Michael O'Brien
@michaelsobrien.bsky.social
Chicago Sun-Times High School Sports Editor
JUST IN: The IHSA threw the book at Simeon and Tim Flowers for bylaw violations on a September trip to Hong Kong
“I can't help that Derrick Rose is my friend and opportunities come...if we shouldn't be around one another why can everyone else?” - Flowers
“I can't help that Derrick Rose is my friend and opportunities come...if we shouldn't be around one another why can everyone else?” - Flowers
IHSA penalizes Simeon and basketball coach Tim Flowers for bylaw violations on a trip to Hong Kong
The IHSA suspended Flowers for six games and two assistant coaches for four games. Simeon cannot practice for the first three days of the season and can only play 28 games this season instead of 31.
chicago.suntimes.com
October 16, 2025 at 9:11 PM
JUST IN: The IHSA threw the book at Simeon and Tim Flowers for bylaw violations on a September trip to Hong Kong
“I can't help that Derrick Rose is my friend and opportunities come...if we shouldn't be around one another why can everyone else?” - Flowers
“I can't help that Derrick Rose is my friend and opportunities come...if we shouldn't be around one another why can everyone else?” - Flowers
The new Super 25 high school football rankings for Week 8.
A tough week with a lot of movement. It's late in the season and time to face the truth about several public school conferences.
-Loyola hangs on
-Providence and Carmel debut
-Fenwick, Montini rise
A tough week with a lot of movement. It's late in the season and time to face the truth about several public school conferences.
-Loyola hangs on
-Providence and Carmel debut
-Fenwick, Montini rise
Michael O'Brien's Super 25 high school football rankings for Week 8
Loyola hangs on after the Providence loss while the Celtics and Carmel join the Super 25 for the first time this season.
chicago.suntimes.com
October 12, 2025 at 4:47 PM
The new Super 25 high school football rankings for Week 8.
A tough week with a lot of movement. It's late in the season and time to face the truth about several public school conferences.
-Loyola hangs on
-Providence and Carmel debut
-Fenwick, Montini rise
A tough week with a lot of movement. It's late in the season and time to face the truth about several public school conferences.
-Loyola hangs on
-Providence and Carmel debut
-Fenwick, Montini rise
Bogan didn't have enough players and forfeited Week 1.
But they didn't give up. Coach Ernest Bryant recruited the building...and then won the next 6 games.
It's been kind of an amazing season for the Bengals. They won a stunner tonight vs. Bowen.
But they didn't give up. Coach Ernest Bryant recruited the building...and then won the next 6 games.
It's been kind of an amazing season for the Bengals. They won a stunner tonight vs. Bowen.
Bogan stuns Bowen on sophomore Jaylen Brown's TD catch with 44 seconds left
Bogan’s players celebrated with screams and back flips. The jubilation is well-deserved. The school didn’t have enough players to field a team Week 1 and was forced to forfeit against Hubbard. The Ben...
chicago.suntimes.com
October 10, 2025 at 5:25 AM
Bogan didn't have enough players and forfeited Week 1.
But they didn't give up. Coach Ernest Bryant recruited the building...and then won the next 6 games.
It's been kind of an amazing season for the Bengals. They won a stunner tonight vs. Bowen.
But they didn't give up. Coach Ernest Bryant recruited the building...and then won the next 6 games.
It's been kind of an amazing season for the Bengals. They won a stunner tonight vs. Bowen.
Mount Carmel is living up to the preseason hype, but this is certainly a different group from the last three years.
Less swagger, more humbleness. And they sound hungry. That's a dangerous combination.
The Caravan beat rival St. Rita last night.
Less swagger, more humbleness. And they sound hungry. That's a dangerous combination.
The Caravan beat rival St. Rita last night.
Top-ranked Mount Carmel stays humble and hungry, knocks off St. Rita
Jordan Lynch’s top-ranked team is living up to all the preseason hype, but doing it with a different attitude this season.
chicago.suntimes.com
September 6, 2025 at 2:45 PM
Mount Carmel is living up to the preseason hype, but this is certainly a different group from the last three years.
Less swagger, more humbleness. And they sound hungry. That's a dangerous combination.
