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Highlights of the Tony Awards

NEW YORK (AP) — Even the ushers at Radio City Music Hall seemed thrilled to be in the room where it happened. A few of them could be seen grooving, like everyone else at Sunday’s Tony Awards, to the “Hamilton” reunion performance — a medley of some of that blockbuster musical’s biggest songs, performed by […]

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Highlights of the Tony Awards

NEW YORK (AP) — Even the ushers at Radio City Music Hall seemed thrilled to be in the room where it happened.

A few of them could be seen grooving, like everyone else at Sunday’s Tony Awards, to the “Hamilton” reunion performance — a medley of some of that blockbuster musical’s biggest songs, performed by the original cast. The occasion was the 10th Broadway anniversary of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s juggernaut that spawned multiple touring companies, a West End production and a live-capture film — and is still going strong.

But while the theater was buzzing to songs like “My Shot,” “The Schuyler Sisters,” “History Has Its Eyes on You” and “The Room Where It Happens,” some people were unfortunately NOT in the room where, er, it was happening. They were the ones who’d taken a trip to the bar or a stroll around the lobby, and were then held from entering until the next commercial break — missing perhaps the night’s most anticipated highlight.

They also missed the entire audience singing along with Jonathan Groff, aka King George, “Da-da-da, dat-da, dat, da-da-da, da-ya-da, Da-da, dat, dat, da-ya-da.” Note for next year: Exit at your own peril!

Some other notable moments from Tony night:

Cole Escola plans a call to Mom, thanks a Grindr date

Most award winners thank Mom, their agents, their co-stars and their spouses.

Cole Escola, one of the major stars of this Tony night, promised Mom a call, but also decided to thank “Teebo from Grindr” — the dating app — when accepting the award for lead actor in a play.

Escola is star and writer of the riotous “Oh, Mary!” — a reimagining of the life of Mary Todd Lincoln (and her beleaguered husband, Abe) that addresses the question: What if the Lincoln assassination wasn’t such a bad thing for Mary? (Mary wants to be a cabaret star, you see.) The show is seeing audiences collapse in laughter for 80 minutes every night on Broadway.

Escola, a downtown cabaret star, beat out high-wattage competitors like George Clooney and Daniel Dae Kim for the acting award. They mentioned their co-nominees in their speech, saying they had enjoyed sharing “warm salads” at pre-awards lunches.

Escola is the first nonbinary actor to win a Tony in the category.

And this guy’s still single

When “Maybe Happy Ending” writers Hue Park and Will Aronson accepted the award for best book of a musical, the first handed out, Park felt it necessary to point out that they weren’t an actual couple. “I am very much single,” he clarified, for anyone wondering.

Then later, when the duo won for best score, Park deemed a reminder necessary: “By the way, I’m still single.”

And then at the end of the night, “Maybe Happy Ending,” the charming and quirky romance between decommissioned robots in a futuristic Korea, won the big prize: best musical. Park did not get the mic. But producer Jeffrey Richards did, and he reminded the crowd: “Hue is still single.”

Broadway as home, sweet home

Cynthia Erivo, the “Wicked” star and powerhouse vocalist hosting the evening, said it first: “As they apparently say in a very fertile piece of intellectual property,” she said with a wink, “there’s no place like home. And Broadway has always been mine.”

It’s a familiar theme on Tony night: the theater community as a welcoming haven for those who may feel different or unseen. It was echoed by Harvey Fierstein, winner of a lifetime achievement award, describing how he joined the theater after being welcomed by a company in Brooklyn. And it was expressed very emotionally by Nicole Scherzinger, winning best actress in a musical for “Sunset Blvd.”

“Growing up, I always felt like I didn’t belong,” said Scherzinger, former lead singer of the pop group Pussycat Dolls who plays Norma Desmond in the minimalist version of the Andrew Lloyd Webber show. “But you all have made me feel like I belong, and I have come home at last.” Those last words echo the lyrics of one of Desmond’s big numbers, “As If We Never Said Goodbye.”

