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• Mascot: Grizzlies
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• Pigskin Region (Area Code): 773
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  Payton Prep Becomes IHSA Playoff Eligible

  With a move to the Great Lakes Conference in the Chicago Public League, the Walter Payton College Prep Grizzlies could make an appearance in the IHSA Playoffs for the first time in the school's short history. The Grizzlies have previously competed in the CPL's Inter-City 2 division, which has not been eligible for the IHSA postseason.

  "We have three goals this year. Win the season opener, win a conference title, and be the first team in school history to qualify for the state playoffs," head coach Anthony Faltin said. The Grizzlies have many starters back from a squad that went, (6-3). Last year's team averaged 24.5 points/game, and the defense gave up just over 17 points/game.

  In the Great Lakes Conference, Payton will be tested to crack that 10th week of the season. "We moved up a conference this year and will have some tough opponents in our conference. We open up the season at Shepard High School and then at Evergreen Park. Our level of play must improve for our team to be successful."

  All-Conference running back Justin Smith (5'8" 190 Jr.) is coming off a season in which he rushed for 1,064 yards, as a sophomore. Another returning starter in the backfield is Billy Grayson (5'10" 185 Sr.). Quarterback Sam Johnson (5'11" 170 Sr.) will have a target to throw to, Malcolm Moten (5'10" 165 Jr. WR). Along the line, Mammadu Dialo (6'0" 215 Sr. G), Jordan Sawyer (6'3" 220 Sr. OT), Karl Johnson (5'11" 180 Jr. C), and Quinn McKarthy (6'1" 185 Sr. TE) are back.

  On defense, returning starters include; Justin Smith (LB), Billy Grayson (S), William Wright (5'5" 155 Sr. DL), Quinn McKarthy (LB), Laurence Wagner (5'8" 155 Jr. DB), Evander Ramos (5'7" 160 Sr. DB), Jack Kalnik (5'11" 180 Jr. LB), Tiberiu Iarca (5'11" 185 Sr. LB), and Mammadu Dialo (DT).

  "We, for the most part have our entire team returning this year." One newcomer that could fill in on the offensive line will be; Omar Reyes (6'1" 215 Jr. G). "We will be participating in many passing leagues this summer to prepare for the season. We need to stay healthy in order to be successful this season."

  Anthony Faltin is starting his second year as head coach at Payton. His assistant's are; Danny Casasanto , Kareem Timbers, Andy Potocki, and Caleb Lendy.

  Walter Payton College Prep opened it's doors in 2000. The football team first took the field at the varsity level in 2002. The Grizzlies are, (30-35) in program history, under the guidance of three head coaches (Vernandez Jones, Brian Billings, Faltin).

  The school mascot was originally the Navigators, but was changed to Grizzlies to have a more, "athletic" name.

  Payton College Prep was ranked the second best school in the state by the Chicago Tribune in 2009, and holds a ranking of (#96) in the nation by the U.S. News & World Report.