St. Laurence Remains No. 1 as Lincoln-Way Central Rises

St. Laurence sets the pace

The report says St. Laurence defeated Lockport 1-0 in the tournament final. Lockport goalkeeper Ben Szudy reportedly made eight saves, keeping the contest close, but the Vikings held on to claim the title.

Adan Gutierrez also provided assists in three straight matches during the tournament run. That combination of defensive resilience and attacking contribution has kept St. Laurence at the top of the regional conversation.

Lincoln-Way Central surges

Lincoln-Way Central’s rise is the ranking’s clearest storyline. The team reportedly completed its fourth consecutive victory by beating Lockport 2-1, with defender Will Bettenhausen scoring the decisive goal.

Lockport falls to third in the updated list, with a reported four wins and two defeats. Lincoln-Way East occupies fourth after a five-win, one-loss start, while Charles Lungaro scored late in a 2-1 win over De La Salle for third place at the tournament.

Movement across the top 10

• De La Salle reportedly answered with a 2-0 win over Loyola.
• Stagg is sixth and unbeaten in five matches after a 2-0 victory over Downers Grove North.
• Lemont beat Oak Lawn 2-1, with John Robbins scoring.
• Providence defeated Marian Catholic 3-0, led by Jovanny Gonzalez’s two goals and an assist.
• Brother Rice entered ninth after beating Marist 3-1 to win the Pulaski Cup.
• Marist responded by edging Homewood-Flossmoor 4-3, with Matthew Pappalardo contributing a goal and an assist.

The next storyline to watch is whether Lincoln-Way Central can extend its winning streak and challenge St. Laurence’s grip on first place. The report says Stagg’s next test is against rival Sandburg on Friday night.