Naperville North aims to extend streak as rivals adjust roles and leadership
The 2026 high school football season in Naperville will test continuity and change across the city’s three public programs and at nearby Benet Academy, where off-field developments have stirred local attention. Naperville North enters the year as the area’s most successful program from last season and is favored to press for its sixth straight playoff appearance, while Naperville Central and Metea Valley seek to climb out of sub-.500 finishes. Benet, meanwhile, begins a new chapter with an NFL veteran joining the staff and work underway on a new stadium.
The Huskies of Naperville North return a core of experienced players who give the team a clear advantage in continuity. Senior quarterback Dante Colasante will lead an offense with multiple proven targets, including senior wide receivers Jack Zitko and CJ Geist, plus senior tight end Aiden Trasatt, who has drawn offers from six Division I programs. That receiving corps, combined with a seasoned signal-caller, gives North the personnel to challenge for another deep postseason run.
| Team | 2025 Record (as reported) | Key returning players |
|---|---|---|
| Naperville North | 6-4 | Dante Colasante; Jack Zitko; CJ Geist; Aiden Trasatt |
| Naperville Central | 2-7 | Simon Hayes; Mark Williams; Kyle Clark; Landon Nelson |
| Metea Valley | 2-7 | Iggy Amorrortu; Marquis Brown; Noah Douglas; Collin Tillman |
Naperville Central looks to reverse a rare downturn
Naperville Central’s 2-7 finish last season marked an uncommon stretch for a program that hasn’t suffered consecutive losing seasons since 1979–80. The Redhawks are optimistic this season after the coaching staff highlighted the number of returning players as a reason for hope.
“We’re really excited about the group of guys coming back,” Naperville Central coach Mike Ulreich said.
Senior Simon Hayes takes over under center, offering Central balance through the air and on the ground. Hayes can target speedy junior receiver Mark Williams and senior receiver Kyle Clark, or distribute to a running back group led by senior Landon Nelson and junior Ryan Jacobson. On defense, junior cornerback Eron Kennedy, senior linebacker Justin Skryd and senior defensive end Jaxon Pytlak are expected to anchor the front seven.
Metea Valley and Benet bring changes and intrigue
Metea Valley, which also finished 2-7 last season, begins Year Two under coach Patrick Sheehan. The Mustangs started last year with two wins but struggled down the stretch; Sheehan has said he’s focused on measuring improvement in his second season.
One of Metea’s key shifts is at quarterback: junior Iggy Amorrortu, a transfer from Wheaton St. Francis and regarded as a legitimate college prospect, will assume the starting role. Senior Charlie Larson has moved from quarterback to wide receiver to accommodate the change. Metea returns seven other starters, including running backs Marquis Brown and junior Noah Douglas, plus two-way linemen Collin Tillman and junior Tre Jordan.
Across town at Benet, expectations have grown as former New England Patriots running back James White begins his first season on the Redwings’ coaching staff. The program also has started construction on a new football stadium, developments that have generated local interest even as the team looks to build on a 3-6 season from last year. Benet returns eight starters, including senior wideouts Luca Diomede and John Ericson, and junior tight end Tyler Lakis. At quarterback, juniors Alex Mitchell and Cristiano Diomede are in contention.
- Naperville North: experienced roster and D-I recruit Aiden Trasatt bolster playoff hopes.
- Naperville Central: new leadership at quarterback and key defensive returners aim to end losing skid.
- Metea Valley: transfer quarterback Iggy Amorrortu adds prospect status; coach Patrick Sheehan seeks growth in Year Two.
- Benet Academy: high-profile coaching hire and stadium construction create local buzz amid roster turnover.
As area teams head into the season, matchups among these programs and against regional rivals will determine whether continuity or change provides the advantage. Naperville North’s veteran core positions it to remain a frontrunner, but Central’s returning talent and Metea’s new quarterback situation — plus Benet’s coaching infusion — mean the local landscape could shift quickly if any team gains early momentum.
Coverage of Naperville area games and weekly updates will follow as teams begin play and schedules are finalized.
