Ryan Jackson ’24 awaits the snap on the Lions final drive of the game against Prospect on Aug. 25 (Klos/LION).

Ever since losing in week one at Prospect, varsity head coach Jon Buetjer has focused on making small daily improvements, in order to succeed throughout the rest of the season. Quarterback Ryan Jackson ‘24 has followed this by totaling 1,800 passing yards through eight games. Completing 15 of his 19 pass attempts, throwing for 150 yards and three touchdowns against rival Hinsdale Central was the spark to a so-far impressive senior season for Jackson. The Lions are 5-3, including losses from Prospect, Glenbard West, and York. Wide receiver Travis Stamm ‘25 leads the team in total touchdowns with nine, and racked up 15 catches for 215 yards against Glenbard West on Sept. 16. The connection between Jackson and Stamm has been difficult for opposing defenses all season.  

“The O-line has done a great job blocking and Travis [Stamm] has been doing a great job of getting separation,” Jackson said. “My teammates do everything they can to get better in practice and that has been evident for us when it comes to gametime.” 

Junior running back Danny Carroll ‘25 ignited a fire in the offense when he took over the starting role during camp this summer. Carroll has missed two games this season, but has rushed for 515 yards and five touchdowns through the five games he has played in. 

“Our offense has been excelling at the perfect time and we have put ourselves in a good position to make a run,” Carroll said. “The defense has been getting [the offense] the ball back a lot by forcing turnovers, which gives us the opportunity to put points on the scoreboard.” 

The Lions defense has given up only 17 points through four conference matchups, thanks to back to back 49-0 shutouts against Proviso West on Sept. 23 and Oak Park River Forest on Sep. 29. Star defensive lineman and University of Illinois commit Eddie Tuerk ‘24 has led the defense through their victories. Tuerk is currently ranked as the 12th best player in the class of 2024 in Illinois.

“As a senior I feel a sense of responsibility over this team, and especially over the underclassmen,” Tuerk said. “These guys show up everyday to learn and get better, and it has worked. I can’t wait for the playoffs.”  

 LT clinched a playoff berth with its 17-7 win against Downers Grove North on Oct. 6, although the team isn’t satisfied yet.  

“We’re not focused on the prize, we’re focused on the process. We want to continue to get better,” Beutjer said.