When one program accounts for more than half the field, it says plenty about perception around the squad.
The report says Morton have two nominees, with Caleb Engle and Dayne Klopfenstein included, while Washington are represented by Truman Lenover and Oliver Wettstein. Dunlap’s name on the list is Jackson Orris.
That kind of spread matters in August. Fans usually rally behind players they expect to define the season, and heavy representation from one school often reflects a wider belief that the program has depth, continuity and a chance to shape the local race.
The key point is separation. The report makes clear this is a pre-season fans’ choice exercise, not a formal football honour and not a factor in end-of-season awards.
That distinction matters. Public voting measures buzz, recognition and school-community energy. It does not settle who will be the best player once pads start popping and schedules harden.
The report says IHSA high school football matches begin on Monday, 24 August, with voting open until Friday, 21 August. That leaves a short runway for excitement and debate before the games take over. The next storyline is simple: can Peoria Notre Dame turn pre-season prominence into Friday-night authority, or will one of the other contenders grab the headlines once the season begins?