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. Starting Jul. 31, we’ll unveil the @CSNPreps Top 25 Power Rankings, leading up to kickoff on Friday, Aug. 25.
School: St. Laurence
Head coach: Harold Blackmon
How they fared in 2016: 9-4 (2-1 Chicago Catholic White conference), lost to Sacred Heart-Griffin in the 6A state semifinal.
2017 Regular Season Schedule:
Aug. 25 – Benet Academy
Sept. 1 – @ Immaculate Conception
Sept. 8 – @ Bishop McNamara
Sept. 15 - St. Rita
Sept. 22 - Hope Academy
Sept. 29 – @ Leo
Oct. 6 - Marmion Academy
Oct. 13 - Aurora Christian
Oct. 20 - @ St. Ignatius
Biggest storyline: Can the Vikings reload especially on offense for the 2017 season?
Names to watch this season: Senior DB Dante Bronson Senior DE Eddie Pierson
Biggest holes to fill: The Vikings had one of the state's most explosive offenses in 2016 and will need to replace nine graduated starters this fall.
EDGY's Early Take: While the Vikings and head coach Harold Blackmon will have work to do on offense, their defense looks to be a strength early on this season. Seven starters are back in the fold. This program has been on a roll the past few seasons. Expect the Vikings to reload and make a run towards another state playoff bid in 2017.