kc preps football 2014

Current, former players relive most powerful moments of their high school careers

THURSDAY, AUGUST 28, 2014 | KCCHRONICLE.COM

TOUCHDOWN 2014KANE COUNTY CHRONICLE HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW SECTION

Special connection QB/receiver chemistry can make all the difference / 3

I N S I D E

LET’S MAKE SOME MEMORIES

As enthused as we all are to see the 2014 football season take shape, the joy of victory and anguish of defeat are fleeting. The memories are what lasts.

In the middle of this year’s prep football preview section, you’ll find former area players from different schools and eras recalling the most powerful memories of their high school football careers. The theme extends to the team preview pages for each area school as a current player reflects on his favorite high school football memory to date, with an eye on making new ones beginning Fri-day. I couldn’t resist joining in. Here are 10 of the most memorable high school football games I’ve covered in person since starting at the Chronicle in 2006:

1. Batavia-Geneva state semifinal, 2006Talk about being spoiled in Year 1

on the job.I’ve never been to a Super Bowl or

a BCS bowl game, but after witnessing this one, I’m not sure that I need to.

The atmosphere was absolutely crackling at Burgess Field, although the game itself was a trouncing in Batavia’s favor as the Bulldogs played their way in to the 6A state champion-ship game against Normal by shutting down the Vikings, 28-0.

2. Batavia’s Class 6A state title victory, 2013While the 2006 state final ended

in disappointment for Batavia, there was nothing anticlimactic about what happened last November.

The Bulldogs delivered an all-around performance worthy of the state’s grandest stage, avenging their lone loss of the season in a 34-14 throt-tling of Richards at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb.

From a core coaching staff that stuck together for decades to classy leaders such as Micah Coffey, Antho-ny Scaccia and Michael Moffatt, it was a group that deserved every bit of the adulation – and legacy – that comes with a state championship.

3. Batavia-Huntley playoff shootout, 2008From a pure entertainment value,

it doesn’t get much better than this one, a 70-63 Huntley victory over Batavia in the first round of the Class 6A playoffs.

In a lot of ways, the score speaks for itself. Both teams’ offenses shred-ded the defenses, series after series, quarter after quarter. I haven’t seen anything remotely like it, especially in a playoff game.

The defensive woes grew so ex-treme that Batavia resorted to second half onside kicks, figuring its chances of stopping the Red Raiders were so minimal. But Huntley struck for the

winning TD with 40 seconds to go, and an A+ performance by Batavia’s of-fense wasn’t enough for it to advance.

4. Geneva-East St. Louis 7A state championship game, 2008

As if playing in a state champion-ship game isn’t special enough, Gene-va had the chance to do so against a program with the mystique of East St. Louis.

The Vikings had a heck of a team and acquitted themselves well, but they were a few elite athletes short against the Flyers, who pulled away late for a 33-14 victory.

5. Kaneland wins wild one over Morris, 2011Kaneland visited Northern Illinois

Big 12 East rival Morris in the final game of the regular season, and the atmosphere was befitting two teams trying to close out unbeaten regular seasons and win the conference.

The Knights led, 31-14, with 7:39 to play in the fourth quarter before the Redskins – employing the unconven-tional lonesome polecat formation late in the game – struck back quickly to come within 31-28. It took a Jake Razo interception in the closing seconds for the Knights to turn back Morris’ frantic comeback bid.

6. Batavia storms back to beat Niles Notre Dame, 2011 playoffs

A halftime visit to the restroom re-sulted in overhearing a conversation between two teenagers, one seemingly a Batavia High student and the other a friend or family member who was in town visiting.

Needless to say, I wasn’t rolling tape, but the visitor said something to the effect of “I thought Batavia was supposed to be so good. They [stink].”

The undefeated Bulldogs weren’t so hot in the first half (down 28-7 at half-time) of the first-round matchup, but if the visitor stuck it out, he was singing a different tune by the time he headed to the parking lot. The Bulldogs rallied for a 35-28 win, as future Division I tight end Cole Gardner delivered a signature performance during the comeback. “He’s a monster,” coach Dennis Piron said admiringly.

7. Rochelle mucks up Geneva’s streak, 2009

Among sportswriters’ gravest nightmares, an inability to deci-pher players’ jersey numbers while attempting to keep stats rates pretty high.

That was the anxiety-inducing pre-

dicament when Rochelle visited pre-turf Burgess Field in October 2009 as awful field conditions and Rochelle’s slippery Wing-T attack created mass confusion.

The final score was just as con-founding: Rochelle 21, Geneva 14, as the Vikings’ 24-game regular season winning streak ended.

8. Batavia-Boylan freezing state semi, 2013

There are two types of high school football reporters: those who prefer being on the field and others who seek out the press box. I’m a field guy, but the 20-some degree weather in Rockford for the Class 6A state semifinal between Batavia and host Rockford Boylan last year sent me scurrying for the relative creature comforts of the box.

After all, feeling in one’s fingers is important when taking notes. Much to Batavia’s credit, the frigid air didn’t seem to dominate the Bulldogs’ thoughts as much as it did mine; Batavia’s focus remained airtight as the Bulldogs rocked the previously unbeaten Titans, 38-6.

9. Last-second call saves Kaneland in 2011 playoffs

The Kaneland faithful watched in stunned disbelief as visiting St. Fran-cis uncorked a 40-yard touchdown pass in the closing seconds of the teams’ 5A playoff game to swing the outcome in the Spartans’ favor.

Then came the flag. An illegal participation penalty wiped out Nick Donati’s touchdown pass, and Kane-land survived a ferocious St. Francis rally to advance.

Former Spartans coach Greg Pur-nell could have taken it a lot worse. “They said [Jeff Rutkowski] stepped out of bounds,” he said. “We were watching it right down the sideline and it looked like he got forced out of bounds. It’s a judgment call and you’ve got to go with it. The big thing is you can’t get down 31-7 at the half. That’s the whole thing.”

10. North’s win blocked, 2011They can’t all be Hollywood end-

ings.St. Charles North regained posses-

sion with the lead and less than a min-ute to go against Plainfield Central in Week 2 of the 2011 season.

But the North Stars were unable to run out the clock and, on the game’s final play, Plainfield Central blocked North’s punt, recovered it in the end zone and dealt the North Stars a mind-numbing, 26-21 defeat.

• Jay Schwab is sports editor of the Kane County Chronicle. He can be reached at 630-845-5382 or [email protected].

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PREP ZONE

Wild games, incredible memories made

Shaw Media file photo

The Kaneland football team cheers after the Knights scored the winning touchdown during their 2010 Class 5A second round game against Vernon Hills in Vernon Hills.

Area football alumni share their favorite football memories. PAGES 14-15

KANE COUNTY CHRONICLE 2014 PREP

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

MORE ONLINEFor the latest Friday night football scores for area teams this season, follow us on Twitter at @KaneCountyPreps.

Scouting reports on all 11 local teams.

TEAM PREVIEWS

BATAVIA ..............................9

KANELAND .........................10

GENEVA .............................11

ST. CHARLES EAST .............12

ST. CHARLES NORTH ..........13

MARMION .........................17

AURORA C. CATHOLIC ........18

AURORA CHRISTIAN ..........19

BURLINGTON CENTRAL .......20

ST. FRANCIS ......................21

WHEATON ACADEMY .........22

COVER STORY: NEVER FORGET

GREAT MINDS THINK ALIKELocal coaches not afraid to make the tough calls and the right plays. PAGE 16

LINE ’EM UPKeep track of the local players this sea-son with our roster pages. PAGES 25-27

TOUCHDOWN 2014 | Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com

• Thursday, August 28, 20143

Timing, chemistry make the difference for passing combosBy JAY SCHWAB

[email protected]

G eneva quarterback Dan-iel Santacaterina and receiver Pace Temple

enjoy plenty of smooth con-nections that showcase crisp route-running and airtight timing.

Yet it’s the plays when all heck breaks loose that Temple said best demonstrates the pair’s quarterback/receiver chemistry. Temple takes pride in the senior tandem’s knack for resuscitating busted plays by reading each other’s minds on the fly.

“We will do drills with that but really you see somebody scrambling around, really you just have to come off your route and find green grass,” Temple said. “Honestly, in a game situation, the drills and ev-erything are going to help but you have to be able to just go out there and make a play and feel it and understand ‘OK, our initial plan didn’t work, that’s OK, good job by the defense,’ but alright, now let’s go make something happen.”

Santacaterina and Temple enter the season as the area’s most decorated passing/re-ceiving combination with all the coveted qualities – a long history of refining the rhythm of their routes together so plays unfold just right, and an unflap-pable response when, despite those efforts, improvisation is needed.

The starting point for vir-tually any great QB/receiver pairing is logging extra hours together outside of practice.

Temple said he and Santaca-terina “got in trouble a couple times” for hopping the fence at Burgess Field during the offseason to hone their timing, but wherever they set up shop – often with defensive teammates and other receivers joining in – they worked through the route tree, running plays on both sides of the field, aiming to complete their sessions without the ball hitting the ground.

But not all QBs and re-ceivers have the luxury of the extensive history shared by

Santacaterina and Temple, longtime teammates and best friends.

St. Charles East senior receiver Morgan Flanigan will be working with a new QB this season after Jimmy Mitchell’s graduation. Flanigan said he and senior Kyle Cook made progress as the offseason un-folded, but the speedy wideout acknowledged learning on the fly will be tricky.

“Early in the summer and early into season I would say that, because really going into the season, you haven’t neces-sarily played with each other in game situations or scrimmage situations, so that timing is very hard, actually, because you don’t know how fast it’s going to come out, and for the quarterbacks … each receivers have different tendencies,” Flanigan said.

East coach Bryce Farquhar

said it becomes apparent which quarterbacks and receivers have forged a connection that can withstand the adversity of game night.

“When that trust goes away, that quarterback’s less likely to throw to that receiver,” Farquhar said. “It’s just a rapport built through the years, through summer and fall. Once I’m a quarterback and I trust that receiver’s going to be in that spot, I’m more comfortable throwing to him.”

It can take a compulsive streak to reach that point.

New St. Francis coach Mike Fitzgerald said the most accom-plished passing combinations he’s been around were relent-less in troubleshooting mixups.

“I was at Marist the last six years, and we had guys that had 104 receptions, 91 recep-tions, and I think the special ones are the ones who stayed

after practice to do some extra stuff, work on their timing or if there was something in practice that just didn’t feel right, they bring [teammates] back out and then go above and beyond,” Fitzgerald said.

