get to Streator and Braidwood.

 

[Wilmatucky1]

Great job with your conference preview, Patrick Devitt Salute!

The ICE in 2026 is ... same ol ICE. Looking forward to Seneca n Sandwich coming in and mixing things up next season!

Top Tier: Wilmington, Coal City
Middle Tier Slugfest: Manteno, Peotone, Herscher, Braidwood
Bottom Tier: Lisle, Streator

It will be interesting to see if Lisle actually plays all seven conference games. They have to survive a meat grinder before they even get to Streator and Braidwood.

I had the same thought about Lisle. Really sucks because teams could end up missing out on a game.

 

[Carmine Evergreen]

I had the same thought about Lisle. Really sucks because teams could end up missing out on a game.

Agreed. The coaches can handle a bye week, but the kids want to play!

 

[Colin2299]

Are Wilmington’s and Coal City’s YTF superior to all other programs in the ICE?

Also, I really miss the Interstate 8 from the 2000’s

 

[cornerrat#1]

Wilmington Wildcats
Wilmington, IL

Enrollment:
383

Conference:
Illinois Central Eight

Head Coach:
Jeff Reents

2025 Results:
13-1 Overall, Won 2A State Championship over Maroa-Forsyth 42-6

Returning Starters:
6 on Offense, 7 on Defense

Players to Watch:
Declan Moran TE/OLB
Cooper Holman TE/DL
Hunter Kaitschuck RB/LB
Will Wilson OL/DL

Underclassmen to Watch:
Nolan Lindsey DB

2026 Outlook:
Head Coach Jeff Reents and his Wilmington Wildcats wrapped up his 32nd year as head coach with their third state title in the last five seasons after defeating Maroa-Forsyth in the 2A title game. This years Wildcats squad will have to replace some pieces but do bring back 6 starters on offense and 7 on defense. With how this program operates they’ll have a great QB that can operate the offense and a stable of running backs ready to go, so I don’t see Wilmington skipping a beat in 2026. After the covid spring season of 2020 the Wildcats have a record 49-5, won three state titles, and haven’t missed the playoffs since (not counting 2020) since 1995. You’d be foolish to bet against this program come playoff time, so I fully expect them to be in the mix for the Illinois Central Eight Conference title and another state championship.

All.... Massey has the Wildcats in their first eight games pounding everyone and the following week at Coal City a projected close win. (32-26 59%) This game looks to be for who wins the conference. A great way to close out the regular season for fans. Ratsy

 

[815alltheway]

Coalers year? Wildcats lost a really good class of kids! Kettman was an absolute monster. Hard to replace. Can they reload? Manteno and Reed-Custer battle it out for 3rd place. Peotone and Hersher for 5th. Streator and Lisle for a expanded playoff spot

 

[Carmine Evergreen]

Coalers year? Wildcats lost a really good class of kids! Kettman was an absolute monster. Hard to replace. Can they reload? Manteno and Reed-Custer battle it out for 3rd place. Peotone and Hersher for 5th. Streator and Lisle for a expanded playoff spot

I see CC going 7-2 and making some noise in the playoffs. Wilmington will be 9-0 and if they're 2A ... watch out

 

[Wilmatucky1]

Are Wilmington’s and Coal City’s YTF superior to all other programs in the ICE?

Also, I really miss the Interstate 8 from the 2000’s

I assume YTF is the youth football team?

If so, not especially. Some age groups do really well and some are just meh. I think Reents just always does a great job with getting the most out of the athletes he has.

 

[Wilmatucky1]

Coalers year? Wildcats lost a really good class of kids! Kettman was an absolute monster. Hard to replace. Can they reload? Manteno and Reed-Custer battle it out for 3rd place. Peotone and Hersher for 5th. Streator and Lisle for a expanded playoff spot

Wilmo CC will be a great ICE title game. This could be the year for the Coalers, but I still like to think Wilmo pulls it out.

Your last sentence is wild to me lol. I don't disagree with you, but sad that we are at that point where a team of their caliber could make the playoffs.

 

[Colin2299]

I assume YTF is the youth football team?

If so, not especially. Some age groups do really well and some are just meh. I think Reents just always does a great job with getting the most out of the athletes he has.

I’m no Wilmo loyalist, and correct me if I’m wrong, but what really impresses me about Wilmo is the success of the program w/o kids who go on to play scholarship football.

Ex: Their last two all-state RB’s went on to play lower level college baseball. I can’t think of the last D1 player they’ve had (early 2000’s)??

Lena and Byron in comparison always have a kid or two each year move on to play major college football.

 

[BobbyBoucher9]

I think unless Im forgetting someone that Damien Anderson 1997 - Northwestern and Brady Wilkins 1998 - Missouri were the last 2 Division I football players for the Cats. Tony Vercelli and Tanner Roark but ended up at Big Ten Schools for baseball. Great Coaching staff and stability.

 

[Carmine Evergreen]

Everybody remembers the backs, but if you include lineman, the Cats have a load of players that went on to play smaller college football since the 1990's. Huge shout-out for the coaching staff Reents put together and kept together for 30+ years!

I love it when Wilmo goes to CC for a week 9 showdown with the Coalers. Great playoff tune up for both teams!

 

[Coalertown91]

Does Braidwood already have their 3-6 playoff hoodies ordered?

 

[Carmine Evergreen]

Does Braidwood already have their 3-6 playoff hoodies ordered?

Still deciding between those and 2-7

 

[Wilmatucky1]

Everybody remembers the backs, but if you include lineman, the Cats have a load of players that went on to play smaller college football since the 1990's. Huge shout-out for the coaching staff Reents put together and kept together for 30+ years!

I love it when Wilmo goes to CC for a week 9 showdown with the Coalers. Great playoff tune up for both teams!

Since the above listed D1 prospects, Wilmington has had many players go on to play in college at some level. Usually at least 1 or 2 a year and I have seen in the local paper as many as like 5 or 6 some yeas. Some of those kids do very well for themselves and start multiple years and some even earn all-conference or all-American honors. Some of those kids don't make it past the first semester of college. Then there's a bunch more that are somewhere in between the two extreme examples I just gave. Many factors can go into that, being homesick, college isn't for them, coming home making $40-something dollars an hour at the local construction company, and I'm sure there are many other reasons. Either way Reents gets the most out of the kids and has built a legacy. It'll be a sad day when he hangs up his coaching hat.

Side note, how scary is it to think that Reents is now retired from the school side of things and is now only coaching? No other responsibilities except film and coming up with a plan.

 

[Doctor_D]

I think unless Im forgetting someone that Damien Anderson 1997 - Northwestern and Brady Wilkins 1998 - Missouri were the last 2 Division I football players for the Cats. Tony Vercelli and Tanner Roark but ended up at Big Ten Schools for baseball. Great Coaching staff and stability.

Weaver went to NIU for a year I think. Not sure if he was a walk on though. I thought I saw something a month or so ago about Moran signing with ISU.

Edit:

 

[Wilmatucky1]

Banning NIU walk on as well