“So if there’s anyone out there who feels like they don’t belong, or your time hasn’t come, don’t give up,” Scherzinger continued. “Just keep on giving and giving because the world needs your love and your light now more than ever.”

You really COULD have heard a pin drop

There’s always lots of chatter going on during an awards show. But the way the crowd quieted down during Audra McDonald’s powerful, agonized performance of “Rose’s Turn” from “Gypsy” was striking. In the song’s quiet moments, you heard utter silence in the vast room.

McDonald, the Tonys’ most awarded actor, is clearly revered by the theater community, who cheered her with standing ovations. But the award she was up for went to Scherzinger.

‘Succession,’ succeeding again

It’s been two years since HBO’s “Succession” ended, but its stars keep turning up at awards shows — and often winning. Jeremy Strong won a Tony last year and was nominated for an Oscar this year. Kieran Culkin won an Oscar this year and is appearing on Broadway this season, though he wasn’t nominated. And now it was the turn of Sarah Snook — Emmy and Golden Globe winner — to win a Tony.

Snook, who played mercurial sibling Shiv Roy in the series, took the Tony for best actress in a play for “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” in which she plays all 26 roles.

Remembering a friend

Tony winner and musical theater regular Gavin Creel, who died last year of cancer, was a friend to many in the theater community, and was remembered more than once on Tony evening.

During the early pre-show, actor Celia Keenan-Bolger was honored with the Isabelle Stevenson award, for her advocacy work in the arts. She spoke movingly of her deep friendship with Creel and their advocacy work together.

Later, singer and actor Sara Bareilles performed a soulful duet of “Tomorrow” from “Annie,” harmonizing with Erivo, during the memorial segment. That segment ended with a photo of Creel, also a dear friend to Bareilles, who teared up.

Both Bareilles and Keenan-Bolger are involved with the Gavin Creel Fellowship, an initiative that plans to provide $25,000 grants to five emerging theater actors each year.

And she is telling you she’s not going

The final award had been announced by presenter Miranda — best musical to “Maybe Happy Ending” — and the audience started to disperse. But Erivo had another idea.

Riffing on the concept of leaving, she launched into the famous “Dreamgirls” ballad “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” — with rewritten lyrics.

It was a yet another powerhouse performance from someone who has one of the best voices on the planet. The audience stopped dispersing — and started cheering.

___

For more coverage of the 2025 Tony Awards, visit https://apnews.com/hub/tony-awards.

Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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2025 CVC Fall Sports Media Day

The Chagrin Valley Conference features 25 schools spanning five counties. Contact us: info@chagrinvalleyconference.com 0

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2025 CVC Fall Sports Media Day

The Chagrin Valley Conference features 25 schools spanning five counties.

Contact us: info@chagrinvalleyconference.com

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Highlights

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Highlights

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CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Commissioner.com is a registered trademark of CBS Interactive Inc.

The content on this site is for entertainment purposes only and CBS Sports makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information given or the outcome of any game or event. There is no gambling offered on this site. This site contains commercial content and CBS Sports may be compensated for the links provided on this site.

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Tigard grad brings multi

Claire Masters played varsity softball three years for Tigard, and each year she earned all-league honors. Adam Littman/Tigard Life – Advertisement – It’s not shocking that Claire Masters has a planner to keep track of her schedule.  Claire Masters The recent Tigard grad is about to start her freshman year at Portland State University, and […]

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Tigard grad brings multi

Claire Masters played varsity softball three years for Tigard, and each year she earned all-league honors. Adam Littman/Tigard Life

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It’s not shocking that Claire Masters has a planner to keep track of her schedule. 

The recent Tigard grad is about to start her freshman year at Portland State University, and she is going to be quite busy. It’s nothing new for Masters, though. 

At Tigard, Masters played soccer in the fall and softball in the spring all four years of high school. She also played on club teams for both of those sports. And if that wasn’t enough, she spent the spring season of her senior year at Tigard not only playing softball, but also running for the school’s track team for the first time ever. 