Santacaterina, a Northern Illinois recruit, and Temple, also receiving D-I recruiting at-tention, think they’re ready for a blockbuster season, building off their junior years during which Santacaterina threw for 2,266 yards and 27 touchdowns and Temple notched 799 receiv-ing yards with nine TDs.

By now, much of their in-game communication is virtually undetectable.

“I’ll just look at him and he’ll look at me and we know just based on what the cov-erage is, we’re like ‘Oh, man, this is wide open,’ ” Santaca-terina said. “We know exactly what we’re going to do and it’s

going to be a big play, and we didn’t even have to give any signal or anything, we just know. That just comes with a lot of practice, a lot of throws to each other from me to him. It’s really helpful for me and I’m sure it’s really helpful to him that we have that chem-istry.”

Both know their respon-sibilities on a given play well enough that if something goes wrong, it’s likely because of an unforeseen wrinkle thrown at them by the defense. Even then, they often have the answer.

“If you’re out there and running a curl that’s usually 12 yards, but all the sudden the [defense] has changed – you can cut it down,” Temple said. “It’s so hard to put it into words, but to be out there on the field, you just kind of do it. It’s just kind of natural, and you have to adjust with the flow of the game.”

‘IT’S KIND OF NATURAL’

Sandy Bressner –[email protected]

St. Charles North quarterback Nathan Didier looks for a receiver during the first day of practice Aug. 11 at the school in St. Charles.

DanielSantacaterina

Pace Temple

By the numbers

2,266 yards

27 touchdowns

• Stats for Geneva quarterback Daniel Santacaterina in 2013

799

receiving yards

9touchdowns

• Stats for Geneva receiver Pace Temple in 2013

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FIVE TO WATCH | Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com


Photo by Sandy Bressner - [email protected]

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FIVE TO WATCH | Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com



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EXCITING NEWS

BREAKDOWNThe glory days could well continue. Bat-

avia brings a proven pass rush, imposing offensive line and plenty of team speed to its Class 6A title defense.

Defensively, Noah Frazier and Josh Leonhard intend to continue wreaking havoc at the line of scrimmage while fellow returnees such as linebacker Jake Hlava and safety Nick Bernabei also seek to build off quality junior years. Bernabei looks to take over leadership in the secondary.

“I have to talk to my corners, talk to the linebackers, be more of the vocal communi-cator on defense,” Bernabei said.

Linebacker Joey Gross and cornerback Eddie Golden project to take on much larger roles defensively as seniors.

Offensively, the Bulldogs have a strong foundation up front with returning starters Jack Breshears (Florida Atlantic recruit), Mitch Krusz (coming off late-season ACL injury) and Patrick Gamble.

“We’re very solid up front,” Batavia coach Dennis Piron said. “That gives yourself the chance to maybe make a little mistake here or there. Our pass protection has been so good against a really good pass rush in camp.”

Which quarterback benefits from that line remains to be seen as lefty Evan Acosta and Kyle Niemiec each earned extended looks.

“I think week in and week out there’s going

to be a competition at that position because both of those kids have worked so hard and done such a nice job in practice and in camp,” Piron said. “There might be a clear leader on Friday nights, who knows, but as of right now we’re comfortable with either one of those young men leading our team.”

Piron projects the latest Coffey boy to ascend through the program – junior re-ceiver Canaan Coffey – to be “a breakout player in the league this year.” Elsewhere, Piron’s son, Peyton, seeks to build off his track season momentum, while Jonathan

Shubert, Cole Stokke and Nick Stuttle all are challenging for time in a receiving corps hit hard by graduation.

Speedy senior running back Blake Crowder saw much of his action with the game well in hand last year but will need to help Batavia set the tone in the aftermath of Anthony Scaccia’s graduation, while junior Zach Garrett also figures into the running back rotation along with power backs Hlava and Frazier.

– Jay [email protected]

Sandy Bressner – [email protected]

Batavia’s Kyle Niemiec greets a teammate during their first day of practice at the school.

2014 schedule

Aug. 29 vs. Oswego 7:30 p.m.Sept. 5 at Glenbard North 7:30 p.m.Sept. 12 vs. Larkin* 7:30 p.m.Sept. 19 at St. Charles East* 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 26 vs. St. Charles North* 7:30 p.m.Oct. 3 at West Chicago* 7:30 p.m.Oct. 10 at Elgin* 7:30 p.m.Oct. 17 vs. Geneva* 7:30 p.m.Oct. 24 vs. Streamwood* 7:30 p.m.

*Upstate Eight River game

Marquee matchup: Oct. 17 vs. Geneva.

Batavia has owned the UEC River during Piron’s three seasons at the helm.

The Bulldogs wrestled local

supremacy from Geneva, and this year’s meeting could be the most competitive between the archrivals in quite some time, with a potential conference four-peat likely in the balance.

2-Minute Drill

Coach: Dennis Piron (34-3, fourth season)

2013 record: 13-1 overall, 6-0 UEC River. Won IHSA Class 6A state championship.

Fast fact: Senior offensive linemen Jacob Halters (jersey No. 57) and Justin Halters (No. 58) are identical twins.

Special teams spotlight: Kicker Howie Morgano returns for Batavia and “his leg just looks fantastic,” according to Piron, while Canaan Coffey and Josh Leonhard “both can boom the ball” as punters.

Bottom line: Batavia again has more than its share of menac-ing presences defensively and an O-line that should allow the Bulldogs to thrive running the football. If the less established personnel in the passing game can punish defenses for swarming the line of scrimmage, it becomes another sky’s the limit season in B-Town.

Memory banked: “The Lake Forest game in the quarterfi-nals. It was just a classic, ground and pound, smashmouth football game,

real close, came down to the wire. It was awesome.” – Mitch Krusz, senior offensive lineman

Mitch Krusz

BataviaBulldogs

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BREAKDOWNLeave it to a household Kane-

land football name to express optimism about the Knights’ flood of fresh faces.

“Everyone’s excited to see all the new players, because last year, obviously, a lot of guys graduated,” wide receiver Connor Fedderly said. “People want to see what this team’s going to be, and we’re excited to come out and play.”

Fedderly, the son of veteran coach Tom, is a waterboy turned ballboy turned senior leader in his third varsity season. The Knights will look for him to shine alongside class-mate Isaac Swithers, a free safety and running back who took an increased role in the offensive backfield last season after injuries sidelined the since-graduated Jesse Balluff, one of several impact players to receive diplomas.

Tom Fedderly touts Swithers’ size, strength and aggressive-ness along with his versatility. It figures to come in handy as junior Jake Marczuk takes over for another longtime incum-bent, Drew David, at quarter-

back.“Jake Marczuk is looking

pretty good. … He’s had a pretty good summer, good 7-on-7s, and I like what I see with him,” Tom Fedderly said. “He’s a pret-ty good athlete at quarterback. He’s going to be able to run and throw.”

Kaneland’s defense again blends size and speed, high-lighted by brawny lineman Andrew Kray and linebacker Jake Gomes, who played as sophomores in 2013. At 6-foot-5 and 230 pounds, Gomes brings plenty of physicality alongside senior Danny Hammermeister.

Although Fedderly is leery about having too many Knights join Swithers as two-way start-ers, Gomes and Hammermeis-ter could also see offensive line duty. Senior center Zack Thielk anchors the front five.

– Kevin [email protected]

2014 schedule

Aug. 29 at Brooks 7:15 p.m.Sept. 5 vs. Marshall 7 p.m. Sept. 12 vs. Rich Central 7:15 p.m.

Sept. 19 at Yorkville* 7:15 p.m. Sept. 26 vs. DeKalb *7:15 p.m. Oct. 3 at Sycamore* 7:15 p.m. Oct. 10 vs. Morris* 7:15 p.m. Oct. 17 at La Salle-Peru 7:15 p.m.

Oct. 24 vs. Rochelle 7:15 p.m.*Northern Illinois Big 12 East

Marquee matchup: Oct. 3 at Sycamore. This game always carries cachet given the schools’ history as

rivals. In 2014, there’s quite the wrin-kle: The Spartans sullied the Knights’ 18-0 start in NI Big 12 East play last fall, becoming the first team not called Kaneland to win a league title.

2-Minute Drill

Coach: Tom Fedderly (58-19, eighth season)

2013 record: 9-2 overall, 4-1 Northern Illinois Big 12 East. Lost to Joliet Catholic, 45-8, in second round of Class 5A playoffs.

Fast fact: Kaneland has scored at least 400 points each year since the Northern Illinois Big 12’s inception in 2010, topping out at 521 points in 2011.

Special teams spotlight: Place-kicker Drew Franklin takes over the position after longtime stalwart Matt Rodriguez’s graduation. Quarterback Jake Marczuk also will punt.

Bottom line: New players have shuttled in and out each season during Fedderly’s remarkable run, but the graduation exodus was a little bigger this time around. Through it all, the spread scheme has remained robust on offense, leaving the Knights optimistic about another playoff trip.

Memory banked: “Last year when [2014 graduate] Jesse Balluff basically took me under his wing and made me

the football player that I am. He was always there for me and gave me good advice and helped me to get better, always asking to go do extra workouts

and stuff.” – Isaac Swithers, senior running back, safety

KanelandKnights

Isaac Swithers

Mary Beth Nolan for Shaw Media

Kaneland senior center Zack Thielk snaps the ball during practice at Kaneland High School in Maple Park.



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BREAKDOWNNothing derails a defense like

the sequence Geneva wit-nessed all too often in 2013.

“We stopped them for awhile,” senior linebacker Wyatt Shodeen said, “and then we’d just let up a big play.”

A return to the Class 7A play-offs after a one-year absence ultimately made 2013 a suc-cess, but a ‘D’ that surrendered 301 points in 10 games knows it must click if 2014 is to be any better.

Several veterans return to coordinator Frank Martin’s unit, beginning with defensive end Matt Loberg (senior) and defensive tackle Steven Kemp (junior). Coach Rob Wicinski moved senior Jack McCloughan from tight end to defensive end, and early reports are favorable.

In the secondary, Pace Temple experienced a conversion of sorts in 2013. The talented wide receiver doubled as a defensive back as the staff coveted his athleticism to help stop the bleeding. Temple again will play both ways as a senior, but acknowledges a greater comfort

in the defensive backfield.“Last year was my first time

really playing DB,” Temple said. “This year, I’m more excited about it. I’m ready. I’m not just going to have to do it. I want to.”

