No. 1: Powerful Offense Puts Lincoln-Way East Football on a Pedestal

1. Lincoln-Way East: The Griffins return QB Blake Winkler, RB Tyler Starke and WR J.J. Robertson after posting a 9-2 record and reaching the second round of the Class 7A football playoffs. Robertson is an Illini recruit. Ivy League schools are courting Winkler. And you know coach Rob Zvonar will find some guys to play defense, don’t you? Tonight: vs. Edwardsville, 6 p.m. at Illinois State University.

2. Homewood-Flossmoor: So, what does coach Craig Buzea do for an encore after leading the Vikings to the Class 8A semifinals in his first season? Simple. He puts the ball in the hands of returning quarterback Tim Williams. If the blocking in front of Williams holds up, so will H-F. Tonight: vs. Chicago Senn, 7 p.m.

3. Sandburg: Indiana recruit Dan Feeney will be the anchor on both sides of the line for the Eagles. Their strength up front will be tested as a new set of playmakers looks to gain a foothold following an 8-3 season that saw Sandburg advance to the second round of the Class 8A playoffs. Tonight: vs. Andrew, 7:30 p.m.

4. Marist: Ryan Meyer. Ryan Meyer. Ryan Meyer. Say it loud, say it often. The RedHawks likely will go the way of Meyer, a 6-3, 210-pounder who will play a number of positions, including free safety, running back, wide receiver, quarterback and kick returner. He only gets a break when he needs a drink of water. Tonight: vs. Niles Notre Dame, 7:30 p.m.

5. Lincoln-Way North: The Phoenix gained a share of their second straight conference championship a year ago, won their first playoff game and posted an 8-3 record. And coach George Czart is working with a new cast that has grown accustomed to winning on the lower levels. Tonight: vs. Lincoln-Way Central, 7 p.m.

Next best (in alphabetical order): Lincoln-Way West, Marian Catholic, Oak Forest, Providence, Tinley Park.

(Covering the following Patch communities: Chicago Heights, Evergreen Park, Frankfort, Homewood-Flossmoor, Mokena, New Lenox, Oak Forest, Oak Lawn, Orland Park, Palos, Tinley Park and the neighboring private schools that draw students from those communities).

Kremer’s Five Hot Picks

1. Lincoln-Way East vs. Edwardsville, 6 p.m. Friday at Illinois State University. Quick take: Blake Winkler’s grasp of the Griffins’ offense will allow coach Rob Zvonar to open up the playbook, even in Week 1. Pick: Lincoln-Way East.

2. Andrew at Sandburg, 7:30 p.m. Friday. Quick take: T-Bolts have a new coach; Eagles have a new set of skill players. And it’s the kickoff of a new season for old district rivals. Anything goes here. Pick: Sandburg.

3. Lincoln-Way Central at Lincoln-Way North, 7 p.m. Friday. Quick take: Tantalizing matchup between district rivals and rival coaches. Brett Hefner has gained a foothold as he begins his second season at Central. George Czart has the ball rolling at North. Pick: Lincoln-Way North.

4. Chicago Phillips at Evergreen Park, 7 p.m. Friday. Quick take: Evergreen Park features a new coach, Dan Hartman. He has brought a new enthusiasm into the Mustangs’ camp. And they return 1,000-yard rusher Victor Baker. Or is that Victory Baker? Pick: Evergreen Park.

5. Niles North at Oak Lawn, 7 p.m. Friday. Quick take: The Spartans will be breaking in their new turf field and a new era under first-year coach Sean Lucas. Linebackers Jon Leigh and Pat Nudo have been impressive in camp. Now it’s time for them to show what they can do under the Friday night lights. Pick: Oak Lawn.