Last Year: 8-2 overall; 7-0 and conference champions the Chicago Second City Conference; lost a hard fought 43-41 result over Rochelle in the state playoffs.
This year: Urban Prep moves up to the Illini-Prairie state conference with Morgan Park, Hubbard, Robeson, Orr
Quick Take:
Depsite playing it's first ever state playoff game, Urban Prep nearly pulled off a shocker in it's 43-41 loss to Rochelle last year. In that game quarterback Jeremy Pearson threw for 238 yards and 4 touchdowns.
The good news for Urban Prep-Englewood fans is that Pearson returns. Pearson(5-9,165lbs, sr, QB/WR) had a monster season for UP last year throwing for 1188 yards on 69 completions for 138 attempts). Pearson goes into this season as one of the top quarterbacks in the CPS.
Pearson will have lots of returning talent.
On the offensive side UP-Englewood has a pair of experienced backs in #20 Kent Lawson(5-10,150lbs, sr, RB)(captain)(33 carries; 234 yards; 7 yard average) and #8 Carl Beathea(5-8,160lbs, jr, LB/RB)(3 interceptions, can play running back).
Defensively, the Lions will be strong as they return their top two returning tacklers from last year in #55 Fazon Chapman(6-2,210lbs, jr, DL)(tied for top returning tackler) and #7 Arnell Anderson(5-10,185lbs, jr, LB/RB)(tied for top returning tackler). Also look out for high energy man #40 Tevin O'Neil(5-8,200lbs, FB/LB) who led the Lions last year with 6 sacks.
Conference Outlook:
Urban Prep has the potential to be one of the surprise teams of the CPS this year. They move into the Illini-Prairie State conference for the first time. The Prairie State has been dominated by either Morgan Park or Hubbard in past years. Though, this conference is tough from bottom to top. Robeson and Orr traditionally have strong programs and are not gimme games.
Urban Prep really has an opportunity to prove itself in the Illini. With all their returning talent and a good showing last year, I can see them playing competitive in every conference game. I do see Urban Prep playing with Robeson and Orr.I'm not sure they will have quite enough to topple Morgan Park and Hubbard. Although, those two teams cannot stay in the top forever. Can this be the year? We will all find out.
Players to Watch:
#15 Jeremy Pearson(5-9,165lbs, sr, QB/WR)(returning starting QB; 69 for 138; 1188 yards; 17 TD's)
#20 Kent Lawson(5-10,150lbs, sr, RB)(captain)(33 carries; 234 yards; 7 yard average)
#8 Carl Beathea(5-8,160lbs, jr, LB/RB)(3 interceptions, can play running back)
#55 Fazon Chapman(6-2,210lbs, jr, DL)(tied for top returning tackler)
#7 Arnell Anderson(5-10,185lbs, jr, LB/RB)(tied for top returning tackler)
#40 Tevin O'Neil(5-8,200lbs, FB/LB)(leader with 6 sacks)
Football Team Previews Page
Tis team is very talented, quietly has becme a state contender!
Posted by: state | July 17, 2012 at 01:42 PM
Pearson at the Nike Combine had a great workout. Colleges (Ball State, Ill Wes) looking at him!
Posted by: Pearson | July 17, 2012 at 01:43 PM
@ state: It is "This," not "Tis." State contender? Let's not get too far ahead of ourselves right now. You all just got out of a remedial conference, so establish yourselves in a somewhat competitive Public League Conference first before you start talking about state contention.
Posted by: Anonymous | July 19, 2012 at 07:44 AM
DAMN
Posted by: dont know | July 21, 2012 at 02:36 PM
this team is not proven until they play all the big dogs . one good state game doesnt cut it, can they compete with the elite teams| holler back real talk'
Posted by: g-money | August 04, 2012 at 07:06 PM