Lockport Porter Parents Football Association

Lockport Porter Parents Football Association The Lockport Porters Football Boosters is a parent run organization committed to supporting the players and coaches at LTHS through fundraising & donations

09/03/2026

Lockport At Lincoln-Way Central Football Preview

By Randy Whalen

The last time the Lockport Township football team was 0-2 was in 2019.

That season, the Porters broke into the win column in Week No. 3 against Lincoln-Way Central.

Their opponent in Week No. 3 of this season? Lincoln-Way Central.

"We won in overtime," Lockport coach George Czart said of that 6-3 home victory over the Knights in 2019. "Collin Schmutzler went 10 yards out of the wildcat formation on the first play of overtime.

"That was also the last time we played Lincoln-Way Central."

Yes, due to the conference scheduling the past half-dozen years, the Porters have not played their neighboring school. But that comes to an end this week as the schools meet once more.

What does Lockport have to do to get back on track this season?

"This week we're expecting a lot of changes," Lockport senior offensive left tackle Philip Ponterio said. "Last year we were 1-3 and going through changes to find out what would work to get us back on track.

"So we have to figure out what will get us on this run this season. It's going to be a process, but we're going to do it. It'll be worth it."

Last week wasn't a good one as the Porters traveled to Naperville Central and lost 42-21. The Redhawks passed all over a depleted secondary for 257 yards and 4 TDs. Jake Manzo plans to be back this week, but fellow senior defensive back Josh Kies will probably be out.

So will senior linebacker Logan Stewart, who is expected to miss at least another month with a back injury.

"We have some guys in different positions than they've played," Czart said. "We have guys injured and have to move people around. We had three guys out in the secondary last week. That's the reality of the situation.

The guys do the best they can, and we work with what we have and try to get better."

Prince Nartey, a junior running back, scored his first two varsity touchdowns last week. But the Porters were limited to 51 yards on the ground as a team. Senior quarterback Griffin Russell was 16-of-28 for 164 yards and fired a TD pass to junior Jaxson Little (6 receptions for 60 yards) for the second straight week. But it was too little, too late to catch up.

Since David Woodburn became head coach in the 2003 season, the Knights have won nine games each year. Their 2004 team fell just short of advancing to the Class 7A State Title game.

There are many talented juniors on this season's Lincoln-Way Central team. They include junior quarterback Dean Tomczuk, wide receiver Luke Maeder, running back/cornerback Aidan Quirk, center Logan Splant, and defensive back/returner Landon Steinbach

Also, middle linebacker Bronson Burge, defensive/offensive lineman Dominick Massoglia, cornerback Vince Wilk, and kicker/punter Zack Trippeer are key seniors for the Knights (1-1), who bounced Barrington 28-14 on the road last week.

"Lincoln-Way Central is another good football team," Czart said. "They run and pass well. They had a blocked punt in each of their first two games. They are well-coached, and we are going to have to play better than we have just to be in the game. "

Last year Lockport rebounded from a 1-3 start to make the Class 8A State Semifinals. So there is time to turn it around.

"It's only two games," Czart said. "Our season shouldn't be judged by two games. We have our problems to fix, and we have to get better up front. We have to get some things figured out, but we went through hard times last year.

"Our coaching staff is well aware, and I have 100 percent confidence in them."

Due to the unseasonably hot weather this week, this Friday has been made a varsity-only game. The sophomores will play the next morning at 9 AM.

The kickoff for the single game will be at 7 PM in New Lenox. There is a 20 percent chance of rain with a high of 90 that day. But temps should drop to the mid-80s at game time.

09/01/2026

Ten Questions With Lockport Senior Offensive Lineman Philip Ponterio

By Randy Whalen

Philip Ponterio is a senior on the Lockport Township football team. He's a starting left tackle on the offensive line and is one of the captains for the Porters this season.

What were your impressions of last week's loss at Naperville Central?
"We've still got a lot of new guys, and it came down to the little mistakes that game. The effort that needs to be there wasn't shown. So we need to get it going and work hard all week."

You're one of the captains this season. How do you view that honor?
"The captains are myself, Cornell Bass, Griffin Benson, Matt Kies, and Griffin Russell. I've been playing football at Lockport since freshman year, and I've put in the work to be in this position. It's the highest position and a great opportunity to show that you're a leader of the team."

