Prep insider

Richmond's sprain

It's not as bad as it looked. In a scene out of Illinois coach Bruce Weber's nightmares, Waukegan's Jereme Richmond was on crutches at his letter of intent signing ceremony Thursday. Richmond sprained his right ankle during a scrimmage Wednesday. ''I came down bad on it,'' he said. ''I don't think it's anything serious. I didn't go to the doctor. Our trainer evaluated it. He told me to keep it iced and elevated.'' Richmond, who said he might not practice for a couple days, said he will write a weekly diary during the season for the Sun-Times.

For the defense

Is this Lemont team as good or better than the 2007 and '08 teams that finished second in the state? Defensive leaders are linemen Pat Driscoll (6-4, 280) and Angel Cabral (6-2, 270), LB Connor Nagel and DB Nick Forzley.

Live quarterfinal

Comcast SportsNet will televise the Loyola-Mount Carmel Class 8A quarterfinal Saturday at noon.

Future star

Sophomore RB Gage Harrah, a 6-0, 205-pounder, was the leading rusher in McHenry County with 1,500 yards while leading Crystal Lake Central to the playoffs. As a freshman, Harrah finished third in the state wrestling tournament at 215 pounds. Last summer, he won a national freestyle wrestling title.

Endorsement

After watching 6-5, 275-pound tackle Matt Anzelc hold his own against Geneva's 6-3, 300-pound Frank Boenzi, Yorkville coach Jim Still declared Boenzi ''is the best defensive lineman in the area. He's unblockable, a Big Ten type.'' Geneva coach Rob Wicinski said ''every college coach is waiting for Boenzi to make grades so they can recruit him.''

Getting his kicks

Wheaton Warrenville South coach Ron Muhitch said his best player is QB Reilly O'Toole, his best offensive lineman is 300-pound Rocco Ammons and his best defensive player is CB Shane Dierking. But he couldn't get along without kicker/punter Nick Immekus, who averages 38 yards on punts, has 40 touchbacks in 46 kickoffs and converted a 48-yard field goal. Big Ten, Mid-American Conference and all Illinois state schools are recruiting him.