As the season has concluded, there is a lot to celebrate about the Giants’ 2025 season. They recently were crowned CSL North Champs with an undefeated conference record of 5-0. They ended the season with a record of 7-3, losing to Wheaton-Warrenville in the first round of the IHSA playoffs.
A key contribution came from quarterback Gustav Crane’s performance. “[Gustav] has been able to make crucial plays while staying composed,” says senior receiver Lucas Gordon. While it was his first season as the starting quarterback, Crane has learned how to stay strong in the pocket and scramble if needed. The team’s chemistry has also been profound throughout the season.
This season featured incredible performances from many Giant players. Let’s recap this season’s stat leaders:
Passing: Gustav Crane – 1354 yds (1st in the conference)
Rushing: Gustav Crane – 485 yds
Receiving: Lucas Gordon – 809 yds (15th in the state)
Touchdowns: Lucas Gordon – 14 (1st in the conference)
Tackles: Gabe Leon, Lucas Gordon – 69
Tackles per game: Gabe Leon – 8.6
Highland Park won many big games en route to the playoffs, but they overcame many obstacles to get there. A defining moment of the season was the home opener against Deerfield in Week 2. Playing against a rival is one thing, but the combination of it being the second week of the season and the home opener made it the most highly anticipated game of the year for the Giants. Keeping it close the whole game, the Giants scored in the last minute of the game to secure the victory, giving the Giants a big win and a ton of momentum heading into the rest of the season.
Another incredible victory occurred in Week 5 at Vernon Hills. Coming off two tough losses to Schaumberg and Conant, this game was a must-win to keep the conference title and playoff chances alive. Luckily for Highland Park, it was Vernon Hill’s homecoming game, which generated even more grit and fight. Their mission to spoil Homecoming and keep their title chances alive succeeded, scoring three touchdowns in the first half, propelling Highland Park to a 35-7 win over the Cougars.
Over the span of the last two games, the Giants’ defense has held their opponents to zero points, showing the strength of the team and how well the team is meshing together. “Our chemistry is the best it’s ever been right now,” said linebacker Gabe Leon. “Vibes are always good, energy is always high, and we all just work great together and all share the same goals.”
Having good chemistry throughout the team, especially the defense, is crucial because that makes communicating on the field, in-game, that much easier. “Crane and the offense have a lot of trust in the offensive line and the defense is tightly knit, always bringing the intensity during practice and games,” said offensive lineman Constantine Soutsos.
Since their playoff game against Wheaton-Warrenville was an elimination game, the season has concluded, and the seniors’ high school careers have come to an end. The team played their hearts out this whole season, especially when it mattered most. Though it may not have ended on a high note, the Giants look to improve over the offseason and come back strong next year.