Since you're 6-foot-4.5 inches tall and weigh 300, you're built for the position. But what's the key to being an offensive lineman?
"You have to be versatile. You have to know what it takes to be in every position on the line. We had seven guys on the line in summer camp. So I practiced every position. I practiced snapping the ball at center. Every position is now ingrained in me."

You also compete in shot put and discus in track and field. How is that going?
"I started at the end of sophomore year. Our defensive line coach, Coach (Peter) Kishline, was on my butt about it, so I tried it. Now I'm looking to be a multi-sport athlete in college and do that too. I like the discus a little better; it's more fun to throw."

But I imagine that football is your favorite sport. So what is it about the game that makes it the sport for you?
"The main reason is that I get to come, show out with, and be with my guys. It takes everything off my mind. If I had a bad day, I take it out on the guy across from me in practice or on the field."

How long have you been playing football?
"I've been playing for six years. I started playing right before seventh grade for the Junior Porters. I actually grew up in Bolingbrook and moved to Lockport at the end of second grade. When I was younger, I played soccer, but gave that up in the fourth or fifth grade. I also played some flag football and was a wide receiver."

What have you learned from Lockport football coach George Czart?
"I have learned a lot of things. But the greatest thing is the grind. No one cares about what you do in the offseason until it shows in the regular season. The offseason shows up now in what we're doing and how much work we put in."

I know school recently started, but what is your favorite class?
"It's a tie between my anatomy and physiology class with Ms. (Bridget) Decker and my power lifting class with Mr. (Joe) Cunnane. The anatomy and physiology class is the anticipation of learning everything. The power lifting class is great because not only do I get to lift, but I'm also now a gym leader. I help others lift too, and I like that leadership role."

You plan to play football in college, correct?
"Yes, I've had some offers. But honestly, I feel no pressure. I just want to have the best college experience that I can. Socially, school, and football related. Everything."

What is the best thing about being an athlete at Lockport?
"The appreciation. You get the benefits of knowing that you don't have to go through anything alone. The benefits of knowing that someone is in your corner. From the students in the hallway to the teachers, they are there for you."

08/30/2026

Lockport Football Falls to Naperville Central

By Randy Whalen

Lockport Township football coach George Czart knew better.

The pundits looked at the first week's results and saw that the Porters hung in during a 7-point loss to a Top 10 team, Glenbard West. They saw that Naperville Central appeared to be dominated in a 20-point loss at Wheaton-Warrenville South.

Surely Lockport would get things on track in the second week and overwhelm the Redhawks in Naperville.

Unfortunately for the Porters, the opposite happened. Playing in front of a charged home crowd, the Redhawks scored early and often, toppling Lockport 42-21 on Friday, August 28, in a nonconference clash.

"I knew this was a good team," Czart said of Naperville Central. "I saw our schedule and was worried about this game. They gave us a great game last year (a 14-7 Lockport win in overtime) and I thought they would be one of our tougher opponents.

"They won the toss, wanted the ball, and had the confidence to march downfield. As poorly as we played last week, we didn't play well again this week. I don't know what happened out there."

What happened was the Porters (0-2) couldn't contain quarterback Simon Hayes. The senior completed 21-of-28 passes for 257 yards and four touchdowns. He fired second-quarter scoring strikes to sophomore Ian Figi, 26 yards, and to junior Ryan Jacobson, 23 yards, for a 21-0 lead with 7:36 left in the opening half.

To make matters worse for Lockport, senior defensive back Josh Kies was hurt on the Figi touchdown play. He was later on crutches on the sideline. So was senior linebacker Jayden Bruno, who also went out with an injury.

Add in that seniors Jake Manzo, at defensive back, and Logan Stewart, at linebacker, were out with injuries and didn't play. So the Porter defense was decimated.

"We also had Austin Bielski out to start the game," said Czart of the junior linebacker, who played some in the second half. "We also had (senior running back) Rory Radatz out too.

"Football is a rough sport. Injuries are part of the game, and we have to be ready."

