Week 3 Recap: Settling Into the Season

Week 3 of the high school football season provided a calmer atmosphere compared to the first two hectic weeks. While the top teams maintained their positions, some noteworthy performances and emerging teams caught attention. Interestingly, five Southland teams reached a 3-0 record, almost securing playoff spots before Labor Day.

Oak Lawn’s Redemption and South Suburban Red Dynamics

Last year’s standout story was Oak Lawn, a team with just two wins from 2022 to 2024. They won seven out of their first eight games in 2025 before encountering defeats by Reavis and St. Laurence. However, Oak Lawn avenged their loss to Reavis with a commanding 48-14 victory, thanks to Jayden Schlosser’s 214 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Averaging 55.3 points per game, Oak Lawn is a team to watch this season.

The South Suburban Red division is shaping up to be exciting. Richards, a usual favorite, had a narrow victory over Evergreen Park with a score of 20-13, hinting at highly competitive matchups within the conference. The performances of teams like Shepard, Evergreen Park, and Oak Lawn suggest a closely matched competition ahead.

Early Playoff Prospects in New Lenox and Beyond

With playoff expansions allowing 48 teams per class, teams with three wins are expected to qualify. This is welcome news for New Lenox schools, Providence and Lincoln-Way West, both at 3-0. Providence impressed with a 27-0 victory over Joliet Catholic, showcasing a solid defense. Players like Broden Mackert and Brayden McKay are making significant contributions.

Lincoln-Way West also stands strong with a 3-0 record, outscoring opponents 90-13. Although the competition will intensify, Lincoln-Way West is poised for success. Lincoln-Way East, Sandburg, and Oak Lawn share the same unbeaten status, focusing now on earning byes into the final 32 teams of their classes.

Notable Performance: Tinley Park vs. Argo

Tinley Park’s 50-0 victory over Argo wasn’t surprising given Argo’s struggles, but Tinley Park’s improvement under first-year coach James Washington is significant. Now 2-1, the Titans’ performance includes a close loss to Grayslake Central and a commanding win over Romeoville. Senior quarterback Randy Ludke demonstrates his skills with 633 passing yards and eight touchdowns, while senior Noah James has 15 receptions. The Titans face a test against Oak Forest next, a team that beat them 43-7 last season.