L-W East Football 2018: Griffins Take On L-W Central

FRANKFORT, IL — Jay-Z's 2003 single "Encore" might not be the theme song for Lincoln-Way East High School's 2018 football team, but maybe it should be thanks to the line, "Can I get an encore, do you want more?" The Griffins are looking to repeat as Class 8A state champions after last year's undefeated season.

But repeating as champs is a daunting undertaking. Since Illinois switched to an eight-class system in 2001, only two high schools have won consecutive state titles. Lockport High School did it in 2002 and 2003, while Maine South High School pulled off an impressive threepeat starting in 2008.

Patch will keep tabs on this season's squad as it tries to reach the state title game for the fourth time in the school's history and a bid to win its third championship. (The Griffins also are the only Illinois high school football program that has been to the playoffs in each year of its school's existence, but no pressure.)

RELATED: Chicago Southland High School Football Scoreboard for Week 5

Lincoln-Way East's 2018 IHSA Football Rankings

Previous week's ranking in parentheses.

State AP Poll: No. 1 (1)

Edgy Tim/NBC Sports Chicago State Poll: No. 1 (1)

MaxPress National Poll: No. 48

Week 5: L-W Central (3-1) at L-W East (4-0)

Kickoff: 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 21.

Where: Lincoln-Way East High School, 201 Colorado Ave., Frankfort

Weather: Mostly cloudy and breezy, with a low around 51.

Weekly Recaps

Week 1: L-W East 41, Crete-Monee 13

The Highlights: The Warriors took a 6-0 first-quarter lead, but the Griffins took over after that with 288 yards of total offense. They also capitalized on three turnovers by Crete-Monee.

Week 2: L-W East 38, Naperville Central 19

The Highlights: After the home-opener was postponed a day because of lightning, L-W East gave their fans something to cheer about thanks to three touchdowns by running back Devon Williams.

Week 3: L-W East 42, Andrew 0

The Highlights: The Griffins pitched their first shutout of the season, holding the Thunderbolts to 101 total yards and only 21 rushing yards.

Week 4: L-W East 57, Sandburg 0

The Highlights: How could L-W East improve on its Week 3 performance? By scoring 15 more points. Quarterback Jake Baltz — who recently committed to Illinois State University — threw for 149 yards and two touchdowns.

Lincoln-Way East High School 2018 Football Schedule

Times subject to change

Sept. 28: vs. Homewood-Flossmoor, 7 p.m.

Oct. 5: at Lockport, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 11: at Thornwood, 7 p.m.

Oct. 19: vs. Bolingbrook, 7 p.m.

Images via Lincoln-Way High School East | Lincoln-Way Central High School