After finishing 1-8 last season, the Oak Park and River Forest High School football team is optimistic about a turnaround this year.
“A lot of us got experience last year,” said OPRF junior quarterback Johnny Nelson, one of six returning starters. “We’re also pretty confident in our young dudes.”
“They have worked really hard in the offseason, throughout the summer, and now into practice,” said OPRF coach John Hoerster, entering his 14th season. “I am looking forward to seeing how it all translates on the field.
At the Huskies’ annual scrimmage, Aug. 23, senior Owen Watson threw an 80-yard touchdown pass to senior WR Matt Winkelhake, a member of the 2023 West Suburban Silver All-Conference team. Watson, who added a 14-yard touchdown to senior WR Mikee Vielehr, is competing for reps alongside Nelson, who had completions of 41 and 48 yards respectively and showed good touch on his throws.
“It feels fun to have competition,” Nelson said. “Owen’s one of my best friends on the team. Competing against him helps me hold myself to a higher standard.”
Another scrimmage standout was junior Chris Crape, who broke off an 80-yard touchdown run from quarterback. Hoerster compared Crape, who also plays running back, slot receiver, and cornerback, to an alum who had his number retired last year.
“Chris reminds me a lot of a young Dallis [Flowers],” he said. “He’s built like him, long and wiry. He’s a good player.”
Defensively, cornerbacks Isaiah Gibson, a junior, and Emmett Kennedy, a senior, had interceptions. Senior linebacker Hugh Vanek looked impressive, making multiple good plays.
The line, led by junior Pierre Nelson and senior CJ Robinson, lacks size. But it shows great promise, and that’s a credit to another OPRF great who has come home to help.
“Allen Stallings (2016 alum) is coaching with us,” Hoerster said. “He was a guy from my early days who got after it. His energy is rubbing off on these guys; we don’t have a lot of size, but we’ve got a lot of energy, grit, and toughness, and it’s fun to watch.”
Besides Crape, the Huskies’ other top newcomers are sophomore RB/LB Liam Smith, sophomore OT Brian Matthews, and senior wing/LB Jake Karnick.
Under Hoerster, OPRF has played strong schedules, and this year is no exception. The Huskies, who have six home games — including their first four — welcome Chicago Public League power Morgan Park, a 2023 Class 5A quarterfinalist, on Sept. 6. And as usual, the WSC Silver looks strong, with Class 7A runner-up Downers Grove North and 8A semifinalist York among this year’s top Chicago area teams.
But Hoerster and his players are especially looking forward to the season opener, Aug. 31 at 1:30 p.m., as they host their East Avenue neighbor, Fenwick.
“We’re going to pack the place,” Nelson said. “It’s going to be fun.”
“It’s a cool thing for the community,” Hoerster said. “It gives the student body something to look forward to the early part of the school year. Our kids are excited to be back; they love the summer, but all these neighborhood kids come back and see what classes they have together, it’s fun.”
Hoerster isn’t setting specific goals for this season. Rather, he’s taking a holistic approach, something he feels will serve his team and coaches well.
“Don’t look ahead, don’t look behind,” Hoerster said. “We’re only guaranteed nine games and we practice so much more often than we play. So every day we get an opportunity to be together, enjoy it, get better, and improve. Show up with great enthusiasm and energy. Live in that day, and do the same tomorrow…if we do that, we’ll be able to look back and say, “Man, what a great season.” – no matter what the record is.”
2024 OPRF Football Schedule
(home games in CAPS)
8/31 FENWICK, 1:30 p.m.
9/6 MORGAN PARK, 7:30 p.m.
9/13 PROVISO WEST, 7:30 p.m.
9/20 YORK, 7:30 p.m.
9/27 at Downers Grove North, 7:30 p.m.
10/4 at Lyons Township, 7:30 p.m.
10/11 HINSDALE CENTRAL, 7:30 p.m.
10/18 WILLOWBROOK, 7:30 p.m.
10/26 at Glenbard West, 1:30 p.m.