“It was really difficult,” Masters said. “It was tricky. I was very busy, and it can be very easy to get burnt out, but I think having good friends really helped.”

No matter the sport, Masters saw success. In her junior year, she started to get interest from colleges for both soccer and softball, and in January, something unexpected happened. The soccer coach at Portland State knew Masters played softball and passed her name and tape along to the school’s softball coach. 

Masters went on an official visit to the school for softball and received an offer to play. 

So when school starts in the fall, Masters will play for Portland State’s women’s soccer team, and in the spring, she’ll play for the school’s softball team, as well. 

Scott Eggelston, the girls soccer coach at Tigard, is confident that Masters can handle both sports in college. 

“There are very few people who can do D-1 sports at a dual level,” Eggleston said. “Even if they can, they might not do it because of what it requires. It’s tough. For Claire, her commitment to being organized is super important and why she will succeed.”

Pete Kostel, Tigard’s softball coach, agreed. He saw how Masters was able to show up during softball season while training for soccer and keeping up with her school work, which is why he thought she could run track this past spring as well. 

“The biggest thing in the beginning was if she was going to be able to be honest to herself,” he said. “She had to be honest with herself on if she could handle everything. She had to be honest about if she was feeling good enough to do a track workout after our practice or if she wasn’t. She had to do all that while not letting her grades slip.  Claire was able to do all that. She didn’t miss a beat.”

Masters didn’t make varsity in either sport her freshman year, but she was around the varsity teams a bit. She saw how hard those girls worked, and she saw them get offers from college. It led Masters to start taking the sports and her training more seriously. She started playing club again outside of school, and she saw herself getting better. 

The coaches also noticed. As a sophomore, she was starting in soccer and batting second in softball. 

“It was very nerve-racking at first, but once I played a few games, I was like, I’ve got this,” Masters said. “My confidence just grew from there.”

Kostel said he saw Masters grow not just in her on-field ability. 

“I saw a lot of mental growth and the mindset that grows from her putting her time in the weight room and doing those things to get better physically,” he said. 

Both coaches said Masters was quiet as a younger athlete, someone who showed up, worked hard and led by example. But as she became one of the veterans on each team, she started to speak up more, especially with the younger players. 

Masters agreed. 

“You want to be like a role model for the younger girls,” she said. “When I was a freshman, I was so scared. I wanted to make them feel comfortable.”

One thing that helps is a few familiar faces. Already at Portland State are former Tigard teammates Gianelly Gargurevich and McKenna Eggleston, Coach Eggleston’s daughter. Both were freshman at Portland State last year. 

As with most college freshmen, Masters will have a bit of an adjustment period when she starts school. While she’s not going too far away for school, she is leaving behind her family, including her twin sister, Ashley Masters, who is going to the University of Oregon. 

“It’s going to be hard,” Claire Masters said. “I feel like growing up, you just had a built-in best friend. We did everything together, so it’ll definitely be a big change for us.”

Claire and Ashley are the youngest of four. Their older sister is at Portland State, so Claire Masters said she’s a bit familiar with the school from visiting her sister. 

She’s also not forgetting about her schoolwork. Masters said she is majoring in chemistry but is thinking about changing to public health so she can learn how to be a physical therapist. 

“I think it would be fun to work with athletes,” she said. “It’s something I’m passionate about.”

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Weekly news highlights from around the area

LAUREL — A Laurel native is looking to give back to the community. Personal trainer and fitness center owner Nicole Dennis is heading the third annual milk and snack ticket drive for Laurel-Concord-Coleridge Pubic School. “I was just looking for a way to give back,” Dennis said. “I’ve always had a heart for helping people, […]

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Weekly news highlights from around the area

LAUREL — A Laurel native is looking to give back to the community.

Personal trainer and fitness center owner Nicole Dennis is heading the third annual milk and snack ticket drive for Laurel-Concord-Coleridge Pubic School.

“I was just looking for a way to give back,” Dennis said. “I’ve always had a heart for helping people, especially kids.”

Dennis returned to the community in 2021 with a degree in nutrition and exercise science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. After enrolling her children in the school, she noticed the need in the community.