Landon Nelson, a senior running back, opened the scoring for the Redhawks (1-1) by capping the initial 12-play, 64-yard drive with a 4-yard touchdown run.

Down by three scores midway through the second quarter, Prince Nartey provided a spark for Lockport. He returned the ensuing kickoff 70 yards to the Redhawk 29.

"Prince had a nice kickoff return and did a good job," Czart said. "He can be explosive, and it's exciting to watch him play."

At 5-foot-9 and 175 pounds, Nartey is not that big. But he makes up for it in his attitude.

"I showed my confidence on the field," he said afterward. "I showed that I can play as an undersized guy and that I have more heart."

An 11-yard pass from quarterback Griffin Russell to fellow senior Alec Kruczak, at tight end, on fourth-and-three, moved Lockport to the Redhawk 11. Following a pass interference penalty, Nartey took it in from 5 yards out for his first-ever varsity touchdown. Senior Zane Szynkowski added the extra point kick, and it was 21-7 with 5:24 left in the second quarter.

"It felt good to come out and get that score," Nartey said. "As a junior, they're not always going to pay attention to me. I felt that picked us up, and I wanted to keep it going.

"I'm always going to give 110 percent. I know we're a good team. But everyone got in their own head. We have to be more positive."

Naperville Central, which finished with 420 total yards, came right back, however. Nelson (15 carries for 96 yards, 2 TDs) rumbled in from 14 yards out, and it was 28-7 with 2:31 left in the second quarter. That remained the score at halftime.

The Porters punted on their first possession of the third quarter, and Naperville Central came right down and scored. That was on a 29-yard pass from Hayes to junior Mark Williams. Junior Noah Evans added the extra point, and it was 35-7 with 7:55 left in the third quarter.

Thanks to Russell scrambling for a 12-yard run and completing an 18-yard pass to senior all-purpose back Hayden Phillips (2 receptions for 48 yards), Lockport got a first-and-goal at the six. Two plays later, Nartey nugged in from a yard out for his second touchdown with 2:09 left in the third quarter to make it 35-14.

But on the first play of the fourth quarter, Hayes connected with Williams (6 receptions for 127 yards) again, this time from 43 yards out, for another touchdown.

Lockport never quit, as Russell hit junior Jaxson Little for a 35-yard touchdown with 2:06 to play in the game.

"I was definitely disappointed in the outcome of the game," Russell said. "The team and I will need to have a great week of practice to continue to get better for next week as we play a good opponent in Lincoln- Way Central.

"We did continue to play hard in the game till the very end. The touchdown did feel good at the end, and it was another great catch by Jaxson Little."

Russell finished 16-of-28 for 164 yards and the TD. Little had six receptions for 60 yards. But the Porters were limited to 20 carries for 51 yards on the ground. Also, senior defensive lineman Cornell Bass had a couple of nice tackles on defense. But overall, those were too far in between.

"We needed to come out with rhythm," Naperville Central coach Mike Ulreich said. "One of the things we wanted to do is take the ball and get out and get going right away.

"After losing in the first week, we needed to get that and believe that good things would happen. We needed to trust ourselves."

Now the Porters, who are 0-2 for the first time since Czart's first season in 2019, will have to take that advice and trust themselves as well.

"We're 0-2," Czart said. "We have to make adjustments, get back to work, and get better."

Thank you to Audi Westmont for being our Touchdown Sponsor and providing this weeks Varsity Pasta Dinner 🏈⚓️
08/30/2026

Thank you to Audi Westmont for being our Touchdown Sponsor and providing this weeks Varsity Pasta Dinner 🏈⚓️

08/27/2026

Lockport At Naperville Central Football Preview

By Randy Whalen

With one game under its belt, the Lockport Township football team gained some much-needed experience of meshing with each other.

Now, it's time to put that into action.

"It was the first game, and we had some mental errors," Lockport senior quarterback Griffin Russell said following the 21-14 loss to Glenbard West in the season-opener last Friday. "We have to fix it in practice. We will; we're a family, and we trust each other."

Yes, they do, and they plan to implement that this week as the Porters plan to get in the win column as they travel for a Week No. 2 matchup at Naperville Central.