Temple’s best friend, senior quarterback and Northern Illinois recruit Daniel Santa-

caterina, wants the attack to be more balanced after relying heavily on the pass last fall. Junior offensive tackle Loudon Vollbrecht, a 6-foot-7, 255-pounder who received an offer from Illinois in June, anchors the front five.

Fullback Max Woodworth flanks what coach Rob

Wicinski calls a “three-headed monster” at tailback – Liam Burns, Justin Nebel and Justin Taormina – as the Vikings bid to bolster the ground game.

“It’s a good vibe out here,” Santacaterina said. “I think we’ve got a good feeling.”


2014 schedule

Aug. 29 at West Aurora 7:30 p.m.Sept. 5 Richards 7:30 p.m.Sept. 12 at Streamwood* 7:30 p.m.Sept. 19 at St. Charles North* 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 26 Elgin* 7:30 p.m.Oct. 3 at St. Charles East* 7:30 p.m.Oct. 10 West Chicago* 7:30 p.m.Oct. 17 at Batavia* 7:30 p.m.Oct. 24 Larkin* 7:30 p.m.


Marquee matchup: Oct. 17 at Batavia.

The traditional rivalry game nearly returns to its Week 9 roots, and likely will produce the UEC River winner. “In our eyes, obvi-

ously it goes through St. Charles and Batavia, but it really goes through Batavia,” Vikings coach Rob Wicinski said. “So nothing happens unless you go through red.”


Geneva players run sprints during their first practice of the season at Good Templar Park in Geneva.

GenevaVikings

2-Minute Drill

Coach: Rob Wicinski (97-61, 16th season)

2013 record: 7-3 overall, 5-1 Up-state Eight Conference River. Lost to St. Patrick, 31-23, in first round of Class 7A playoffs.

Fast fact: Wicinski needs three victories to reach 100 for his Gene-va career. He came to the school in 1999 after a 3-24, three-season tenure at Niles North.

Special teams spotlight: Wicins-ki, a traditional risk-taker, suggest-ed he’d again play punting by ear in 2014, basing his decision on field position and game situations.

Bottom line: Daniel Santacateri-na to Pace Temple is one of the top quarterback-receiver connections in the region. If the defense can re-bound from a trying recent stretch, those two superfriends should play pitch-and-catch into November.

Memory banked: “My favorite memory is just probably being with these guys, the team that we have this year. We have a lot of team unity. I’ve spent probably my entire time playing sports my whole life, and

I haven’t been as close to a team or a group of guys as these guys.” – Max Woodworth, senior fullback

MaxWoodworth

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BREAKDOWNNew coach Bryce Farquhar’s first East

team might be strongest up front, where the returning linemen trio of Brennan Bosch, Zachary Reyes and Jack Sharkey appear to be the Saints’ tone-setters.

Bosch, who figures to join his big brother – Michigan offensive lineman Kyle Bosch – in the college ranks soon, should be a force at left tackle.

“He’s definitely looking really good for us,” Farquhar said. “He’s played awesome so far. I can’t wait to get him out there and let him do his thing.”

Farquhar took a wait-and-see approach at the quarterback spot during the preseason but senior Kyle Cook impressed team-mates during the summer. Junior Aiden Wright also merited an extended look.

Whoever is under center figures to iden-tify speedy senior Morgan Flanigan as a preferred target, especially on deep routes.

“Mo’s done a great job of working with his hands and his routes,” Farquhar said. “Really, if you tell Mo something, he’ll go out and do it. He’s got such a great work ethic as far as he’s very coachable. If you tell him it’s a weakness, he goes out and works on it.”

Two-way pillar Ramon Lopez again will factor in at running back and likely will share carries with junior Cam Canales, who also has the skill set to join Flanigan, senior Jake Asquini and junior Jack Rus-sell in the receiving mix.

Lopez hopes to anchor the secondary at free safety, departing a linebacker corps now anchored by Parker Vidmich, Tommy Fink, Mitch Guillaume and Blake Salts-man. Nose tackle Blake Fialka is another defensive key.

While the Saints made the playoffs three of the five seasons under former coach Mike Fields – including last year – East has struggled against top competition in recent seasons, both locally and in the playoffs.

“[The players] talked about just making it past that first round hump this year, and I think they’re capable of a lot more than that,” Farquhar said. “We have a great group of kids that I think are capable of a lot of things. It’s just executing and it’s how much work they put in and how willing they are to dedicate themselves to the program.”


2014 schedule

Aug. 29 vs. South Elgin 7:30 p.m.Sept. 5 at Jacobs 7:15 p.m.Sept. 12 at Elgin* 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 19 vs. Batavia* 7:30 p.m.Sept. 26 at Streamwood* (Memorial Stadium) 7:30 p.m.Oct. 3 vs. Geneva* 7:30 p.m.Oct. 10 vs. Larkin* 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 17 at St. Charles North* 7:30 p.m.Oct. 24 at West Chicago* 7:30 p.m.


Marquee matchup: Oct. 17 at

St. Charles North. Former East coach Mike Fields went a perfect 5-0 against North, a tradition new coach Bryce Farquhar would love to continue.

2-Minute Drill

Coach: Bryce Farquhar (first year)2013 record: 6-4 overall, 4-2 UEC

River. Lost, 35-7, to Stevenson in first round of 8A playoffs.

Fast fact: East will go head-to-head with former Saints coach Ted Monk-en, who is in his first year at West Chicago, in the regular season finale.

Special teams spotlight: Strong-legged junior Nick Candre, younger brother of former East linebacker Michael Candre, should be a force for East in the punting and kicking realm.

Bottom line: East’s offensive line gives the Saints a solid base, but the Saints still have less proven talent than the other Tri-Cities teams. The junior class is going to have to produce several impact contributors for the Saints to be playoff-caliber.

Memory banked: “Definitely the North game last year. I mean, we had a comeback score at the end, take it to overtime, and then going

for that two-point conversion to tie it up, we had to go for it twice, and just listening to the coaches, how calm they were, and then going out there and actually

doing it twice, it was crazy. And to watch Mitch Munroe of all people catch it, that was great. It’s one thing I’ll always remember.” – Ramon Lopez, senior running back/safety

Ramon Lopez

St. Charles East Saints


St. Charles East’s Morgan Flanigan makes a catch during a recent practice at the school.



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Coach: Rob Pomazak (second year)

2013 record: 5-4 overall, 3-3 UEC River.

Fast fact: Guard Brendan McCarthy is the only returning starter on the North Stars’ offensive line.

Special teams spotlight: Pomazak is going to give some of his athletic newcomers a shot to play a large role in the return game. “We’ll be young, it’ll be juniors, so that first game’s important for us to get our feet wet and kind of get used to the speed,” Pomazak said.

Bottom line: If the North Stars can sustain longer drives this season, there is plenty of ability on defense to give the program a strong chance to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2009.

Memory banked: “I think it’d be last year, I forget who we were

playing, but I was playing defensive line and I reached up and swatted a pass, and it bounced off the lineman’s helmet and bounced right into [Carson

Schmitt’s] hands. It was just a great memory, watching him running down for a touchdown. It was just funny.” – Jordan Bergren, senior defensive end

2014 schedule

Aug. 29 vs. Elk Grove* 7:30 p.m.Sept. 5 at Plainfield Central 7 p.m.Sept. 12 at West Chicago* 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 19 vs. Geneva* 7:30 p.m.Sept. 26 at Batavia* 7:30 p.m.Oct. 3 vs. Larkin* 7:30 p.m.Oct. 10 at Streamwood* 7:30 p.m.Oct. 17 vs. St. Charles East* 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 24 at Elgin* 7:30 p.m.*Upstate Eight River game

Marquee matchup: Aug. 29 vs. Elk Grove. Not only is Elk Grove

Pomazak’s former school, but the Grenadiers dealt North an OT loss to open last season, and North is itching to set a different tone for 2014.

BREAKDOWNSt. Charles North missed the

playoffs despite a 5-4 record last season, and two of those losses came in overtime.

Now in his second year, coach Rob Pomazak thinks offseason strides on both sides of the ball can help North pull out those tight games that proved costly a year ago.

North’s defense is led by se-nior linebacker Carson Schmitt and linebacker-turned-de-fensive end Jordan Bergren, whose versatility and intangi-bles impress Pomazak.

“His leadership, his smarts on the field are second to none,” Pomazak said.

Defensive linemen Jack Glavin and Dalton Young, se-nior safety Nick Zamecnik and junior cornerback Jake Chantos are among the other defensive players who impressed during the offseason.

Offensively, junior running back Dom Sidari will try to keep North’s running game – a strength last season – hum-ming.

A retooled offensive line will include left tackle Ryan Turner and right tackle Sam Imbrogio,

a sophomore who Pomazak considers a “tremendous prospect.”

North’s coaching staff target-ed the passing game as an area in need of improvement this season and senior quarterback Nathan Didier and junior Kyle Novotney battled in the presea-son for the chance to work with a deep receiving corps that will include Jayson Reckards,

Blake Kastein, Brendan Don-levy and John LeGare.

Tight end/outside linebacker Jack Callaghan figures to be among a handful of North Stars who will see action on both side of the ball, while Sidari will also make his presence felt as North’s kicker.

The midway point of the schedule will test North consid-erably.

“I think Week 4 and Week 5 against Geneva and Batavia are going to be a tell-tale two weeks for us,” Pomazak said. “I’d like to think we can go into Weeks 1, 2 and 3 and compete, and then Geneva and Batavia, you look at those two games and you have to circle them on your schedule.”



St. Charles North linemen go toe-to-toe during the first day of practice at the school.

Jordan Bergren

St. Charles N. North Stars

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14 TOUCHDOWN 2014 | Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com


BY JAY SCHWAB AND KEVIN [email protected]

Editor’s note: We spoke with numerous football alumni from area schools in recent weeks, asking them to relive their most powerful high school football-related memories. Below are many of the goosebump-including responses:

“That first home win of [2010]. That was our first home victory in [four] years. That was big just for the program and the school and for fans to see that we were turning the program around. We had just got a new head coach, Brian Casey, and that was a good start. It got a lot of people going, a lot of people fired up. It’s good to see that the program’s doing well now. Being that stepping stone for setting things the way they should be. They’ve gone to the playoffs the past two years, and it makes people proud to wear the blue and gold and to call themselves a Charger.”

