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Illinois Top 5

The Land of Lincoln holds yet another bastion of great Midwest high school players. With teams like Glenbard West and Maine South, Illinois has some tough programs.

By Luke Ellis

Updated: September 21, 2009

We're only in Week 5, but there already have been some great football games throughout the great state of Illinois. East St. Louis has already lost two games after looking like one of the top teams in the state. Teams like Maine South and Cary Grove have absolutely dominated the competition thus far and have shown no signs of slowing down. It's sure to be a great race for the state championship. Stay tuned.

1. Glenbard West

In only three years time, Glenbard West has gone from the bottom dweller to a major state title competitor. Behind the arm of 6'6" quarterback Tyler Warden, the Hilltoppers have gotten off to a great start, shooting them up to the top of the rankings. With big wins over Glenbard South and Oak Park-River Forest and key victories over Downers Grove South and Hinsdale, West is already battle tested. Next week, the Hilltoppers host Proviso West and one of the nations top high school players in Kyle Prater, Prater is a 6'6", 205 pound wide receiver who is committed to USC. Looking forward to a very good game.

2. Maine South

Maine South has gone on an absolute rampage this season, scoring 204 points in only four games. The Hawks hosted rivals Maine West last Thursday and laid down the hammer, winning by a score of 63-0. Maine South also dealt Wheaton-Warrenville South its only loss a few weeks back, winning convincingly 27-9. The Hawks travel to Niles East next weekend.

3. Cary-Grove

Cary Grove is another team that has absolutely dominated the competition thus far. They have outscored opponents 203-6, a testament to their point-a-minute offense and their powerful defense. They beat down on teams like Marian Central, Woodstock, Woodstock North, and Crystal Lake Central. The Trojans face the Jacobs High School Golden Eagles, who are riding a three game losing streak.

4. St. Rita

Chicago St. Rita has been impressive. Very impressive. They went up to Portage, Indiana and came away with a 35-20 victory, in large part to running back Jahwon Akui's 287 yards rushing. Akui's rushing stats this season are ridiculous; Through 4 games he has 918 yards and 16 touchdowns and has accounted for more than half of the team's points. Rita has a great match up with powerhouse Bishop McNamara, who has yet to lose a game. Should be a fantastic game.

5. Lincoln-Way East

With Kevin Stark's 133 yards leading the way,Lincoln East beat Providence Catholic 28-7 to start out the season. The Griffins then proceeded to rout Lincoln North, Joliet, and Lockport High School. Ryne Van Gennep provides a solid force through the air, and with Stark on the ground, Lincoln has two ways to beat you down. Lincoln East plays Homewood-Flossmoor next. Flossmoor has yet to win a game this season.