"They have a really strong defense," Lockport senior defensive back Jake Manzo said of the Redhawks. But we have a great offense. It will be a tough game, but we should come out on top."

The two teams have had quite a series of exciting games in the past few years, with all of them at Lockport. In 2023, Nate Blezewski kicked a game-tying 49-yard field goal with under a second left in regulation. Then fellow senior Kevin Holland hauled in a 9-yard touchdown pass from Drew Gallagher in overtime. The Porter defense held, and they emerged with a 31-24 victory.

The following season, Naperville Central improved to 6-0, en route to an 11-2 record, with a 31-21 win as the teams faced off in what was a Southwest Valley Conference crossover. Then, last season's conference game was much more defensive. Lockport prevailed 14-7 in overtime, as Chris Miller scored what proved to be the winning touchdown, and fellow senior Nick Moerman recorded a huge sack in the OT before a huge Homecoming crowd.

The Redhawks are no longer in the same conference, which dissolved at the end of last season. Also, this season's matchup is in Naperville.

In their opener last Friday, the Redhawks fell 27-7 on the road to Wheaton-Warrenville South.

Ryan Jacobson, a junior running back, tied the game early at 7-7. But that was the only score for Naperville Central. Senior Landon Nelson is another threat at running back. Simon Hayes, a senior, takes over as quarterback. Senior Kyle Clark and junior Mark Williams are key wide receivers.

Returning junior cornerback Eron Kennedy leads the secondary. Seniors Jaxon Pytlak at defensive end and Justin Skryd at linebacker lead the defense.

Russell had a great first game at quarterback last week. He was 18-of-24 for 174 yards and a TD. Senior Khairi Sias - 9 receptions for 85 yards, and junior Jaxson Little - 6 receptions for 81 yards and a touchdown led the receivers. But after having 24 carries for 50 yards on the ground, the Porters hope to get more production out of their running game.

Last week, Lockport's defense gave up 41 carries for 223 yards and a pair of touchdowns. That meant the secondary of Manzo and the Kies twins of Josh and Matt saw a lot of work.

"Naperville Central had some turnovers in the loss to Wheaton-Warrenville South," Lockport coach George Czart said. "But coming into this season, I thought they had a good team. The last few years have come down to the end of the game.

"This season, we have to travel there. I'm looking forward to it and to showing what we can do."

Both teams have a rich history. Lockport is coming off a Class 8A State Semifinal appearance and has a trio of 8A State titles (2002, 2003, 2021). The Redhawks captured a Class 6A championship in 1999 and an 8A one in 2013.

The two teams met twice in the postseason. The Porters won 29-7 in a second-round game in 2003, and Naperville Central prevailed 28-16 in a first-round game in 2009. Both of those were in Class 8A.

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton is a 1982 Naperville Central graduate. Owen Daniels, who quarterbacked the Redhawks to the 1999 State Title, played nine seasons as a tight end in the NFL, making a pair of Pro Bowls. He caught the last touchdown pass that quarterback Peyton Manning ever threw to help the Broncos win the 2015 AFC Championship Game 20-18.

Current Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed played his senior season for the Redhawks and graduated in 2018.

Being on the road, the sophomore game will be played beforehand, starting at 4:30 PM. The varsity game will kick off at approximately 7 PM. The game-time forecast is calling for temps in the low to mid 70s with light winds and no chance of rain.

Ten Questions With Lockport Senior Defensive Back Jake ManzoBy Randy WhalenJake Manzo is a senior on the Lockport Townsh...
08/26/2026

Ten Questions With Lockport Senior Defensive Back Jake Manzo

By Randy Whalen

Jake Manzo is a senior on the Lockport Township football team. He's a starting defensive back and had 10 total tackles and a fumble recovery in a 21-14 season-opening loss to Glenbard West last Friday.

What were your impressions of last week's opening game against Glenbard West?
"We should build on being more of a team. We have to focus on being more physical. They ran the ball down our throat. So we just have to be more physical, know our guys better, and have trust and faith in them."

Glenbard West quarterback AJ Reyford didn't throw much, going 9-of-12 for 122 yards and a TD. So I thought the pass defense was good. What were your impressions of your secondary?
"We're more than on track. The Kies twins (Josh and Matt) and I have that chemistry; we've been playing together since fifth grade. Plus we have Coach Nolan Shaw working with us every day to make sure we're the best we can be."