– John Belovich, Aurora Central Catholic, Class of 2011, LB

“Beating Vernon Hills my junior year [in a Class 5A state quarterfinal]. Being able to come from behind there in the last minute of the game, and then the onside kick that we recovered. That was pretty spectacular, honestly. … That was like the first most-amazing game that I’ve ever been a part of as a team member. … The locker room was still like a shock after-wards. People were still in awe. But that wasn’t the only game that we wanted to win, obviously. We wanted to win the game after that. … You can celebrate, but you can’t celebrate too long because you know your goal isn’t accomplished quite yet.”

– Quinn Buschbacher, Kaneland, Class of 2012, WR

“I’m going to say, I’m assuming my senior year, when we clinched the confer-ence outright against Geneva. It was a four overtime game. We went into it with high hopes that we just were going to crush them like we do every year, and

we ended up going into overtime 0-0 and Jake Pierce wound up blocking their field goal attempt at the end of the game. We all stormed up the field, tore up their field. I have some fond memories of our yellow jerseys completely covered in brown from completely tearing up their field … definitely that whole year will really stick with me, but that game for sure.”

– Alvin Cole, Batavia, Class of 2004, Batavia, OL

“I was one of the captains of the Marmion team in the [1998] season, and in the second round of the [4A] playoffs, we had to play Joliet Catholic and it was a night game at Joliet Memorial Stadium. The place was packed, and I think we were the only ones in the entire state that thought we had any kind of chance of beating that team even though we were undefeated and we were the No. 1 seed. … Great game, great atmosphere, huge crowd, and we ended up driving the field and scoring a touchdown with 51 seconds left to beat Joliet Catholic, 13-7, that night.”

– Collin Dolan, Marmion, Class of 1999, OG/DT

“Two things come to mind. The first one is [not about] playing football, but walking up from school before the game even started, and walking through all the kids in uniform. I always remember that as a cool thing, the community all coming out … from Vietnam vets giving you high fives to little kids who could barely walk in diapers giving you a high five … and then, you know [former St. Charles coach Buck Drach] was a big-time disciplinar-ian. It was almost playoff time and we had to run because he thought we stole 72 salt and pepper shakers from Olive Garden, which was our pregame meal [restaurant]. It was the most insane running we ever had to do, and we never actually stole them.”

– Clayton Figi, St. Charles, Class of 1999, OL

“I think the success that our team had

[in 1998] we started the year 9-0, won the Upstate Eight Conference, and really won our first 11 games. We ended up be-ing upset in the quarterfinals by Downers Grove North, but just the closeness of all the guys we played with. I got married a couple years ago and five of the guys I played with tended up standing up in my wedding. … I’m still probably very good friends with at least 20 of the guys I played on from the team that I graduated with.”

– Adam Freed, St. Charles, Class of 1999, WR

“I think one of the awesomest things, one of the greatest memories I have, is just how much the coaches actually believe in the players. … My junior year I was starting on the kick return, it was the first game of the season, and me and Alex Berg laugh about it now, but they kicked the ball off and I dropped it, and then I was so scared I couldn’t pick it up. I kept fumbling it, fumbling, and then I ended up falling on it on like the 1-yard line. Right after that, [assistant coach Bill Kettering] comes right up to me and says ‘Don’t worry about it, you’re going to go back out there, you’re still going to be on kick return.’ The next week, I end up returning a kick 97 yards for a touchdown opening up a half. The coaches never give up on you, and it’s nice, because as a kid you have a lot going on.”

– Bai Kabba, Batavia, Class of 2009, RB

“What always comes to mind was my freshman year, they had brought me up for my last couple games. I was a [defensive back] at the time and the varsity level was short on numbers. ... So they moved me up for Westmont and Riverside-Brookfield the last two games of the season. Young kid; I think I was 14 or 15 at the time. I wasn’t sure how com-fortable the guys were with me. … Night of the game, we get in line to run on the field and everything, and I just remember me standing in the back of the line as a freshman. Kind of, ‘Oh man, what am I doing here, do I really belong?’ And I just remember Shawn McKeown, a junior at the time and a really good athlete, calling me up to tell me to stand next to him. I thought that was really cool at the time … and it showed some leadership to help the young kid feel comfortable.”

– Ryan Gierke, Kaneland, Class of 2005, DB/RB/WR

“My senior year was the year we got to go to [the 7A state championship game against East St. Louis] and after winning the semifinal game [against Crystal Lake South] at home, the students charged on the field and came onto the field, and that was a pretty lasting memory from high school football that I’d probably have to say was my favorite.”

– Sean Grady, Geneva, Class of 2009, DB

“I remember before we got the lights … going out as a player and raising money and putting those things up so we could go out and play Friday night football. We used to play on Saturdays and we’d have a pretty good turnout a couple times a year. We weren’t very good. And then to get the lights and start playing on Friday nights and getting a homecoming win our senior year … our first homecoming win in 20 years, and seeing people storm the field and then beating Geneva for the first

time in 20 years that same season at that last game and having people storm the field … for me it’s very special as a player and then a coach, just following that whole process.”

– Matt Holm, Batavia, Class of 1987, LB

“Definitely has to be my senior season in 2009, first time in school history of St. Charles North we made it past the first and second round in the playoffs. It was a tough loss against Glenbard West we had in the [Class 7A quarterfinals] but definitely awesome to leave a footprint

on the town of St. Charles.”– Matt Mautone, St. Charles North,

Class of 2010, OL

“The first thing that came to my head was having played Geneva, our rivals, two times in one season [in 2006]. That was kind of unheard of and we got to do it within four games. We played Geneva twice (including in a 6A state semifinal) and beat them overall, 52-6, so I’ll never forget that score. … I don’t know if calling out the rivalry is something nice to do after so long, but just a memorable expe-rience of getting to play our hometown rival like that in such a short period of time for such meaningful games for both of us, it’s just something I’ll never forget.”

– Kevin McFarland, Batavia, Class of 2007, DL

“I’d probably say my favorite moment was my sophomore year, myself and two of my good friends brought up on varsity sitting there in the weight room getting ready for the game, and I was just sitting with them kind of reminiscing before our first varsity home game about all the times we had been to the stadium, walk-ing to the stadium and getting ready for the music to start, and finally it was our time to actually get out there and play,

so it was kind of a stark realization we were getting older but we also had an op-portunity to play for our parents, play for ourselves play for our teammates. That was probably my best memory.”

– Mike Mullen, St. Charles East, Class of 2007, OL

“If I could think back to one memory, it would be 2004, when we beat Ashton-Franklin Center in the playoffs. The previous year, my junior year, we had lost to them, 22-0, in the second round of the playoffs at their field. And when the pair-ings came out the following year, we saw that if we won our first [playoff] game we would be heading back there. We were fortunate enough to win our first game.

… Not too many times in life you are fortunate enough to have a second op-portunity, and our team felt like we were blessed with a second opportunity. We went out there and played the best game I’ve ever been a part of – or I should say the best game in our career at Aurora Christian – and we won, 34-0.”

– Nate Peterson, Aurora Christian, Class of 2005, QB

“Oh, boy. Honestly, when I look back I think my favorite memories are definitely the big wins and definitely making the playoffs. But I think even moreso than that are the times off the field and during training camp and film study. … And then all the Bible study and relationships that

made us stronger off the field.”– Jordan Roberts, Aurora Christian,

Class of 2009, QB

“Our [4A] playoff run my senior year, playing St. Viator and going up against Jarrett Payton, and I remember Walter Payton being there out at Marmion. One of the last games I know that Walter saw Jarrett play [before Walter Payton’s November 1999 death]. Our team was down about two touchdowns with three or four minutes left in the game, and we came back to beat them, [28-26].”

– Kyle Saltijeral, Marmion Class of 1999, QB

“Of course, winning 28 straight games and two [3A] state titles [from 1997 to 1998]. It doesn’t get much better than that. Never losing a game your varsity high school career, that’s pretty special. … And then to see those guys in the com-munity, to coach with some of them – [former Knights quarterback] Eric Delany, he’s one of my best friends – that makes it a neat thing, too.”

– Keith Snyder, Kaneland, Class of 1999, LG/DT

“One of the most infamous that we had was our game down in Morris [in 1985]. We ended up pulling out a victory toward the end of the game on a flea flicker play to clinch the game and take it for good. It was a touch-and-go game and we had no success against Morris in our careers. … Freshman [year] didn’t win, sophomore [year] didn’t win, junior [year] didn’t win.

We couldn’t beat Morris. Morris was our nemesis. They were the bad boys of the [Little Seven] Conference and the ones that we looked forward to.”

– Derek Swanson, Geneva Class of 1986, RB

“Just the whole season I was able to be coached by my dad [Joe] and also play with my little brother [Boone] my senior year, that [2004] season. And also with some really great friends. If you want to pick out a specific moment, homecoming, we played Batavia High School. We were an underdog, for sure. We had, I think, 35 kids dressed and it seemed like they had 90. And we went out there and we won the homecoming game, and that was just fantastic. It was a great moment. Everybody played well, and we had a big upset.”

– Mike Thorgesen, Kaneland, Class of 2005, OG/NG

“It was my junior year, I think this has to be the highlight, when we won the one and only state championship that St. Francis has. My junior year in ‘08, [winning the state title], was kind of what we coined ‘The Year.’ That has to be the highlight, I mean the one and only state championship that has gone through [the football program]. Hopefully they do that again, that’d be awesome, but I think for me that has to be the highlight, and I think for a lot of my teammates as well.”

– Tony Vargyas, St. Francis, Class of 2010, RB/LB

MOMENTS IN TIME Local football alumni recall their favorite high school football moments, on and off the field


Kaneland’s Daniel Helm (left) cheers as teammate Sean Carter (25) scores a touchdown during their 2010 Class 5A second round playoff game against Vernon Hills in Vernon Hills.

Photo courtesy of Alvin Cole

Batavia celebrates its 4-overtime win in 2003 over Geneva in Geneva.

Photo provided

Derek Swanson, a 1986 Geneva graduate, has many fond memories of his career as a Vikings running back.


St. Charles, which was still one school before splitting into St. Charles East and St. Charles North, defeated Loyola, 35-20, in a Class 6A playoff game in 1998 in St. Charles. The Saints lost in the quarterfinals that year.