The Caravan beat rival St. Rita last night.
Less swagger, more humbleness. And they sound hungry. That's a dangerous combination.
The Caravan beat rival St. Rita last night.
No. 11 St. Rita at No. 1 Mount Carmel kicks off at 7:30.
-Rivalry began in 1924.
-The Caravan leads with a record of 69-33-3.
-St. Rita last won in 2017.
-Mount Carmel coach Jordan Lynch is 7-0 vs. St. Rita
-The Caravan beat St. Rita in the regular season and playoffs last year.
-Rivalry began in 1924.
-The Caravan leads with a record of 69-33-3.
-St. Rita last won in 2017.
-Mount Carmel coach Jordan Lynch is 7-0 vs. St. Rita
-The Caravan beat St. Rita in the regular season and playoffs last year.
September 5, 2025 at 11:34 PM
No. 11 St. Rita at No. 1 Mount Carmel kicks off at 7:30.
-Rivalry began in 1924.
-The Caravan leads with a record of 69-33-3.
-St. Rita last won in 2017.
-Mount Carmel coach Jordan Lynch is 7-0 vs. St. Rita
-The Caravan beat St. Rita in the regular season and playoffs last year.
-Rivalry began in 1924.
-The Caravan leads with a record of 69-33-3.
-St. Rita last won in 2017.
-Mount Carmel coach Jordan Lynch is 7-0 vs. St. Rita
-The Caravan beat St. Rita in the regular season and playoffs last year.
It's always tough to decide on 25 teams for the preseason rankings. Several of the state's best programs missed the cut. And many other teams impressed Week 1.
Here's a look at the 10 best teams that haven't been ranked in the Super 25 yet this season:
Here's a look at the 10 best teams that haven't been ranked in the Super 25 yet this season:
The 10 best high school football teams that haven't cracked the Super 25 rankings this season
The Chicago area is loaded with promising teams. These ten are just a win or two away from landing in the rankings.
chicago.suntimes.com
September 2, 2025 at 7:08 PM
It's always tough to decide on 25 teams for the preseason rankings. Several of the state's best programs missed the cut. And many other teams impressed Week 1.
Here's a look at the 10 best teams that haven't been ranked in the Super 25 yet this season:
Here's a look at the 10 best teams that haven't been ranked in the Super 25 yet this season:
The new Super 25 high school football rankings for Week 2:
-Maine South and York tumble but stay in
-Glenbard West vaults into the top 10
-Lyons, Glenbrook South, Hinsdale Central join
-Nazareth cracks the top 5
-Maine South and York tumble but stay in
-Glenbard West vaults into the top 10
-Lyons, Glenbrook South, Hinsdale Central join
-Nazareth cracks the top 5
Michael O'Brien's Super 25 high school football rankings for Week 2
Lyons, Glenbrook South and Hinsdale Central join after impressive wins in Week 1.
chicago.suntimes.com
August 31, 2025 at 5:58 PM
The new Super 25 high school football rankings for Week 2:
-Maine South and York tumble but stay in
-Glenbard West vaults into the top 10
-Lyons, Glenbrook South, Hinsdale Central join
-Nazareth cracks the top 5
-Maine South and York tumble but stay in
-Glenbard West vaults into the top 10
-Lyons, Glenbrook South, Hinsdale Central join
-Nazareth cracks the top 5
Downers Grove North and Morgan Park battled it out on defense until the final drive, then Owen Lansu led the Trojans downfield and Baker Glomb was the hero, nailing a game-winning field goal as time expired.
No. 5 DGN survives Morgan Park.
No. 5 DGN survives Morgan Park.
Downers Grove North junior Baker Glomb's field goal beats Morgan Park as time expires
Morgan Park and No. 5 Downers Grove North staged a defensive battle for four quarters.
chicago.suntimes.com
August 31, 2025 at 4:53 AM
Downers Grove North and Morgan Park battled it out on defense until the final drive, then Owen Lansu led the Trojans downfield and Baker Glomb was the hero, nailing a game-winning field goal as time expired.
No. 5 DGN survives Morgan Park.
No. 5 DGN survives Morgan Park.