Your brother, Joey Manzo, was the only junior starter on the Class 8A State Title team in 2021. So I'm sure you watched their games. What do you take from that team?
"Joey was a starting defensive back, and they were great to watch. He's now an EMT in Joliet. I try to implement stuff from that team. I feel that we can complement that team and bring a title back to Lockport."

Do you play another sport?
"Yes, I also play baseball. I've played that even longer than football. I started playing tee ball when I was three or four. Then I started playing football for the Junior Porters."

So which sport do you like better?
"Football. I love the game; I love the physicality. I love the Friday Night Lights. I love the game time mentality. I've been waiting for senior year since last fall."

Which opponent are you most looking forward to playing this season?
"Lincoln-Way West (at home in Week No. 4 on Friday, Sept. 11). We've lost close games to them the last couple of years (21-17 in the final seconds last season and 40-39 in double overtime in 2024). Last year's loss hurt. We should have pulled it out. We haven't beat them on the varsity level in a few years (34-28 in New Lenox in 2022), so we want to get them in our senior year."

What have you learned from Lockport football coach George Czart?
"I have learned many things. How to be a man, how to carry myself in situations. He says that 'football always finds its weakest link.' That's a true statement in football and in life. He also reminds us that we need to have the next play mentality. Things aren't always going to go your way. You have to overcome that."

I know school just started last week, but what is your favorite class?
"My dual credit psychology class. Ms. Michelle Edwards is the teacher. I find the human mind most interesting. I find it most fascinating how people react to things."

Do you plan to play football or baseball in college?
"Yes, I've been looking at it a lot. I'm looking at both sports. I've had a few offers. I don't mind where I go, if it's near or far. But I'm also looking at my education and how it's going to affect me as I get older. "

What is the best thing about being an athlete at Lockport?
"Just the environment of everything here. The crowds at the games and the support we have. We have such a strong student body and a tight-knit group of athletes who support each other."

08/24/2026

Glenbard West At Lockport Football

By Randy Whalen

There were positives.

But some mistakes hurt. In the end, the Lockport Township football team couldn't catch up and fell 21-14 to a talented Glenbard West team in the season opener before a packed house on Friday evening at Lockport.

It was the first time that the Porters (0-1) have lost a season-opening game since the abbreviated 6-game spring season of 2021.

"It was a typical first game for us in the sense that we made too many mistakes to establish a positive outcome," Lockport coach George Czart said. "The coaches addressed that to the team that the only team that can beat us is ourselves.

"There are positives to take out. But I'm tired of taking positives out of losing. I'd rather take the negatives out of winning."

There should be plenty of winning for Lockport this season. But yes, the team has to play better.

"It was the first game, and we had some mental errors," Lockport senior quarterback Griffin Russell said. "We have to fix it in practice. We will; we're a family, and we trust each other."

Trailing 7-0 at halftime, the Porters got bad news when senior linebacker Logan Stewart went down on the first play from scrimmage of the third quarter. After 15 minutes, he was taken off the field on a stretcher.

Stewart gave a thumbs up when he was wheeled off the field. But it was a back injury, and he is expected to be out for a while.

With Stewart out of the lineup, the Hilltoppers (1-0) drove downfield and scored on second-and-goal when senior running back Ace Harris hammered in from 3-yards out. Senior Nick Duckworth added the extra point, and Glenbard West led 14-0 with 9:15 left in the third quarter.

But back came the Porters. Russell completed all four of his passes for 38 yards on a 67-yard drive. On second-and-five, senior running back Hayden Phillips (6 carries for 21 yards) ran eight yards to a first-and-goal at the one. But the Hilltopper defense tightened up and forced a fourth-and-goal situation at the two.

Going for it at that point, Lockport scored when senior wide receiver Khairi Sias darted off a jet sweep for the 2-yard touchdown, making it 14-7 with 4:01 left in the third quarter. Sias was the leading receiver with nine receptions for 85 yards.

"We brought in our rhino package with (senior defensive linemen) Cornell Bass and Nick Ontiveros in to block," Sias said of the play. "That really helped. I trusted them, and I saw it open.