Rob Winner file photo – [email protected]

St. Francis’ Stan Bobowski (bottom) scores a touchdown in the fourth quarter of the Spartans’ 2008 Class 5A state championship game at the University of Illinois’ Memorial Stadium in Champaign. Bobowski finished the game with 125 rushing yards, and three touchdowns. St. Francis won the title, 49-35.

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16 COACHES CONFIDENT IN CALLS

By KEVIN [email protected]

Before developing a reputation as one of the Chronicle area’s more

highly functioning offensive football minds, Kaneland coach Tom Fedderly served as the Knights’ defensive coordi-nator.

“I’ve called plays on defense and offense, and you know, I enjoyed both,” Fedder-ly said. “But I put a lot of stuff in there that I hated when I was defensive coordinator. Picking all the stuff that was hard to defend.”

Although the box scores don’t always reflect it, Fed-derly and his counterparts encounter challenges just like everyone else. Topping the list: how to balance being an unpredictable play-caller with going with what works.

Taking what the defense gives you always serves as the starting point.

“You know, it all depends on what they want to do. We just feed off of them,” Geneva coach Rob Wicinski said. “We tell our guys all the time, ‘Be patient, be patient. Let us figure it out. We’re going to be fine.’ Because we can do a lot of different things. So just be patient and it’ll finally hit.”

Traditionally a run-first offensive coach since coming to Geneva in 1999, Wicinski adhered to one of football’s more passive principles last season – evaluating your personnel.

With best friends Daniel Santacaterina and Pace Tem-ple plus the graduated Kyle Brown forming formidable quarterback-wide receiver combos, the Vikings relied on the pass more than usual. Even better than the person-nel itself was the added guess-ing that put upon opposing defensive coaches’ shoulders.

“I don’t really pass to move the chains; I pass to make it hurt. I run to move the chains,” Wicinski said. “So when I do pass, I like to look

long first. We were a big-strike offense last year. We scored points in bunches, and fast.”

Only Batavia outscored Geneva in the Upstate Eight Conference River Division last season, a feat that still would have held even if the Bull-dogs hadn’t played four more games en route to winning the Class 6A state title.

The seamless relationship between coach Dennis Piron and offensive coordinator Mike Gaspari – Piron’s long-time predecessor – helped fuel

Batavia’s run to the crown and 593 points. Piron says “Mike’s never been a micromanager” since Piron took over in 2011, and vice-versa.

While the playbook is well in place by any given Friday night, there can be plenty of collaboration along the way. Having a fluid group only helps strengthen schemes both on the field and in players’ minds.

“We’re always open-mind-ed, even though you may battle for what you believe in,” Piron said. “But in the end,

I think what you get out of that is the best thing for your kids. And obviously, with the experience factor that we have in our staff, gives you a huge advantage when you have so many coaches who’ve been coaching together for such a long time, and so many people who clearly understand what it is that the goals are they’re setting out for their kids.”

Fedderly credits former Knights assistant Rich Kear-ney for showing him several defensive ins-and-outs from

the time Fedderly joined the program in 1993. Fedderly was a quarterback and strong safety during his playing days, but still needed to learn as much as he could to eventual-ly become head coach.

Ultimately, gaining a broader view of football bol-stered his ability to grasp one side.

“Being able to know the dif-ferent weaknesses and stuff of defenses and where to attack people, that’s where it starts,” Fedderly said.

Photos by Sandy Bressner – [email protected]

ABOVE: Batavia offensive coordinator Mike Gaspari calls a play during their first day of practice Aug. 11 at the school in Batavia. BELOW LEFT: Geneva head coach Rob Wicinski has his players run sprints during the first official day of practice Aug. 11 at Good Templar Park in Geneva.

Area features seasoned, creative offensive minds

Monica Maschak – [email protected]

Kaneland coach Tom Fedderly presides over a Knights offense that is perennially one of the highest scoring in the area.



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MarmionCadets2-Minute Drill

Coach: Dan Thorpe (55-37, 10th season)

2013 record: 8-3 overall, 5-2 Subur-ban Christian Conference Blue. Lost, 21-20, to Prairie Ridge in second round of 6A playoffs.

Fast fact: Hulking senior offensive tackle John Gauthier (6-6, 270) returns after missing his entire junior season with an ACL tear.

Special teams spotlight: Thorpe en-visions a pair of sophomores – Connor Hoeft and Zach Fincher – competing as part of a kicking competition, while adding that Johnny Tate “has been just outstanding” handling punting duties.

Bottom line: If the Cadets can get and stay relatively healthy – a tall order for Marmion in recent seasons – the Cadets have the needed blend of brawn and skill to make the playoffs, though a difficult Chicago Catholic League schedule leaves little margin for error.

Memory banked: “Probably my first game freshman year against Batavia. I just remember coming out and dominat-ing. I remember Jordan Glasgow with a huge run, a touchdown pass to

Eric Bacorn in the back of the end zone and I just remember everybody being so hyped off of that game and it being a great win for us to start off the season.” – Rusty Joyce, senior quarterback

BREAKDOWNMarmion coach Dan Thorpe

expects lots of fireworks this season – no matter who has the ball.

“I think we’re going to score a lot of points,” Thorpe said. “I think we’re going to give up a lot of points.”

At least initially, Marmion will have to do its share of the damage minus running backs/defensive backs Jordan Glasgow and Sean Campbell, projected starters who will miss the early stages of the season with injuries.

Fullback Lucas Warren should keep the chains moving for Marmion after a promising sophomore season in 2013.

“The beauty of the athletes that we have is we have an [interior] game with Lucas pounding the middle and we have a very nice offensive line with size and toughness, so we can be content to give the ball to Lucas 25 times and that’s going to be a lot of positive plays out of those 25 plays, but then people have to defend the flank,” said Thorpe, noting that Noel Abraham, Cole Bonebrake, Matt Fer-

raro, Nate Traxler and Kyle Jordan are part of a crowded mix at halfback.

Thorpe has shown a willing-

ness to play two quarterbacks in the same game, and he has a pair of QBs tempting him to go that route in savvy senior

Rusty Joyce and junior John-ny Tate, a relative newcomer to the position.

Eric Bacorn projects as a go-to target in the passing game.

“Eric Bacorn is catching everything,” Thorpe said. “I can’t think of him dropping a ball this summer.”

A relatively inexperienced defense concerns Thorpe, although Warren should be a strong contributor at lineback-er, where he will be joined by Jordan, Ferraro and Wade Gunderson.

Senior tackle Neil Peterson is one of the team’s most improved players, Thorpe said, and should excel on a defen-sive line that will also include Tim Clohecy and Division I prospect Luke Juriga, both of whom project to be two-way linemen.

In addition to bolstering Marmion’s running game, Glasgow figures to improve the Cadets’ turnover ratio when he returns.

“Every 7-on-7, he was getting two, three interceptions,” Thorpe said.


2014 schedule

Aug. 29 at Plainfield Central 7 p.m.Sept. 5 Ottawa 7:30 p.m.Sept. 12 at St. Francis 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 19 at Providence 7:30 p.m.Sept. 26 vs. St. Francis de Sales 7:30 p.m.Oct. 3 vs. Fenwick 7:30 p.m.Oct. 10 vs. De La Salle 7:30 p.m.Oct. 17 at Aurora Christian 7 p.m.

Oct. 24 at Montini 7:30 p.m.• Chicago Catholic Green

Marquee matchup: Sept. 19 at Providence. On a schedule with

a handful of high-end challenges, nothing will say “Welcome to the Chicago Catholic League” better than a trip to New Lenox to con-tend with the tradition-rich Celtics.

Rusty Joyce


Marmion will have to withstand the early-season absence of injured standout running back Jordan Glasgow.

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BREAKDOWNAurora Central Catholic

ditched its dormancy after snapping a 16-year postseason drought in 2012.

Reaching the playoffs again last season rocketed energy levels to those not seen since the Clinton administration.

“Honestly, we’re trying to shoot for it all,” senior running back/safety Roman Padilla said. “That’s our goal every year. We fell short last year, but we’re trying to get up to the caliber where we’re able to be a state-winning team.”

ACC suffered its second suc-cessive first-round exit in 2013, scuffling against host King in a lopsided, Class 4A loss that continued the program’s recent woes in Chicago.

One reason the Chargers feel they’ve moved past that game is the resolve of oft-inspired coach Brian Casey. Another: the return of senior quarterback Matt Rahn, who suffered a sea-son-ending knee injury during the 2013 preseason.

Junior Colin Baillie snagged about a third of ACC’s 25 receptions last season. Expect

both totals to climb consider-ably.

“This is as balanced as we’ve ever been,” said Casey, entering his fifth season. “The goal is to force the defense to stretch the whole field. We’re trying to be as multiple and as balanced as we can be.”

And a little less two-platoon heavy. Casey hopes Padilla, line

stalwart Jeff Kus and fellow se-nior Brandon Babler, a 6-foot-1 newcomer from the basketball program who’ll play cornerback and running back, are his lone heavy contributors to both sides of the ball.

Middle linebacker Ben Ariano, a returning first-team all-con-ference performer alongside Padilla, anchors a defense

that allowed no more than 21 points in a game last season until a Week 9 blowout loss to Montini.

With ACC shifting conferences to the Metro Suburban West, there are no worries about en-countering the Broncos. That’s a boost in energy, too.

– Kevin Druley [email protected]

2014 schedule

Aug. 29 vs. Wauwatosa East (Wis.) 7 p.m. Sept. 5 at Lisle 7:15 p.m. Sept. 12 at Chicago Christian 7:15 p.m. Sept. 19 vs. Guerin 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 26 vs. IC Catholic Prep* 7:30 p.m. Oct. 3 at Fenton* 7:15 p.m. Oct. 10 vs. Glenbard South* 7:15 p.m. Oct. 17 at Riverside-Brookfield* 7:15 p.m.

Oct. 24 at Wheaton Academy* 7 p.m.• Metro Suburban West

Marquee matchup: Sept. 26 vs. IC Catholic Prep. The Chargers and Knights played a tight one during

last season’s Suburban Christian Gold swan song, with IC prevailing by seven points.

Both sides hope their rivalry survives a conference shift. They’ll find out on Bob Stewart Field.

2-Minute Drill

Coach: Brian Casey (19-19, fifth season)

2013 record: 6-4, 4-3 Suburban Christian Gold. Lost to King, 36-6, in first round of 4A playoffs.

Fast fact: ACC has not made the playoffs in three or more consecu-tive seasons since the 1993 to 1997 teams accomplished the feat.

