NBCSportsChicago.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. Starting July 30, we’ll unveil the @NBCSPrepsTop 25 Power Rankings, leading up to kickoff on Friday, Aug. 24.
School: Benet Academy
Head coach: Pat New
How they fared in 2017: 9-4 (5-2 East Suburban Catholic Conference). Benet Academy made the Class 7A state playoff field. They defeated Maine West, Hononegah and Lincoln-Way Central before losing to Batavia in the state semifinal round.
2018 Regular Season Schedule:
Aug. 24 @ St. Laurence
Aug. 31 @ Moline
Sept. 7 @ St. Patrick
Sept. 14 vs Niles Notre Dame
Sept. 21 vs Nazareth Academy
Sept. 28 @ Joliet Catholic
Oct. 5 vs St. Viator
Oct. 13 @ Marian Catholic
Oct. 19 vs Marist
[MORE: 78 Days to Kickoff - St. Patrick]
Biggest storyline: After back-to-back state semifinal playoff runs, can the Redwings pick things up right where they left off and another make deep playoff run?
Names to watch this season: QB Colin Gillespie and RB/S Ben Hickey
Biggest holes to fill: While the Redwings will welcome back some key starters from a season ago, they will need to reload a bit up front on both the offensive and defensive line.
EDGY's Early Take: Coach Pat New's Redwings had an early 14-0 lead over eventual 7A state champion Batavia before falling to the Bulldogs. Benet, who has 50 program wins since 2012 (all playoff seasons), is never short on talent. Look for their offensive skills department to carry the load early this season. The Redwings should challenge in the East Suburban Catholic Conference race and into playoff time come October.