“I just felt the push, I guess, and obviously with my background in nutrition, I know the importance of having a kid eat well,” Dennis said. “I know the connection between how they perform in the classroom and how they’re eating.”

Dennis said the Laurel community has been supportive of her initiative, but the topic is still foreign to many.

“You think of it in big cities, but it’s close to home,” Dennis said. “There’s some kids that may not get many healthy meals, or meals at all.

Her goal is to raise $2,800 to donate to the LCC school district for milk/snack tickets. She has raised the goal each year and said the need is not going away.

The money she or the school receives gets distributed to kids’ milk and snack accounts anonymously. The accounts these funds go into help cover the cost of second meals, which range from $1.15 to $1.65 per day, as well as milk and snack punch cards for $12 for 20 punches. For children who receive both milk and snack daily, the cost adds up to $24 per month per child.

Dennis said that in the first week, they raised $500 and will continue to collect donations through Tuesday, Aug. 12.

Dennis said she encourages people who may live outside the Laurel school district to contact their local schools to see if they have a need as well.

For those looking to donate, Dennis said they can make a check out to LCC and drop it off to her or to the school, or Venmo her @NicoleDennis and label the transaction “LCC Milk Drive.” — Laurel Advocate

What’s new

The Ainsworth Does Drove No. 54 held its inaugural barbecue with homemade pies and ice cream on the Fourth of July.

The Does held this event alongside the Elks’ inaugural hot dog eating contest. The Elks also hosted a free-will donation meal as a fundraiser. A total of $4,000 was donated to the Ainsworth Legion for the heating and air project.

They hope to make the contest and barbecue an annual event, especially next year, when the country will celebrate its 250th birthday. — Ainsworth Star-Journal

Boone Central High School has announced that the local FCCLA parliamentary procedure teams, levels 2 and 3, both placed in the top 10 of the nation at the 2025 national leadership conference in Orlando, Florida, this past July.

“Both teams represented Boone Central and the state of Nebraska with professionalism, poise and teamwork, ultimately earning silver medals in their respective competitive events,” said organizer Leann Dederman.

The conference brings together thousands of student leaders from across the country to compete, collaborate and grow in their leadership and career readiness skills. The parliamentary procedure competition challenges students to demonstrate their knowledge of proper meeting protocol through timed demonstrations and oral questions. — Albion News & Boone County Tribune

Antelope County

The Antelope County Board of Commissioners has approved a nearly $100,000 upgrade to its emergency dispatch system.

The bid from Shaffer Communications Inc. in Lincoln amounted to $97,268.76. Nearly $63,000 of that cost is for the dispatch console, with peripheral equipment, radios, labor and supplies making up much of the remaining cost. Sheriff Bob Moore reported to commissioners that the 911 board met and planned on paying $30,000 of the costs.

Complete upgrades are expected to progress throughout the center, with Moore hopeful to be complete with said upgrades by Jan. 1 or sooner. — Antelope County News

Gabby Wright recently took a giant leap in her career path, as she was named Atkinson’s new certified wastewater technician after passing the required test.

After she spent a little over a year as a full-time employee for the City of Atkinson, Wright decided to take on a new journey and began studying to become the city’s newest wastewater technician in October 2024. Now, nearly a full year after she began studying, Wright has passed her certification test and has begun her new career.

Wright’s new responsibilities include keeping track of the plant’s daily flow, running tests with samples to make sure the waste is treated properly, checking and maintaining all equipment and more.— The Atkinson Graphic

Pender Community Hospital (PCH) has recently announced a new partnership with the Nebraska Perinatal Quality Improvement Collaborative (NPQIC) to implement the postpartum alert, a lifesaving maternal safety initiative throughout the facility.

This program is designed to reduce maternal mortality and improve postpartum care for patients across Nebraska. The initiative introduces a simple yet powerful visual system: teal wristbands worn by postpartum patients during the critical six-week period following delivery.

