High School Football Week 3 Review

Week 3 of the high school football season provided some much-needed calm after the chaos of the first two weeks. Teams that have positioned themselves at the top mostly maintained their standing. While upsets were rare, there were notable performances and unexpected team successes. Here are the key takeaways.

Oak Lawn Secures a Strong Win

Oak Lawn stands out as one of the most heartening stories in 2025. After winning just two games from 2022 to 2024, the Spartans made a strong start last fall with seven wins out of their first eight. However, the season ended on a sour note with losses to Reavis and St. Laurence. On Friday, Oak Lawn turned the tables by defeating the Rams 48-14. Senior fullback Jayden Schlosser rushed for 214 yards and scored three touchdowns. The Spartans now average 55.3 points per game.

Despite facing a less challenging schedule initially, Oak Lawn seems to be building a formidable team. The excitement extends to the entire South Suburban Red Division, which promises to be competitive this season. Richards, a usual favorite, narrowly defeated Evergreen Park 20-13, indicating a potential for tightly matched games. Shepard, with a 2-1 record, also shows promise and could make the coming weeks interesting.

Playoff Prospects in New Lenox

The expansion of the playoff format to include 48 teams per class means teams with three wins are likely to make the playoffs. Providence and Lincoln-Way West in New Lenox have already secured that benchmark. Providence impressed with a 27-0 victory over Joliet Catholic, highlighted by strong defensive play and contributions from running backs Broden Mackert and Brayden McKay. McKay returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown.

Lincoln-Way West, also at 3-0, has outscored opponents 90-13. As the competition intensifies, the Warriors seem prepared to compete strongly. Other unbeaten teams headed to the postseason include Lincoln-Way East, Sandburg, and Oak Lawn. While it’s early for celebrations, these teams focus on securing a bye in the playoffs as they approach the final 32 of their class.

Standout Score of the Week

Tinley Park’s emphatic 50-0 victory over Argo attracts attention. Despite Argo’s struggles, Tinley Park’s progress is notable. Under first-year coach James Washington, the Titans stand at 2-1 after finishing last season 1-8. Their offense averages 43 points per game, with senior quarterback Randy Ludke passing for 633 yards and eight touchdowns and scoring four rushing touchdowns. Senior Noah James has made 15 receptions already. Tinley Park faces a significant test against rival Oak Forest, a team that defeated them 43-7 last season.