How the Super 25 high school football teams fared in Week 1
How the Super 25 high school football teams fared in Week 1
Results from all the ranked teams.
chicago.suntimes.com
August 30, 2025 at 5:04 AM
How the Super 25 high school football teams fared in Week 1
Lincoln-Way East makes a season-opening statement with a shutout, running-clock win at Maine South
Lincoln-Way East makes a season-opening statement with a shutout, running-clock win at Maine South
By the middle of the third quarter, that home stand was nearly emptied out. Jonas Williams and No. 3 Lincoln-Way East demolished the No. 4 Hawks 40-0.
chicago.suntimes.com
August 30, 2025 at 5:04 AM
Lincoln-Way East makes a season-opening statement with a shutout, running-clock win at Maine South
High school football season has arrived. I'll be at Gately tonight for two games:
Ag. Science vs. Evergreen Park at 4:15
St. Francis vs. Kenwood at 7:30
Here's the full schedule for Week 1:
Ag. Science vs. Evergreen Park at 4:15
St. Francis vs. Kenwood at 7:30
Here's the full schedule for Week 1:
High school football schedule for Week 1
The complete Chicago-area schedule for the first week of the 2025 football season.
chicago.suntimes.com
August 28, 2025 at 3:36 PM
High school football season has arrived. I'll be at Gately tonight for two games:
Ag. Science vs. Evergreen Park at 4:15
St. Francis vs. Kenwood at 7:30
Here's the full schedule for Week 1:
Ag. Science vs. Evergreen Park at 4:15
St. Francis vs. Kenwood at 7:30
Here's the full schedule for Week 1:
The high school football season starts on Thursday. Get ready for all the action with the preseason rankings:
Michael O'Brien's preseason Super 25 high school football rankings
A look at the best teams in the area heading into the upcoming season.
chicago.suntimes.com
August 26, 2025 at 11:12 PM
The high school football season starts on Thursday. Get ready for all the action with the preseason rankings:
JUST IN: Mount Carmel opens the season as the top-ranked team in the Super 25.
On paper, the Caravan is the most talented high school football team the Chicago area has ever seen, with eight Power Five recruits.
On paper, the Caravan is the most talented high school football team the Chicago area has ever seen, with eight Power Five recruits.
Top-ranked Mount Carmel has the most talented team in Chicago history, led by eight Power Five recruits
So much winning, so much history. The Caravan are the kings of Illinois high school football. But they’ve never had a team loaded with talent like this year’s squad.
chicago.suntimes.com
August 25, 2025 at 9:07 PM
JUST IN: Mount Carmel opens the season as the top-ranked team in the Super 25.
On paper, the Caravan is the most talented high school football team the Chicago area has ever seen, with eight Power Five recruits.
On paper, the Caravan is the most talented high school football team the Chicago area has ever seen, with eight Power Five recruits.
No. 2 Loyola will lean on coaching, tradition and talented sophomores in four-peat attempt.
No. 2 Loyola will lean on coaching, tradition and talented sophomores in four-peat attempt
The Ramblers are trying to win a fourth consecutive Class 8A state championship this season. But this is an entirely new team.
chicago.suntimes.com
August 25, 2025 at 1:43 PM
No. 2 Loyola will lean on coaching, tradition and talented sophomores in four-peat attempt.
Jonas Williams is nearing multiple state records, but he's focused on a title for No. 3 Lincoln-Way East
Jonas Williams is nearing multiple state records, but he's focused on a title for No. 3 Lincoln-Way East
Star power is a big deal, but great high school football teams are built with depth. That’s where Lincoln-Way East has always excelled.
chicago.suntimes.com
August 22, 2025 at 7:41 PM
Jonas Williams is nearing multiple state records, but he's focused on a title for No. 3 Lincoln-Way East
Quarterback Jameson Purcell and an experienced defense make No. 4 Maine South a major contender in Class 8A
Quarterback Jameson Purcell and an experienced defense make No. 4 Maine South a major contender in Class 8A
The Hawks have Class 8A state-championship ambitions, and Purcell is a big-time Player of the Year candidate.
chicago.suntimes.com
August 22, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Quarterback Jameson Purcell and an experienced defense make No. 4 Maine South a major contender in Class 8A
After being “kicked in the mouth” in the playoffs last season, No. 5 Downers Grove North is refocused on winning a state title.
