The Fox Valley Conference is aiming to defend its Class AA state title.

One year after Crystal Lake South won its second state crown under coach Brian Allen, Prairie Ridge (19-4-1) and coach Josef Schroeder are in position to chase his program’s second state title.

“It’s a tough conference,” Schroeder said of the league. “Huntley made it to a sectional final, Cary-Grove upset the number one seed (Grayslake Central), and Jacobs is always competitive. The conference prepares all the teams for what’s to come.”

In its only other state finals appearances, Prairie Ridge was a state runner-up in 1998 and then won a state title in 1999 in Class A for coach Dave O’Leary in the second and third seasons of the old two-class system.

This year’s Wolves won the Fox Valley Conference title. Their 7-1-1 record was one point better than Huntley.

Prairie Ridge opened regional play with a 3-1 win over Lakes, then won 4-2 over Vernon Hills for a regional title. A pair of 3-0 wins over Crystal Lake Central and Wauconda gave the Wolves their first sectional title since 1999.

Benet was the next team in the way in the supersectional round. The Wolves posted an impressive 4-1 tally Tuesday (Nov. 5) to punch their ticket to the state finals.

“Except for the Benet game, all year long we’ve been the team that was able to possess the ball,” Schroeder said. “We had to adjust and play to counter against Benet, and the kids were able to do it. 

“I told the kids that you have to be able to beat some teams that on paper, you’re not supposed to beat. And they did that.”

Schroeder, who teaches at Crystal Lake Central, is now in his third season at at Prairie Ridge. Sons Bryce and Jensen play for the Wolves and their input played into their dad’s decision.

“I asked them if it would be okay with it, and they were. I coached (at Larkin and Bartlett) in the mid-2000s, and I always wanted to get back into coaching,” Schroeder said.

The Wolves went 14-5-2 last season, one year after going 10-9-0 in 2022. 

“Last year we wanted to get into a sectional final and have a shot at Crystal Lake South, but Harvard tripped us up,” Schroeder said. “This year we were able to close the deal.”

As much as anything, it’s been the Wolves’ long bench that has carried them this season.

“It’s been our depth,” Schroeder said. “We’ve had a different starting lineup in 20-of-24 games, because of injuries, college visits, family obligations — whatever it is,” he said. “We’ve had to constantly tweak things. It’s a senior-heavy roster with 15, but the juniors and sophomores have really filled in the holes nicely.”

Leading the offensive charge in recent years at Prairie Ridge has been Henry Knoll. The 6-foot-2 senior forward topped the 20-goal plateau for his first time this season with 24, so far.

“Henry has been a big-time finisher for us,” Schroeder said. “Can you find ways to score against good teams with two or three guys on you? Henry has been able to do that for us.”

Logan Braun is second behind Knoll with 10 goals and 9 assists, and Brandon Matei and Chase Santucci have netted five goals apiece.

Defenders Josh Marineau, Carter Fredrikson, Matei and Seth Matson have led the way to eight shutouts in front of keeper Christopher Zinevich. The Wolves have only given up more than a single goal once in their last 10 games.

“They’ve been our consistent back four. Matthew Fireng has been our utility player, and he’ll sometimes play in back,” Schroeder said. “But that starting four in back combined have only missed one game all year. And that’s incredible because of the minutes they play. They just don’t come off the field.”

The Prairie Ridge midfield has been led by Santucci, Sam Kirk, and Jensen Schroeder. 

“They’re all different types of players,” Schroeder said. “Santucci has so much energy and positivity. Kirk is very clever as an attacking mid. Jensen is calm and cool, and he links the back to the front.”

Prairie Ridge plays DeLaSalle (26-1-2) Friday at 3:15 p.m. The winner moves on to play for a state title against the winner between Althoff (24-4-0) and Lemont (23-3-1).

“We have no history with DeLaSalle, but the funny thing is, during the BodyArmor tournament we were playing on fields that were right next to each other,” Schroeder said. “We’ve been able to find some film on them, and I’ll take whatever I can get.”