For the first time in nearly two decades, Evanston Township football will take the field with a new leader, head coach Miles Osei, writes Liam Race in the school’s student newspaper.
2018 Illinois high school football (Mike Beall/Flickr Creative Commons)Osei, 32, is a 2010 graduate of Prospect High School, where he was a standout quarterback for the Knights, earning all-state honors in back-to-back seasons. He continued his football career at the University of Illinois, playing as both a quarterback and wide receiver. As he takes over at Evanston, he brings a decade of coaching experience and a reputation for building strong programs. At Kankakee High School, Osei led the team to a 21-3 record and consecutive quarterfinal appearances in just two seasons.
The transition comes at a pivotal time for the Kits, who finished last season with a 3-6 record. With several starters graduating, opportunities are open for new leaders to emerge. Senior center Sonny Vega, known for his relentless work ethic, and junior wide receiver Justin Johnson, a standout on the track and football field, are expected to be key contributors. Players say Osei’s Division I background and attention to detail bring a fresh level of focus and energy to the program.
Evanston’s offseason has been marked by intense preparation, from the weight room to the classroom. The Kits are setting their sights on tough matchups against Maine South, St Laurence, and Hoffman Estates. Senior linebacker Michael Pryor believes the renewed energy and commitment could turn the tide: “Now that we have a lot more locked-in and focused players, I think we have what it takes to win.” The Osei era officially kicks off August 29 with a home game against Niles North.
Historical Records for Illinois Prep Football
While the Kits endured a losing season in 2024, the school’s varsity football program remains one of Illinois’s most storied. Since 1889, Evanston has compiled a record of 663-360-36, ranking 24th in the state in all-time wins, according to historical records released annually since 2014 by Illinois High School Association football historians Kev Varney and Tom Sikorski.
East St Louis enters the 2025 season with the most wins in state history at 854, while Lincoln-Way East, which opened in 2001, tops the winning percentage list with an .844 mark.
