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: Carmel
Head coach: Andy Bitto
Assistant coaches: Berg Berg (OC/OL), Jack Baucus (WR), Ryan Healy (QB), Jim Lasky (RB), Jim Rejc (DC/LB), Joe Rejczyk (DL), Trey Ross (CB), Bill Moss (S)
How they fared in 2016: 5-5 (4-3 East Suburban Catholic Conference), the Corsairs lost to St. Charles North in Class 7A opening-round action.
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2017 regular season schedule:
Aug. 25 – Richards
Sept. 1 – @ DeKalb
Sept. 8 – @ Marist
Sept. 15 - vs Nazareth Academy
Sept. 22 - @ St. Viator
Sept. 29 – @ Notre Dame
Oct. 6 - Marian Central Catholic
Oct. 13 - vs St. Patrick *Triton College*
Oct. 20 - vs Benet Academy
Biggest storyline: Are the Corsairs primed for a strong run in 2017?
Names to watch this season: Senior RB/DB Zaire Barnes, senior RB Sean Lynch , senior WR Shaneal Greene
Biggest holes to fill: The Corsairs will need to reload on the offensive line with just senior Braden Foster (6-foot-4, 2315 pounds) as the lone returning starter.
EDGY's early take: The Corsairs welcome back experience on both sides of the football (six offense/six defense). If Carmel can find some answers on the offensive line, this team has a chance to make some real noise in the ESCC and beyond.