With the first week of games in the books, the season took no time heating up. The week featured some of the top teams in the state squaring off, while nearly every other top 30 team took the field. It was an exciting opening week for Illinois lacrosse, as we kick off what should be a memorable season!

Lake Forest Defense Picks Up Where They Left Off

Lake Forest – our preseason number one team defended their position at the top of the state this week. The Scouts’ championship defense opened the season with a shutout win over Evanston (#28) before traveling to Glenbard West (#6) for a rematch of last season’s state championship game. Lake Forest passed their first major test of the season with flying colors, holding the Hilltoppers to just two goals while netting 11 of their own. Allowing only two goals in their first two games, it appears Lake Forest is picking up right where they left off last season.

St. Viator Off to a Hot Start

St. Viator had heard the talk and was ready to make a statement to start the season. Viator opened with a dominant 15-0 win over (#26) Glenbrook South, which looks even better after Glenbrook South bounced back with a 12-4 win over Notre Dame on Thursday. The Lions then made a statement with a solid win over (#3) New Trier at New Trier in a game that was originally supposed to be a St. Viator home game. Viator’s defense appears to be as advertised, and their offense continues to be among the most dangerous in the entire state. It’s still early, but early results indicate Viator and Lake Forest may be in a league of their own this season.

St. Ignatius Two Top 20 Opening Wins

St. Ignatius (#8) was last season’s Cinderella, dancing their way into championship weekend. After the first week of games, it looks like the Wolfpack were no fluke last season. Ignatius opened their season with a 10-8 win over Glenbrook North (#20) and followed that up with an impressive win over Maine South (#13), who were coming off of their own big win over York. Many people did not count on Ignatius continuing their dominant play from a season ago, but so far they look like they are a team to watch this year.

Lake Zurich Two Top 30 Wins

Many people felt that Lake Zurich opening the season in the top 10 was a stretch, but so far this season they have defended their spot. Zurich opened up the season with a pair of exciting one-goal wins over ranked opponents in Fremd (#23) and (#26) Deerfield. The Bears will have some tough tests the rest of the way, but early results indicate they are ready to make some noise this year.

Dundee Crown JV Win

It is not often that something happens in the state that has not happened in more than three years, but week one of the season had just that. Dundee Crown JV, who last won a game in 2022, earned their first victory and snapped their streak. After two thrilling overtime periods, Dundee Crown and Hoffman Estates decided the game via a braveheart, which saw the Chargers take home their first JV level victory in three seasons. Next up, the varsity team looks to snap their own streak!