Owen Lansu leads the Trojans’ trio of Big Ten recruits.
Owen Lansu leads the Trojans’ trio of Big Ten recruits.
Owen Lansu leads No. 5 Downers Grove North's trio of Big Ten recruits
A bitter, early ending to the playoffs refocused Downers Grove North in the off season.
chicago.suntimes.com
August 21, 2025 at 2:16 PM
After being “kicked in the mouth” in the playoffs last season, No. 5 Downers Grove North is refocused on winning a state title.
Owen Lansu leads the Trojans’ trio of Big Ten recruits.
Owen Lansu leads the Trojans’ trio of Big Ten recruits.
Batavia checks in at No. 6 in the preseason Super 25. QB Michael Vander Luitgaren has wowed Dennis Piron in practice.
“Our offense this year is going to be explosive. We are going to score points and light up the scoreboard" - Vander Luitgaren.
“Our offense this year is going to be explosive. We are going to score points and light up the scoreboard" - Vander Luitgaren.
Quarterback Michael Vander Luitgaren leads No. 6 Batavia's explosive offense
Vander Luitgaren started receiving attention from colleges over the summer and impressed Batavia coach Dennis Piron during the first two weeks of practice.
chicago.suntimes.com
August 20, 2025 at 2:23 PM
Batavia checks in at No. 6 in the preseason Super 25. QB Michael Vander Luitgaren has wowed Dennis Piron in practice.
“Our offense this year is going to be explosive. We are going to score points and light up the scoreboard" - Vander Luitgaren.
“Our offense this year is going to be explosive. We are going to score points and light up the scoreboard" - Vander Luitgaren.
Can Nazareth win a 4th consecutive state title? The Roadrunners graduated a ton, but a large group of starters return, including Trenton Walker. A new QB from Pennsylvania is fighting for the starting job.
Nazareth checks in at No. 7 in the preseason.
Nazareth checks in at No. 7 in the preseason.
No. 7 Nazareth moves up to Class 6A after winning three consecutive state titles
Wide receiver Trenton Walker and cornerback Johnny Colon have stepped into the leadership positions for the Roadrunners.
chicago.suntimes.com
August 19, 2025 at 6:56 PM
Can Nazareth win a 4th consecutive state title? The Roadrunners graduated a ton, but a large group of starters return, including Trenton Walker. A new QB from Pennsylvania is fighting for the starting job.
Nazareth checks in at No. 7 in the preseason.
Nazareth checks in at No. 7 in the preseason.
No. 8 Brother Rice will lean on Illinois recruit King Liggins' leadership and CJ Gray's experience
No. 8 Brother Rice will lean on Illinois recruit King Liggins' leadership and CJ Gray's experience
Brother Rice is the only team in the CCL/ESCC Blue that returns its starting quarterback. CJ Gray, a 6-foot, 195-pound senior, has committed to Army.
chicago.suntimes.com
August 18, 2025 at 2:58 PM
No. 8 Brother Rice will lean on Illinois recruit King Liggins' leadership and CJ Gray's experience
No. 9 York crashed the party and is now an established state power.
The Dukes have reloaded with an experienced, talented offensive line, 1,000-yard rusher Henry Duda, receiver Simon Kodosky and Princeton recruit Hunter Stepanich, a TE/DE.
The Dukes have reloaded with an experienced, talented offensive line, 1,000-yard rusher Henry Duda, receiver Simon Kodosky and Princeton recruit Hunter Stepanich, a TE/DE.
Now an established state power, No. 9 York looks to take the next step behind an experienced offensive line
The Dukes are using the same recipe for success as the last three years: a rock-solid running game, an excellent defense and a new senior starting quarterback.
chicago.suntimes.com
August 15, 2025 at 6:07 PM
No. 9 York crashed the party and is now an established state power.
The Dukes have reloaded with an experienced, talented offensive line, 1,000-yard rusher Henry Duda, receiver Simon Kodosky and Princeton recruit Hunter Stepanich, a TE/DE.