Special teams spotlight: Senior newcomer Brandon Babler will han-dle the punting duties along with playing running back and safety.

Bottom line: ACC carries a hard-earned swagger into each game, but it’s important for players not to get ahead of themselves. Stay level-headed in the great unknown of a new conference, and a third straight playoff berth’s certainly doable.

Memory banked: “Probably last year, the game against Marmion. Rivalry game. We won, 13-12. That was probably one of my best games on varsity. … It was a great experience and

we were underdogs that game, so we came back from behind and we were able to figure out a way to win that game against a great Marmion team.” – Roman Padilla, senior running back/safety

Roman Padilla

Aurora C. CatholicChargers

Sean King for Shaw Media

Aurora Central Catholic football coach Brian Casey calls a play during practice Aug. 14 at Aurora Central Catholic High School in Aurora.

2-MINUTE DRILL

Coach: Dave Beebe (first season)2013 record: 9-4, 4-3 Suburban

Christian Blue. Lost to Stillman Valley, 28-26 in Class 3A state semifinal.

Fast fact: Beebe’s brother, Don, who stepped down after last sea-son, remains as offensive coordi-nator. Don Beebe went 97-26 in 10 seasons, winning a pair of Class 3A state titles.

Special teams spotlight: Senior Nick Van Gilse takes over at placekicker after Trevor Hills transferred to Glenbard North.

Bottom line: Considering all that’s new, the Eagles still could be in position to rally for a familiar postseason spot by holding serve at home in the final month-plus.

Memory banked: “Proba-bly just being able to experience playing with the Aurora Christian football team. ... [Coaches Dave and Don Beebe have] taught me

a lot about life and my relationship with Christ. Having the opportunity to have the coaches and what they teach us, it’s helped me mature as a man.” – Austin Bray, senior quarterback

BREAKDOWNFirst-year Aurora Christian

coach Dave Beebe cuts to the chase about the 2014 Eagles.

“You’ve basically got a brand new coach in a brand new conference with a brand new team,” he said. “So, should be interesting.”

Aurora Christian transitions to the Chicago Catholic White with a longtime assistant at the helm of the program and former head coach Don Beebe nearby as offensive coordinator.

Having seasoning in those leadership positions could prove especially crucial in the early stages considering the return of only two consistent starters from last season.

Quarterback Austin Bray and offensive lineman Jake Smith helped the Eagles’ spread attack to another high-powered effort last season. Bray, for one, is optimistic about the new crop of talent flanking him, especially fellow senior Jacolby Maxwell, a wide receiver with strong hands and good route awareness.

St. Charles North transfer Nick Edlund, a senior Dave

Beebe calls “a bundle of energy,” helps accelerate the growth of the running back

group. Per the usual in the Eagles’ offense, a few players, including sophomore Zach

Bosek, will see time in the offensive backfield and in the slot.

“They’ve been doing great,” Bray said. “A lot of the guys who didn’t get a chance to play last year, they’re stepping up this year.”

Dave Beebe looks for a handful of two-way starters to emerge on both lines. Sopho-more Sean Kuhn joins Smith and Minooka transfer Brock Whalen as sturdy, durable players up front. Linebacker and defensive back were all but open competitions in camp. A projected returning starter at linebacker, Trevor Hills, trans-ferred to Glenbard North.

Dave Beebe figures his team will be tougher to handle down the stretch of the season, which includes four home games in the last five.

“If you ask me which I’d rather have, chemistry or experience, I’ll take chemistry every time,” Dave Beebe said. “Experience will come, we’ll get that. It’s just going to take some time.”




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Aurora Christian quarterback Austin Bray drops back to pass against Marmion on July 8 during the Aurora Christian 7-on-7 Competition at Aurora Christian High School in Aurora.

2014 schedule

Aug. 29 vs. Senn 7 p.m. Sept. 5 at Urban Prep-Bronzeville, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 13 at Lake Forest Academy

2 p.m. Sept. 19 at St. Ignatius* 7:30 p.m. Sept. 26 vs. Bishop McNamara* 7 p.m. Oct. 3 vs. St. Rita 7 p.m. Oct. 10 at St. Laurence* 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 17 vs. Marmion 7 p.m. Oct. 24 vs. Leo* 7 p.m.

*Chicago Catholic White game

Marquee matchup: Oct. 17 vs. Marmion. Which former Suburban

Christian Conference Blue power garners first bragging rights in this Chicago Catholic Conference crossover? The Eagles are part of the league’s White Division, while the Cadets play in the Green.

Austin Bray

Aurora ChristianEagles

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Burlington Central Rockets

BREAKDOWNIdeally, Burlington Central

coach Rich Crabel envisions starting just one player both ways.

Ideally, Rockets fans will witness senior running back/defensive back Trevor Davison burst from whatever backfield he’s situated in.

“He looks really good. He’s stronger. He’s more physical,” Crabel said. “He’s given our de-fense all kinds of problems. So I guess that’s good and bad.”

Central showed a penchant for playing close games in the middle of last season, pointing to close defeats to Harvard and Richmond-Burton as key blows in their bid for the program’s first playoff berth since 2011.

With most Big Northern East offenses predicated on the running game, BC counters with a promising antidote: a trio of speedy, experienced linebackers in seniors Cole Roach, Craig Kein and Anton Christensen. Roach and Kein are three-year starters, with Roach a returning all-confer-ence selection.

Up front, Charlie Sanders heads the returnees among

an always-bustling defensive line group, with BC rotating six to eight linemen each game. Nimble defense back Johnny Frederickson, another senior, looks to spark the secondary.

Apart from Davison, who was part of last season’s running back rotation, much of the skill position players will be new. In the quarterback race, Crabel

gave the early nod to junior Robert Doumont, who missed last season with a shoulder injury but played the position for the freshman team in 2012. Classmate Adam Skirmont will serve as backup while starting as a defensive back.

Crabel and his staff “short-ened the learning curve” for first-time senior participant

Brenden Bushy, a 6-foot-5 receiver who has played other sports at the school. The offensive line returns four starters – including seniors Joe Vitraelli, Matt Overstreet and Zach Garbacz – but several newcomers created a spirited camp competition.

– Kevin Druley [email protected]

2-minute Drill

Coach: Rich Crabel (16-11, fourth season)

2013 record: 4-5, 3-3 Big Northern East.

Fast fact: Central’s 2013 losses came by margins of 34, 40, four, 43 and one point.

The team’s four losses in 2012 came by no fewer than eight points.

Special teams spotlight: Field position won’t come easy for Central. “We don’t really have a big-time leg for a kicker or any-thing like that,” Crabel said.

Bottom line: The Rockets return talent at running back and linebacker, usually a recipe for success in a ground attack-inten-sive conference. Now it’s about harnessing a way to win the close ones.

Memory banked: “My sopho-more year [on the sophomore team], it was late in the game and we were playing North Boone. I had a couple catches in that drive and

it was in the last minute, and I had the go-ahead touchdown where we ended up winning the game.” – Ryan Anderson, senior wide receiver/tight end

Ryan Anderson

2014 schedule

Aug. 29 at Hampshire 7:15 p.m. Sept. 5 at Dixon 7 p.m. Sept. 12 vs. North Boone* 7 p.m.

Sept. 19 at Harvard* 7 p.m. Sept. 26 vs. Genoa-Kingston* 5 p.m. Oct. 3 at Marengo* 7 p.m. Oct. 10 vs. Richmond-Burton* 7 p.m. Oct. 17 vs. Johnsburg* 7 p.m.

Oct. 24 at Rockford Christian* 7 p.m.*Big Northern East game

Marquee matchup: Oct. 10 vs. Richmond-Burton. The Rocket ri-valry again went R-B’s way in 2013,

although BC took the perennial powers to overtime in a frustrating finish. A return to the postseason would feel all the better if Central marks this one with a “W.”


Burlington Central junior defensive back Adam Skirmont takes a snap at quarterback during practice at Burlington Central High School in Burlington.



September 12 – Junior High Night Football Game:• 5th through 8th grade students and their entire family will receive complimentary admission!• In addition to the football team, you will find the following groups performing: Chamber Choir, VarsityCheerleading, Varsity Dance, Sammy Spartan Mascot, and the Marching Spartan’s Band.

• Come out and have a wonderful Friday evening with your family and friends.• 5th through 8th grade visitors will receive special door prizes and a half time field pass which will allow themto be escorted onto the field during half time! They will get to see the cheerleading, Dance, and Bandperformances from the field level. It will be an awesome night for everyone.

• Pre-registration is encouraged, call 630-668-5800 x1120 to make your reservations.

Shadow Days:• 8th grade students interested in learning more about St. Francis High School are invited to schedule a fullday on campus. They will be paired up with a current St. Francis student and experience the entire day.

• This is a fantastic way to evaluate high schools, as well as to get a great view of the high school experience.• Free lunch in our Spartan Cafeteria is included.• Reservations only. Call 630-668-5800 x1120 to reserve your date.

UPCOMING EVENTS FOR INTERESTED STUDENTS:

COLLEGE PREPARATORY

2130 W. Roosevelt Road, Wheaton, IL 60187630-688-5800 x1120

www.sfhscollegeprep.org

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St. Francis Spartans

BREAKDOWNThere is a new conference

and a new coach this season at St. Francis, which welcomes former Marist assistant Mike Fitzgerald as Greg Purnell’s successor.

Fitzgerald pledges to bring more offensive balance to the traditionally ground game-geared Spartans. Seniors Clint Bobowski and Nick Dama are competing at the quarterback spot, with an experienced re-ceiving corps of Matt Hanson, Mike Shaw, Jack Ahern and Nate Zito ready to do their part.

“I think we’ve got a really deep group of receivers, a lot of skill at that position, and again, that fits well with what we want to do,” Fitzgerald said. “We want to spread the field out and we want to be multi-ple.”

St. Francis, however, has no intention of abandoning its rushing attack, especially with versatile senior Steven Fassnacht available as a featured back. Fassnacht has a tough act to follow with Nevada recruit James Butler having

graduated.An offensive line anchored by

returning center Cole Cunning-ham and guards John Vargyas and Michael Riley will block for Fassnacht.

Defensively, end Quinn Calcagno has been “very athletic, very disruptive all summer” while linebacker Zito,

safeties Shaw and Ahern and nose tackle Thomas Brundage are among the other potential difference-makers.

The Spartans will play several guys on both sides of the ball as they acclimate to Year 1 in the Chicago Catholic League.