"In this game, it was the little things. But we just have to keep our heads up; we just have to execute."

But it was Glenbard West that came back and executed a 7-play, 59-yard drive that culminated in another 3-yard touchdown run by Harris (17 carries for 98 yards) with 1:31 left in the third quarter. The Porter secondary, led by seniors Josh and Matt Kies, along with Jake Manzo, didn't allow AJ Rayford many opportunities.

But on that drive, the senior quarterback, who finished 9-of-12 for 122 yards and a touchdown, was 2-for-2 for 43 yards. That included a 36-yard strike to highly-touted senior tight end Brady Johnson, who has committed to Northwestern.

Trailing by 14 points once more, the Porters came back on the next drive, which covered 60 yards in just four plays. Russell connected on both of his passes for 49 yards. Both went to junior wide receiver Jaxson Little, including a great diving catch for an 11-yard touchdown on the first play of the fourth quarter.

Senior Zane Szynkowski added the extra point, and it was 21-14 with 11:53 to play in the game.

"It's just the chemistry," said Little, who finished with six catches for 81 yards. "We got behind, and we were down on ourselves. But we just keep battling.

"We have the chemistry, but it's the little things. It's 11 guys on both sides of the ball. This game is a building block for sure."

The Porters' defense then forced a three-and-out. But they also went three-and-out. On its next possession, Glenbard West got a first down. But on a fourth-and-three play, Harris was stopped for a 2-yard gain on a fourth-and-three play at the Lockport 37.

A 6-yard pass from Russell to Little moved Lockport into Glenbard West territory. But on third and three from the 42. Russell had a pass fall incomplete. The Porters were stuffed for a yard loss on fourth down with 3:28 to play. The Hilltoppers picked up a trio of first downs on the ground for a first-and-goal at the eight. They then ran out the clock.

Glenbard West, which entered the season ranked No. 6 in the Class 7A AP poll, had 223 of its 335 yards on the ground. The Porters, who came in ranked No. 10 in the Class 8A poll, were limited to 24 carries for 50 yards. Russell had a nice starting debut as he was 18-of-24 for 174 yards and added five carries for 9 yards.

"I thought Griffin had a great game," Czart said. "I was very pleased with his first game and showing. If he can build off of that, we're going to be excellent.

"There was a great crowd here for both teams. But we wanted to win, not just come in and give people a good game."

Lockport had a great scoring opportunity on its second possession, driving to a second-and-five situation at the seven. But, facing a third and eight at the 10, Russell lost six yards and had the ball knocked from his hand. It was recovered by Johnson, who doubles as a defensive lineman, at the Glenbard West 16 with 1:10 left in the first quarter.

"I need to keep two hands on the football," Russell said of the play. "Give credit to their defense; they stopped the run. We fell a little short, but winners adjust."

The Hilltoppers then ran over six minutes off the clock. But on their 13th play, on a third-and-four, they had a miscue of their own as a swing pass to the left side was instead a lateral. Manzo leaped on the ball just before it went out of bounds at his own 19 to create the turnover.

"That was big," Manzo said. "I just knew I had to get it and let the offense go to work. We need to make those types of plays and keep doing the little things."

Unfortunately, the Porters couldn't get their offense going at that point and punted. Glenbard West then went 46 yards in four plays and scored when Lynch found Johnson, who appeared to reach around Matt Kies, and hauled in the pass for an 18-yard touchdown. That made it 7-0 with 1:56 left in the first half.

Thanks in part to Russell finding Sias three times on the ensuing drive, Lockport moved to the Hilltopper 19-yard line. But a 39-yard field goal attempt right before halftime was low and wide left, leaving the score at 7-0.

The two teams don't meet up often. But they did face each other in the postseason in 2021 and 2022. The Porters won a second-round Class 8A matchup 34-0 at home in 2021 en route to the State Title. The next year, the Hilltoppers turned the tables with a 38-7 first-round 8A win in Glen Ellyn.

"This was a learning game," Lockport senior offensive lineman Philip Ponterio said of the season-opening loss. "We knew we could come back from 14-0; it's just a matter of making plays. We're more than a 14-point offense. We're all in this together."