These wristbands serve as an immediate signal to health care providers, ensuring timely recognition and response to potential life-threatening complications. — The Pender Times

Following a considerable amount of back-and-forth discussion with residents Monday evening, the Pierce City Council set a new monthly rate for residential garbage pickup.

The new rate, effective Wednesday, Oct. 1, is $11,50, one rate for both single and family residences. The rate includes weekly pickup and either a 96-gallon or 65-gallon tote. The city has around 700 residential stops. Commercial business trash pickup is not included in the agreement. That is handled on an individual basis with the hauler.

City administrator Chad Anderson said the discussion about putting the waste hauling contract up for bids began in March, and the contract had not been bid since 1999. — Pierce County Leader

South Sioux City

About 100 rural residents in Dakota County who have had a lot of questions about construction of a potential 2,900-acre solar farm north and west of Homer had them answered during a three-hour session last Wednesday.

Mission Clean Energy has been working with county officials over the past two years on the $300 million project that will be built south of Highway 35 near the Twin Church Substation.

The Sterwheeler Solar Project, which still has to be approved by the county’s planning and zoning board before going to the Dakota County Board of Commissioners for final approval, would add much-needed electrical energy to the area’s power grid, which would help better the area’s chances for economic development opportunities.

Some residents, however, expressed concerns about the lack of communication that they felt had taken place in the months leading up to where the project now stands. — Dakota County Star

Dayton Cunningham, a fourth grader at Wausa Elementary, was chosen as one of 13 winners of the “Nebraska: Don’t Waste It!” calendar and was recognized at the state Capitol.

She is the daughter of Dillon and Allison Cunningham. Her art teacher is Wendy Ketelsen. More than 4,450 students from across the state submitted entries.

Nebraskans may receive a free copy of the calendar by emailing the DWEE public information office at DWEE.moreinfo@nebraska.gov or calling the office at 402-471-2186. — Knox County News

West Point

West Point Public Schools has been supplying the community with free meals through a summer food program.

The program started this year on June 3 and ran through July 31. More than 15 volunteers help prepare the meals or drive them to their drop-off locations each day. On Thursdays, additional faculty, along with the administration team, help prepare more than 3,000 meals to pack lunches and breakfasts. Meals are available for any child ages 1-18. — West Point News

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Notre Dame Fall Camp Highlights

[embedded content] The Notre Dame Football Team continued its fall camp on Sunday, Aug. 10. Irish Illustrated was in attendance and compiled highlights of the event, with a special focus on the quarterback competition between Kenny Minchey and CJ Carr and a look at the first three units of the Fighting Irish defense. 1

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Notre Dame Fall Camp Highlights

The Notre Dame Football Team continued its fall camp on Sunday, Aug. 10.

Irish Illustrated was in attendance and compiled highlights of the event, with a special focus on the quarterback competition between Kenny Minchey and CJ Carr and a look at the first three units of the Fighting Irish defense.

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Steve Millar's 10 things to watch as high school football kicks off with first day of practice in Illinois

With familiar faces staying at the top, new contenders emerging and the ultimate Cinderella story, the 2024 high school football season in the Southland had it all. The highlights were Chicago Christian’s fairytale run to the Class 2A state title and star senior quarterback Jack Elliott leading Mount Carmel to its third straight 7A championship. […]

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Steve Millar's 10 things to watch as high school football kicks off with first day of practice in Illinois

With familiar faces staying at the top, new contenders emerging and the ultimate Cinderella story, the 2024 high school football season in the Southland had it all.

The highlights were Chicago Christian’s fairytale run to the Class 2A state title and star senior quarterback Jack Elliott leading Mount Carmel to its third straight 7A championship.

Which teams will author their own heroic stories this fall?

As the high school football season begins Monday with the first day of practices across the state, here are 10 things to watch in 2025.

1. The 8A we’ve always dreamed of

At long last, the Class 8A playoffs should reach their full excitement potential this season.

Mount Carmel, in its quest for a fourth straight state championship, will have to do it in the highest class, bumping up from 7A.