“We’re trying to limit the offensive line going both ways,

the O-line, D-line, we’re trying to limit as much as possible, but the skill guys ... I feel really good with our depth where we can play those guys both ways, and if they need a blow, their backups are coming along and there’s a lot of competition,” Fitzgerald said.

– Jay Schwab [email protected]

2-Minute Drill

Coach: Mike Fitzgerald (first season)2013 record: 5-5 overall, 3-4 Sub-

urban Christian Conference blue. Lost, 47-28, to Glenbard South in first round of Class 5A playoffs.

Fast fact: Recent Northern Illinois football product Matt Battaglia, who played at Marist when Fitzgerald was an assistant coach there, is part of Fitzgerald’s new coaching staff as St. Francis’ offensive line coach.

Special teams spotlight: “I think a lot of it’s a feel thing, if you’ve got the momentum or you’re trying to get the momentum, but you’ve also got to play the field possession game,” Fitzgerald said in describing his philosophy on taking fourth-down gambles versus punting it away. “It’s definitely a major factor in football games so I think you’ve got to mix and match the times to be aggressive and the times to just turn the field with the kick.”

Bottom line: Playoff potential exists if the Spartans can keep their two-way guys healthy.

Memory banked: “Last year, first game [at home], we got to play on the

new field, and that was really cool. Playing on such a bad field before and then coming out here on the new turf with a bunch of fans was great.” – Steven Fassnacht, senior running

back/defensive back

2014 schedule

Aug. 29 at Menomonie, Wis. (at Madison Middleton) 4:30 p.m.Sept. 5 vs. Plainfield South 7:30 p.m.Sept. 12 vs. Marmion* 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 19 vs. Brother Rice 7:30 p.m.Sept. 27 at Hales Franciscan 6:30 p.m.Oct. 3 at St. Laurence 7:30 p.m.Oct. 10 vs. Montini* 7:30 p.m.Oct. 17 at De La Salle* 7:30 p.m.Oct. 24 at Fenwick* (at Concordia

University) TBD*Chicago Catholic Green game

Marquee matchup: Sept. 12 vs. Marmion. Despite switching con-ferences, there is some continuity in the Spartans’ schedule, including

maintaining a heated rivalry with fellow SCC transplant Marmion. Both teams will be making their Chicago Catholic League debuts, with the Spartans hoping to cash in on the second of three straight early-season home games.

Erica Benson – [email protected]

St. Francis quarterback Clint Bobowski hands the ball off to Brian Marren during practice Aug. 15 in Whea-ton.

StevenFassnacht

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BREAKDOWNLet there be bedlam at Whea-

ton Academy, even before the season starts.

A new on-campus, artificial turf field bestows that kind of power while cutting many War-riors fans’ commutes consider-ably after past trips for “home” games at Wheaton College and West Chicago High.

“The word I would use is ‘pumped,’ ” Warriors senior run-ning back/linebacker Camden Meade said. “A lot of the guys, we’re so excited. Even when it was being built, we’d go there and just stand on it and throw the football around.”

Opposing offenses and defenses will assemble there soon, and the Warriors feel confident about their ability against them as the team shifts to what figures to be a more competitive Metro Sub-urban West. Junior quarterback David Thrasher, who helped the team to a promising stretch run in 2013, returns with an abundance of what coach Brad Thornton calls “intangible moxie.”

“We’re really excited for him having a year under his belt. Very accurate, good arm

strength,” Thornton said. “Size-wise, he’s not the biggest, but in terms of his knowledge of the offense, he’s outstanding. He’s a very smart kid.”

In addition to Meade, a hand-ful of other senior weapons will flank Thrasher, including tight end Marino Costello and wide receiver Sam Martinez.

Wheaton Academy graduated

much of its offensive line, but Thornton considers returners Josh Dutton, John Acosta and Evan Williams more than capa-ble of paving the way. Williams started at defensive end last season, while Dutton and Acos-ta rotated into the front five.

“We have the guys to fill in there,” Thornton said. “They’ve just got to get some reps.”

The linebacking corps jolts the defense, with returning leading tackler Luis Ramos and fellow senior Scottie McLean primed for big seasons.

Players and coaches hope supporters are out in full throat.

“The turf is beautiful,” Thorn-ton said. “It’s ready to rock.”


Wheaton Academy Warriors

2014 schedule

Aug. 29 at Walther Christian 7 p.m. Sept. 5 at Noble St.-Bulls Academy 7 p.m. Sept. 13 at Guerin 1 p.m.

Sept. 19 vs. Chicago Christian 7 p.m. Sept. 27 vs. Riverside-Brookfield* 2 p.m. Oct. 3 at Glenbard South* 7:15 p.m. Oct. 11 at IC Catholic Prep* 1 p.m. Oct. 17 vs. Fenton* 7 p.m. Oct. 24 vs. Aurora Central

Catholic* 7 p.m.*Metro Suburban (West)

Marquee matchup: Oct. 24 vs. Aurora Central Catholic. The Warriors needed a Week 9 win

to become playoff-eligible last season, but succumbed to long odds against perennial contender Marian Central. Here, the Warriors host a rising power as their first season in a new league concludes.

2-Minute Drill

Coach: Brad Thornton (4-5 over-all, second season)

2013 record: 4-5 overall, 3-4 Suburban Christian Gold.

Fast fact: Wheaton Academy has won nine games in its past three seasons after earning 11 victories from 2009 to 2010.

Special teams spotlight: Senior Dillon Oleson, who did not play football the past two seasons, has emerged alongside Camden Meade as an option at punt returner.

Bottom line: Wheaton Academy’s athleticism should allow it to stick around most games.

The key will be figuring out how to get the upper hand against the perennial powers in its new conference.

Memory banked: “My sopho-more year, we were at Walther Lutheran and go-ing into halftime we were down 26 points. It was, 52-26. I started on defense that second half, and they didn’t get a first down the

rest of the game. We came back to win, 56-52.”

– Camden Meade, senior running back/linebacker

CamdenMeade


Wheaton Academy players run a play during a recent practice on their field in West Chicago.



Aurora Central Catholic

Aug. 30 Oostburg (Wis.) W, 1-0 (forfeit)

Sept. 7 Bogan W, 42-7Sept. 14 IC Catholic Prep L, 21-14Sept. 20 Chicago Christian W,

38-6Sept. 27 St. Edward L, 35-21Oct. 5 Walther Christian W, 41-6Oct. 12 Guerin W, 45-14Oct. 18 Marmion W, 13-12Oct. 25 Montini L, 47-0Nov. 2 King L, 36-6

Aurora Christian

Aug. 30 DuSable W, 67-0Sept. 7 Bronzeville W, 55-0Sept. 14 Walther Christian W, 59-7Sept. 20 Wheaton Academy W,

52-14Sept. 27 St. Francis W, 24-14Oct. 4 Marmion L, 35-14Oct. 12 IC Catholic Prep L, 48-6Oct. 19 Montini L, 49-0Oct. 26 Guerin W, 48-7Nov. 2 IC Catholic Prep W, 24-3Nov. 9 Oregon W, 49-20Nov. 16 Seneca W, 36-27Nov. 23 Stillman Valley L, 28-26

Batavia

Aug. 30 Glenbard North W, 29-26Sept. 6 Richards L, 31-26Sept. 13 Geneva W, 49-20Sept. 21 Streamwood W. 56-14Sept. 27 West Chicago W, 48-7Oct. 5 Larkin W, 46-14Oct. 11 St. Charles North W, 44-7Oct. 18 St. Charles East W, 47-14Oct. 25 Elgin W, 62-14Nov. 1 DeKalb W, 48-6Nov. 9 Rolling Meadows W, 48-13Nov. 16 Lake Forest W, 19-14Nov. 23 Rockford Boylan W, 38-6Nov. 30 Richards W, 34-14

Burlington Central

Aug. 30 Hampshire L, 41-7Sept. 6 Stillman Valley L, 40-0Sept. 13 Rockford Christian W,

34-0Sept. 20 Harvard L, 17-13Sept. 27 Genoa-Kingston L, 43-0Oct. 4 Marengo W, 27-0Oct. 11 Richmond-Burton L, 14-13

(OT)Oct. 18 Rock Falls W, 41-24Oct. 25 North Boone W, 28-14

Geneva

Aug. 30 Oswego W, 29-27Sept. 6 Wheaton North L, 40-27Sept. 13 Batavia L, 49-20

Sept. 20 Larkin W, 41-34Sept. 27 St. Charles North W,

35-28Oct. 4 St. Charles East W, 35-21Oct. 11 Elgin W, 42-20Oct. 18 Metea Valley W, 49-45Oct. 25 Streamwood W, 55-6Nov. 1 St. Patrick L, 31-23

Kaneland

Aug. 30 Brooks W, 27-7Sept. 6 IC Catholic Prep W, 45-14Sept. 13 Sterling W, 48-7Sept. 20 Streator W, 42-0Sept. 27 Rochelle W, 49-20Oct. 4 DeKalb W, 35-12Oct. 11 Yorkville W, 41-0Oct. 18 Sycamore L, 31-21Oct. 25 Morris W, 49-14Nov. 1 Hampshire W, 35-0Nov. 9 Joliet Catholic L,

45-8

Marmion

Aug. 30 Plainfield Central W, 25-7Sept. 6 Ottawa W, 45-0Sept. 13 St. Edward W, 27-10Sept. 20 Marian Central W, 28-10Sept. 27 Montini L, 27-3Oct. 4 Aurora Christian W, 35-14Oct. 11 St. Francis W, 26-20Oct. 18 Aurora Central Catholic L,

13-12Oct. 26 Walther Christian W,

43-0Nov. 1 Fenton W, 39-0Nov. 9 Prairie Ridge L, 21-20

St. Charles East

Aug. 31 South Elgin W, 35-27Sept. 6 Jacobs W, 41-26Sept. 13 St. Charles North W,

28-21Sept. 20 Neuqua Valley L, 54-28

Sept. 27 Elgin W, 42-16Oct. 4 Geneva L, 35-21Oct. 11 Streamwood W, 42-27Oct. 18 Batavia L, 47-14Oct. 25 Larkin W, 55-12Nov. 2 Stevenson L, 35-7

St. Charles North

Aug. 30 Elk Grove L, 23-22Sept. 6 Plainfield Central W, 48-0Sept. 13 St. Charles East L, 28-21Sept. 20 Elgin W, 49-0Sept. 27 Geneva L, 35-28Oct. 4 Streamwood W, 55-6Oct. 11 Batavia L, 44-7Oct. 18 Larkin W, 48-20Oct. 26 South Elgin W, 27-25

St. Francis

Aug. 30 Riverside-Brookfield W, 35-9

Sept. 6 Plainfield South W, 43-20Sept. 13 Chicago Christian W, 49-0Sept. 20 Montini L, 30-7Sept. 27 Aurora Christian L, 24-14Oct. 4 Marian Central L, 34-28Oct. 11 Marmion L, 26-20Oct. 18 Guerin W, 56-7Oct. 25 St. Edward W, 50-8Nov. 2 Glenbard South L, 47-28

Wheaton Academy

Aug. 30 Westminster (Mo.) L, 44-0Sept. 6 Chicago Bulls Academy

W, 40-8Sept. 13 Montini L, 56-0Sept. 20 Aurora Christian L, 52-14Sept. 28 Walther Christian W,

47-25Oct. 5 Guerin W, 55-14Oct. 11 St. Edward 60-21Oct. 18 Chicago Christian W, 48-27Oct. 25 Marian Central L, 63-20

LOOKING BACK: 2013 SEASON IN REVIEW

Erica Benson file photo – [email protected]

Batavia’s Forrest Gilbertson and Ryan Minniti react to their Class 6A state championship against Richards on Nov. 26 at Northern Illinois Univer-sity in DeKalb. Batavia defeated Richards, 34-14.

