CSNChicago.com preps reporter "Edgy" Tim O’Halloran spotlights 100 high school football teams in 100 days. The first 75 team profiles will focus on teams making strides across Chicagoland and elsewhere in the state. Leading up to kickoff on Friday, Aug. 25., we unveil the @CSNPreps Top 25 Power Rankings.
School: Huntley
Head coach: Mark Zimolzak
Assistant coaches: Mike Slattery - OC/Quarterbacks, Mike Naymola - Receivers, Joel Bosman - Assist. Receivers, Craig Kastning - Running Backs, Chris Babyar - Offensive Line, Zack Borring - Assist. Receivers, Cliff Pawlak - Defensive Backs, Paul Reinke - Linebackers, Ben Salomon - Defensive Line, Keith Mooney - Assist. Defensive Line, Gary Swanson - Strength Coach, Will Benson - Scout Teams Coordinator, Mike Doty - Assist. Offensive Line, Doug Millsaps - Assist. Quarterbacks.
How they fared in 2016: 8-4 (8-2 Fox Valley Conference), made the Class 8A state playoff field, defeated Stevenson and Fremd before losing to Loyola in the quarterfinal round.
[MORE: CSN Preps Preseason Power Rankings - No. 23 Cary-Grove]
2017 regular season schedule:
Aug. 25 @ Jacobs
Sept. 1 vs. Prairie Ridge
Sept. 9 @ Dundee-Crown
Sept. 15 vs. Hampshire
Sept. 23 vs. Cary-Grove
Sept. 28 @ West Aurora
Oct. 5 vs. Crystal Lake Central
Oct. 14 @ Crystal Lake South
Oct. 20 @ McHenry
Biggest storyline: Can the Red Raiders make a deeper run in Class 8A?
Names to watch this season: senior QB Eric Mooney, senior LB Charlie Zornow
Biggest holes to fill: The Red Raiders will need to reload on the offensive line this summer with just one returning starter back in senior Joey Wilson.
EDGY's early take: Huntley made a nice run under Zimolzak in Class 8A last postseason and several key starters return this fall, including All-State quarterback Mooney. The Red Raiders program has continued to make impressive, steady progress on the field. One of these days, sooner rather than later, Huntley will challenge for a Class 8A state title.