The Caravan, with a loaded roster stacked with Division I recruits like senior defensive lineman Braeden Jones (USC) and senior offensive lineman Claude Mpouma (Nebraska), will look to dethrone CCL/ESCC Blue rival Loyola, which has won the last three 8A titles.

Then of course there’s Lincoln-Way East and senior quarterback Jonas Williams (USC), who will be extra motivated after last season’s 27-24 semifinal loss to Loyola.

Lincoln-Way East's Jonas Williams (13) throws the ball against Minooka during a Class 8A second-round game in Minooka on Friday, Nov. 8, 2024. (Troy Stolt / for the Daily Southtown)
Lincoln-Way East’s Jonas Williams (13) tries to escape a tackle against Minooka during a Class 8A second-round playoff game in Minooka on Friday, Nov. 8, 2024. (Troy Stolt / Daily Southtown)

2. It all starts up front

When it comes to the big men in the trenches, the area is particularly loaded in the 2026 class beyond Jones and Mpouma.

On the defensive line, look for seniors like Rich Township’s Carmelow Reed (Ole Miss), Brother Rice’s King Liggins (Illinois), Lincoln-Way East’s Jacob Alexander (Illinois), Mount Carmel’s Joey Quinn (Vanderbilt), Marian Catholic’s Gavin Neil (Boston College) and Hillcrest’s Maximilian Carmicle (Purdue) to dominate.

Marist’s Rico Schrieber (Purdue), Andrew’s Jake Palucki (Toledo) and Homewood-Flossmoor’s Kellen Gamble (Northern Illinois) headline a strong group of senior offensive linemen.

Marist's Rico Schrieber (70) prepares to block Morgan Park's Adonis Harrison (33) during a nonconference game in Chicago on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. (Vincent D. Johnson / Daily Southtown)
Marist’s Rico Schrieber (70) prepares to block Morgan Park’s Adonis Harrison (33) during a nonconference game in Chicago on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. (Vincent D. Johnson / Daily Southtown)

3. Arms race

Of course, the quarterback conversation for 2025 is focused squarely on Lincoln-Way East’s Williams. Rated as a four-star recruit by Rivals.com, Williams is ranked as the No. 10 quarterback in the country and the No. 2 player in Illinois in the senior class.

Crete-Monee senior Derrin Couch, meanwhile, threw for 2,082 yards and 41 TDs with just four interceptions last season.

Senior CJ Gray (Army) is a poised leader for Brother Rice.

Brother Rice's CJ Gray (4) runs the ball against Mount Carmel during a CCL/ESCC Blue conference game in Chicago on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024. (Troy Stolt / Daily Southtown)
Brother Rice’s CJ Gray (4) runs the ball against Mount Carmel during a CCL/ESCC Blue game in Chicago on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024. (Troy Stolt / Daily Southtown)

4. They’ve got skills

Who will be the big playmakers on the offensive side of the ball? At the top of the list is Morgan Park receiver Nasir Rankin (Illinois), who Rivals ranks as the No. 3 senior in Illinois.

There will be many eyes on two new additions at Lincoln-Way East in senior receivers Blaise LaVista (Washington), a transfer from Libertyville, and junior receiver Jayden Cawthon, a transfer from Plainfield East.

Junior receiver Quentin Burrell of Mount Carmel has dozens of major Division I offers.

Running backs? St. Laurence senior Cory Les and Lincoln-Way Central senior Luke Tingley are proven commodities.

St. Laurence Vikings running back Cory Les (80) runs against DePaul Prep Rams outside linebacker Luke Flom (33) the ball during the IHSA Class 4A state quarterfinals on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Chicago. (Patrick Gorski/for the Chicago Tribune)
St. Laurence’s Cory Les (80) runs the ball against DePaul Prep linebacker Luke Flom (33) during a Class 4A state quarterfinal game in Chicago on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. (Patrick Gorski / Daily Southtown)

5. Locking down

The defensive talent is not only on the line. Secondary stars include Sandburg senior Vincent Smith (West Virginia), Rich Township senior Troy Garner (Northern Illinois) and Mount Carmel junior Tavares Harrington.