🏈 Gameday for the Varsity Porters. Kick-off will be at 6:15pm against Glenbard West. 🏈 .by.j
08/21/2026

🏈 Gameday for the Varsity Porters. Kick-off will be at 6:15pm against Glenbard West. 🏈

.by.j

Thanks Mercedes-Benz of Westmont for sponsoring the 1st Pasta Dinner of the 2026 Season!!!
08/21/2026

Thanks Mercedes-Benz of Westmont for sponsoring the 1st Pasta Dinner of the 2026 Season!!!

08/19/2026

Glenbard West At Lockport Football Preview

By Randy Whalen

As season openers go, this is one of the top ones.

Glenbard West at Lockport Township at 6:15 PM on Friday, August 21.

Both teams have three State Championships in their history. Both teams had 9 wins last season, both won their respective conference last year, and both have high expectations this fall.

"Glenbard West has good players, D1 players," Lockport coach George Czart said. "They are well coached, physical and smart. You don't see mistakes happen with them. So we have to be at our best."

Yes, they do, and Lockport senior quarterback Griffin Russell is aware of how good the Hilltoppers are.

"Glenbard West has won state championships in past years," Russell said. "My dad (running back coach Ryan Russell, who is a 1999 Downers Grove North graduate) played against them when he was in high school. They have a great program and play hard-nosed football.

"This is the first game, so we have to play on the fly. But we have a very intelligent group and a victory is very achievable."

Russell will have senior Khairi Sias and junior Jaxson Little as key receivers. Seniors Hayden Phillips and Rory Radatz, as well as junior Prince Nartey, will be looked to at running back. Seniors Philip Ponterio and Marcello Thomas lead the offensive line.

Another pair of seniors, Cornell Bass and Nick Ontiveros, who moved from the offensive line, will be upfront on defense. Seniors Griffin Benson, Ayden Pehas, and Logan Stewart will be looked to at linebacker, and a trio of senior returners will be at defensive back. They are twin brothers Josh and Matt Kies, as well as Jake Manzo.

They will have to contend with a talented Hilltopper offense. Senior quarterback AJ Rayford is a second-year starter with multiple Division II offers. Veteran Glenbard West coach Chad Hetlet said: "he’ll be the best quarterback the team has had in the last 20 years with a strong arm and breakaway speed."

Bryce Ellens, a Minnesota-Duluth commit, is a big-play threat who will play running back after playing primarily defense last year, and 225-pound Amari Harris is a physical back. A big offensive line is bookended by Josiah Wallace, who has committed to Northwestern, and junior Ryder Stroup.

Also committed to Northwestern is senior tight end Brady Johnson, 6-foot-3 and 230 pounds, who will also play defense. Jaylen McMiller is a threat in the return game who also plays defensive back, and senior Keyante Johnson, a transfer from Oak Park-River Forest, is a track star who can break a play.

Also looking to make an impact for Glenbard West are senior defensive lineman Phin Codinha, senior defensive back Finn Sheeley, McMiller, senior defensive back MJ Wargin and junior linebacker Reece DeHesus.

"We put our feelers out to play a good, large-class school," Czart said. "That's what happened. We were looking for a good opponent and a competitive game.

"That's the way we like it. There's a lot of tradition with the Hilltoppers."

Because of the new format, where the postseason is expanded, the first game is a week earlier than usual. Does that affect the Porters?

"Not really," Czart said. "We just take it a day at a time. I don't feel different. We just have to cross our T's and dot our I's. We'll be ready for the game."

Both teams have a trio of State Titles to their credit. The Porters won Class 8A titles in 2002, 2003, and 2021. Glenbard West captured championships in Class 5A in 1983 and in Class 7A in 2012 and 2015.

Last year, there was a 4-way tie for the Southwest Valley Blue Division title, but Lockport was the official champ. This year, the conference moves back to just being the SouthWest Suburban. After winning the conference last season, the Hilltoppers are aiming for their 14th West Suburban Silver title in the last 18 years.

The forecast is calling for highs of 80 during the day, with winds 5-to-10 MPH, but a stray thunderstorm could pop up.

No matter what the weather, football is back and the Porters will be ready.

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