Giants hope to make a big impression in 2023 as they aim for another playoff appearance

JUMP TO: ATTACK | DEFENSE | SCHEDULE

Given the gripping chapter of recent history, it will not be easy for the Highland Park football club to close the chapter.

The Giants had one of the program’s best seasons in 2023, picking up seven wins (one in the postseason; their first such victory in 14 years) and averaging 35 points per game.

With the majority of last year’s core players graduating, including All-State quarterback David Finfer, Highland Park heads into 2024 with a new look and big shoes to fill.

“I talked about it at the end of last season … this senior class scored a lot of touchdowns – a lot of yards, a lot of tackles,” Giants coach Anthony Kopp said. “We need to find that in this group here. It doesn’t have to be one player, but we need someone in this group to do that.”

“They’ve really bought into it. We have a different group, but I think they have an opportunity to learn from last year and want to be part of a successful program.”

Senior Eli Moore is one of the few left on the roster. The linebacker and tight end will wear the program’s coveted No. 4 jersey, which designates the Giants’ best hitter and overall toughest player.

Despite the significant roster losses, Highland Park is aiming for the conference title and another playoff spot. Moore is ready for the challenge.

“I think this team is really going to prove how tough we are,” he said. “A lot of people feel like there are a lot of holes to fill. I think we’ll be fine with that. I think we’ve got a lot of guys who are starting for the first time who can’t wait to get on the field. They really want this season.”

Attack: Finding the right pieces

Replacing Finfer is no easy task, and Highland Park is giving that chance to two Giants. Senior Michael Bryant, who was a 2023 starter when Finfer was out, and sophomore Gustav Crane are vying for the starting QB position.

Kopp said each player has a unique skill set and both are “strong football players.” He believes they will both definitely see time on the field, but who will take the starting lineup has yet to be decided.

In the backfield, sophomore Jayden Corchado will take over for three-year starter Nikko Rosenbloom. Kopp has been impressed with the sophomore so far. Moore could also get some touches out of the backfield.

Junior receiver Lucas Gordon is back for his third year on the varsity team. Gordon stood out as a freshman with a 100-yard performance in his first start. As a sophomore, he caught 17 balls in a crowded receiver room. He will be relied on heavily this year.

“Otherwise we’ll fill the gaps,” said Kopp. “Maybe it won’t be just one man. There will be several who step in and get the ball.”

Kopp said the Giants’ size on both sides of the football will be an advantage. He expects Luis Ramirez and Charles Scott to be two offensive linemen to stand out.

“Let it (the teams) feel it”

Moore and Gordon (safety) form the backbone of the defense. Together they made 91 tackles last season and will take on more important roles in the future.

From then on, the Giants will fill the spots left vacant by the graduates, as well as on offense.

As the unit’s leader, Moore said he has seen a lot of toughness from the group and expects them to do some damage.

“I think we’re a really tenacious team and we’re going to make (teams) feel it until the end of the game,” he said. “We’re going to get right back to the ball and it’s just about getting back to it. I think until the end (of games) we’re going to break teams down and make them want to give up.”

The Giants will face Leyden for the third consecutive year, having won the previous two meetings. They will play the Eagles at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, August 30th at Wolters Field in Highland Park.

Week 2 features a rivalry game at Deerfield, then the Giants will visit Fremd on September 13th and host Buffalo Grove a week later.

The conference schedule begins in Week 5 with a trip to Maine West, the defending Central Suburban North champion.

Schedule 2024

Friday, 30 August – Leyden (H)

Friday, September 6 – Deerfield (A)

Friday, September 13 — Foreign (A)

Friday, September 20 – Buffalo Grove (H)

Friday, September 27 – Maine West (A)

Friday, October 4 – Niles North (A)

Thursday, October 10 – Niles West (A)

Friday, October 18 – Maine East (H)

Friday, October 25 – Vernon Hills (H)

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