The Dukes have reloaded with an experienced, talented offensive line, 1,000-yard rusher Henry Duda, receiver Simon Kodosky and Princeton recruit Hunter Stepanich, a TE/DE.
For the second consecutive summer, a successful South Side Public League basketball coach is surrounded by drama and out of a job after winning state.
Dyett's Jamaal Gill recently resigned and now faces an investigation over an altercation with a student that was caught on video.
Dyett's Jamaal Gill recently resigned and now faces an investigation over an altercation with a student that was caught on video.
Dyett coach Jamaal Gill steps down after winning state, faces investigation over altercation with a student
The Eagles stormed to the Class 2A state championship in March. It was a statement victory for the school and Gill, who built the program. Gill has now left the school and is under investigation after...
chicago.suntimes.com
August 12, 2025 at 5:26 PM
For the second consecutive summer, a successful South Side Public League basketball coach is surrounded by drama and out of a job after winning state.
Dyett's Jamaal Gill recently resigned and now faces an investigation over an altercation with a student that was caught on video.
Dyett's Jamaal Gill recently resigned and now faces an investigation over an altercation with a student that was caught on video.
Coaching high school football is the new, cool thing?
Apparently so.
Former NFL players with college and pro coaching options are choosing to stay in the trenches with unpaid teenagers. New St. Pat's coach Tom Zbikowski is the latest to make the switch.
Apparently so.
Former NFL players with college and pro coaching options are choosing to stay in the trenches with unpaid teenagers. New St. Pat's coach Tom Zbikowski is the latest to make the switch.
First day of football practice: New coach Tom Zbikowski makes a splash at St. Patrick
The latest big-name college coach to leave for a local high school is former NFL player Tom Zbikowski, who was a standout player at Notre Dame and Buffalo Grove. Zbikowski, who spent time as an assist...
chicago.suntimes.com
August 12, 2025 at 2:55 PM
Coaching high school football is the new, cool thing?
Apparently so.
Former NFL players with college and pro coaching options are choosing to stay in the trenches with unpaid teenagers. New St. Pat's coach Tom Zbikowski is the latest to make the switch.
Apparently so.
Former NFL players with college and pro coaching options are choosing to stay in the trenches with unpaid teenagers. New St. Pat's coach Tom Zbikowski is the latest to make the switch.
JUST IN: Chicago Public Schools has settled the lawsuit brought by former Phillips basketball coach Paris Martin.
Martin, who says he was never paid by CPS in his 2 years at Phillips, led the Wildcats to the state title in 2024 and was fired after suing.
Martin, who says he was never paid by CPS in his 2 years at Phillips, led the Wildcats to the state title in 2024 and was fired after suing.
CPS settles lawsuit with former Phillips basketball coach Paris Martin
Martin told the Sun-Times on Monday that the settlement is for an undisclosed amount.
chicago.suntimes.com
July 15, 2025 at 1:38 PM
JUST IN: Chicago Public Schools has settled the lawsuit brought by former Phillips basketball coach Paris Martin.
Martin, who says he was never paid by CPS in his 2 years at Phillips, led the Wildcats to the state title in 2024 and was fired after suing.
Martin, who says he was never paid by CPS in his 2 years at Phillips, led the Wildcats to the state title in 2024 and was fired after suing.
Joliet native Jeremiah Fears was selected No. 7 in the 2025 NBA Draft by the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday.
It’s the highest a local player has been picked since Young’s Jahlil Okafor was drafted by Philadelphia with the No. 3 pick in 2015.
It’s the highest a local player has been picked since Young’s Jahlil Okafor was drafted by Philadelphia with the No. 3 pick in 2015.
Joliet's Jeremiah Fears selected by New Orleans with the No. 7 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft
It's the highest a local player has been picked since Young’s Jahlil Okafor was drafted third by Philadelphia in 2015.
chicago.suntimes.com
June 26, 2025 at 4:19 AM
Joliet native Jeremiah Fears was selected No. 7 in the 2025 NBA Draft by the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday.
It’s the highest a local player has been picked since Young’s Jahlil Okafor was drafted by Philadelphia with the No. 3 pick in 2015.
It’s the highest a local player has been picked since Young’s Jahlil Okafor was drafted by Philadelphia with the No. 3 pick in 2015.