Linebackers? Keep an eye on Lemont senior Jackson Dybcio and Mount Carmel junior Roman Igwebuike.

Lemont's Jackson Dybcio, right, runs the ball against Geneva during the football game in Geneva on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024. (James C. Svehla / Beacon News)
Lemont’s Jackson Dybcio (9) runs the ball against Geneva during a nonconference game in Geneva on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024. (James C. Svehla / Daily Southtown)

6. Familiar faces in new places

Former Sandburg coach Troy McAllister is now at Southwest Valley Blue rival Homewood-Flossmoor, where he looks to turn around a Vikings team that finished 4-5 last season.

McAllister will make his return to Sandburg on Sept. 26, when he will square off with Sheamus Murphy. The former Eisenhower coach takes over for the Eagles after spending last season as McAllister’s assistant.

Other new head coaches include Patrick Swanson at St. Laurence, Zac Sadek at Oak Forest, Trent Jensen at T.F. South and Dante Culbreath at Bloom.

Sandburg's head coach Troy McAllister during a nonconference game against St. Rita in Chicago on Friday, Aug. 30, 2024. (Vincent D. Johnson/ Daily Southtown)
Sandburg coach Troy McAllister, who’s now at Homewood-Flossmoor, reacts against St. Rita during a nonconference game in Chicago on Friday, Aug. 30, 2024. (Vincent D. Johnson/ Daily Southtown)

7. Reload or rebuild?

After last season’s championship run, Chicago Christian will be fascinating to watch in 2025.

The Knights will field essentially a brand new team under second-year coach CJ Cesario, although junior linebacker Isaac Workman and senior two-way lineman Heath Sisk are returning starters.

Chicago Christian's head coach CJ Cesario gets a cold-water bath from Kenny Jager (20) in the final minute of their Class 2A state championship win over Maroa-Forsyth at Hancock Stadium in Normal on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024. (Vincent D. Johnson / for the Daily Southtown)
Chicago Christian coach CJ Cesario gets doused by Kenny Jager (20) in the Class 2A state final against Maroa-Forsyth at Hancock Stadium in Normal on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024. (Vincent D. Johnson / Daily Southtown)

8. Bouncing back?

H-F, Providence and Lockport were among area teams that finished 4-5 last season and just missed the playoffs.

All three have the potential to return to the postseason this year, although all will navigate tough schedules.

Reavis, Eisenhower and Rich Township are also looking to take the leap after falling one win short of playoff qualification last year.

Lincoln-Way East's Caden O'rourke (right) sacks Lockport quarterback Brendan Mecher (left) during a football game in Frankfort, Il., on Friday, Oct. 11, 2024. (John Smierciak / Daily Southtown)
Lockport quarterback Brendan Mecher, left, tries to avoid a sack against Lincoln-Way East during a Southwest Valley Conference game in Frankfort on Friday, Oct. 11, 2024. (John Smierciak / Daily Southtown)

9. Momentum building?

Lincoln-Way Central was less than a minute away from playing in the Class 7A state championship game last year, losing 25-21 to powerhouse Batavia in a semifinal.

The Knights, crosstown rival Lincoln-Way West, St. Rita and Richards have all come close to playing for a title in recent seasons and could break through this year.

Lincoln-Way Central's Andrew (Drew) Woodburn (4) throws a pass against Batavia during a Class 7A state semifinal football game at Lincoln-Way Central High School on Saturday, Nov 23, 2024. (Sean King / for The Beacon-News)
Lincoln-Way Central’s Drew Woodburn (4) throws a pass against Batavia during a Class 7A state semifinal game in New Lenox on Saturday, Nov 23, 2024. (Sean King / Daily Southtown)

10. Title time?

The Southland has had at least one state champion in seven straight seasons. Don’t expect that to change this fall.

While Mount Carmel and Lincoln-Way East are again the prime contenders, could this be the year Brother Rice breaks through in Class 7A?

How about a surprise champion? After Chicago Christian in 2024, anything seems possible.

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