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KANE COUNTY CHRONICLE. SERVING THE TRI-CITIES AND KANELAND SINCE 1881.



AURORA CENTRAL CATHOLICNo. Name Yr. Pos. Ht. Wt.2 Griffin Zajac So. RB/DB 5-9 1453 Colin Baillie Sr. WR/DB 6-4 1804 Brandon Babler Sr. RB/DB 6-0 1655 Mario May Sr. TE/DE 6-7 2306 Tyler Bresnak Sr. WR/LB 6-0 1707 Johhny Belskis So. QB 5-10 1459 Matt Rahn Sr. QB/DB 6-0 16511 Victor Franco Sr. K 5-8 14517 A.J. Zajac Jr. WR/DB 5-11 16020 Matt Liptrot Sr. RB/DB 5-10 16021 Brendan Ruehl Sr. WR/DB 5-10 16022 Alex Schüler Sr. RB/DB 5-11 15023 Roman Padilla Sr. RB/DB 6-0 20024 Josh Wilson Sr. WR/DB 6-0 18525 Patrick Flanigan So. RB/LB 5-10 17526 Kyle Nilo So. RB/LB 5-8 16028 Khalil Guisse Sr. OL/DL 6-1 19531 Jared Friedrich Sr. K 6-2 17032 Thomas Canning So. WR/DB 5-8 14035 Jacob Bunce Sr. RB/LB 5-9 16538 Jake Staudacher Sr. TE/LB 6-4 19040 Sam Keilty Sr. RB/LB 5-11 17042 Sean Tobin Sr. RB/LB 5-11 18047 Ben Ariano Jr. RB/LB 5-11 21552 Jeff Kus Sr. OL/DL 6-5 24053 Victor Ramos So. OL/DL 5-10 20054 Joe Dempsey Jr. OL/DL 5-11 21555 Chris Pedersen Jr. OL/DL 5-8 22056 Micah Miller Jr. OL/DL 6-1 26561 Sebastian Warren Jr. OL/DL 5-11 20063 Chris Nilo Sr. OL/DL 5-11 22065 Danny Eul So. OL/DL 5-10 19072 Brant Krpan So. OL/DL 6-2 21574 Mikey Malawski Sr. OL/DL 6-2 33075 Jacob Ishmael So. OL/DL 5-8 23076 Mitchell Feltes Jr. OL/DL 6-1 26586 Logan Mitzel So.89 Ross Cortino Jr. TE/LB 6-1 185Head coach: Brian Casey

AURORA CHRISTIANNo. Name Yr. Pos. Ht. Wt.Brock Whalen Sr. T/DE 6-4 260Collin Treest Sr. NGJacolby Maxwell Sr. WR 5-9 152Jeremiah Wright Jr. CLevi Olson Fr. OLB 5-11 175Nathan Dunsing Sr. CNick Edlund Sr. RB/SS 5-7 170Nolan Czerwinski Jr. MLB 5-8Steve Hall Sr. CZach Williams Jr. G/DE 6-2 225Ryan Burke So. R/OLB/CB 6-2 183Nick van Gilse Sr. FS/K 6-0 155Gerald Marraro Jr. OLB/SS 5-8 150Austin Bray Sr. QB 6-3 214Joe Betterman Sr. T/DT 6-1 190Ben Weerts So. QBZach Bosek So. FB/OLB 5-9 180Jeremiah Wiggins Jr. RB/SS 5-11 170Jake Richardson Sr. WR/OLB 5-6 137Jake Smith Sr. C/LS/MLB 5-11 239Matthew Ward Sr. T/DT 5-9 202Noah Vollmer Jr. DE 5-11 162Ross Krantz Sr. G/DT 6-0 280Sean Kuhn So. T/DE 6-3 225Dustin Barrett Jr. TE 6-0 213Erik Abrell So. TE/OLB 6-1 180Mario Folino Sr. RB 5-8 152Head coach: Dave Beebe

BATAVIANo. Name Yr. Pos. Ht. Wt.1 Josh Leonhard Sr. DE 6-2 2202 Colin Thurston Jr. LB 6-2 1953 Canaan Coffey Jr. WR/CB 6-2 1754 Kamontez Thomas Jr. RB 5-6 1355 Jake Hlava Sr. LB/RB 6-2 2186 Miles Williams Jr. DL 5-8 1947 Peyton Piron Sr. WR/CB 6-1 1508 Eddie Golden Sr. WR/CB 6-1 16011 Cole Stokke Jr. WR/DE 6-4 175

12 Evan Acosta Sr. QB 6-2 17513 Nolan Adams Jr. CB 5-7 13516 Greg Drake Jr. QB/DB 6-0 16017 Luke Beckmann Jr. WR 6-3 16518 Jonathan Shubert Sr. WR 6-2 17519 Kyle Niemiec Jr. QB/SS 6-2 18020 Tyler Holl Jr. SS 5-11 16021 Nick Bernabei Sr. SS/RB 6-1 18522 Ethan Hallberg Jr. RB 5-9 16523 Brett Bowman Jr. RB/CB 5-11 16524 David Sharp Sr. DB 5-10 16025 Mitchell Knoth Jr. DB 5-10 16026 Zack Majka Jr. SS 6-2 18527 Chris Schmidt RB/CB 5-11 16029 Willy Firth Sr. RB/LB 6-1 17530 Blake Crowder Sr. RB 5-7 13531 Sergio Espana Sr. CB 5-7 14033 Zach Garrett Jr. RB 5-7 18034 Jake Birkhaug Sr. LB 5-11 18535 Joseph Gross Sr. RB/LB 6-1 19037 Keaton Drees Sr. RB 5-8 15538 Andrew Clark Sr. RB 5-8 17539 Matt Fabian Sr. CB 5-8 15542 Derek Nutley Jr. DL 5-11 170

44 Noah Frazier Sr. DE/RB 6-1 22547 Garrett Hartmann Jr. LB 5-11 16548 Johnny Robinson Sr. DL 6-3 20550 Luke Swartzmiller Jr. DL 5-10 19551 Sean Callahan Jr. LB 5-11 16552 Johnny Lane Jr. LB 5-10 18054 Brian Havlicek Sr. OL/DT 6-1 22055 Will Mager Jr. OL/LB 5-11 16557 Jacob Halters Sr. OG/DT 6-2 25058 Justin Halters Sr. OG/DT 5-10 24059 Zach Sims Jr. OT/DT 6-2 24560 Mitch Davey Jr. OL/DL 6-2 23061 Tristan Kennedy Jr. OL/DT 5-11 23063 Giovanni Garcia Jr. OL 6-0 23064 Mitchell Krusz Sr. OG/DT 6-1 27066 Zachary Tate Sr. OT 6-2 24567 Patrick Gamble Sr. C/DT 5-10 25068 Anthony Popela Jr. OL 6-2 25072 Brandon Parker Sr. OL 5-11 22073 Matt Smith Jr. OL 5-10 18575 Nick Salvati Jr. DT 6-1 30077 Jack Breshears Sr. OT 6-5 28578 Nick Birkenmaier Jr. DT 6-1 27579 Ross Berggren So. OT/DT 6-4 265

80 Luke Garrity Jr. TE/DE 6-3 19581 Howie Morgano Sr. K/C 5-9 14582 Johnny Fitch Jr. TE/LB 6-3 18083 Micah Clements Sr. LB 5-11 17085 Nick Stuttle Jr. WR/C 6-0 17086 Chris Galena Jr. C 5-7 13587 Brandon Nutley Sr. TE/DE 6-4 17588 Glenn Albanese So. TE/DE 6-4 21092 Jon Wall Sr. DT 6-0 22093 Nate Kearney Sr. DE 6-1 18097 Sean Conklin Sr. DT 6-0 265Head coach: Dennis Piron

BURLINGTON CENTRALNo. Name Yr. Pos. Ht. Wt.2 Jason Berango Jr. RB/DB 5-8 1753 Adam Mengel Jr. R/DB 5-8 1454 Adam Skirmont Jr. QB/DB 5-9 1755 Brenden Bushy Sr. R/DB 6-4 1806 Mohammed Aburmishan Sr. R/DB 6-0 1707 Jonathan Frederickson Sr. R/DB 5-8 1458 Ian Kumlin Jr. R/DB 6-0 16010 Robert Doubek Jr. QB/DB 5-11 18011 Tim Goehrke Jr. R/DB 5-10 15512 Hunter Winterstein Sr. R/DB 5-11 13513 Anton Christensen Sr. RB/LB 6-0 20514 Clint Herman Jr. R/DB 5-9 13515 Ryan Anderson Sr. E/DB 6-2 19016 Kolton Koester Jr. R/DB 5-9 13517 Brandon Spinnato Jr. QB/DB 5-10 14018 James Fay So. RB/DB 5-9 15019 Cameron Kaldenberger So. QB/DB 5-11 17420 TJ Titock Jr. RB/LB 5-10 18022 Kyle Trumbower Sr. R/DB 6-10 16523 Trevor Davison Sr. R/DB 5-8 17524 Craig Kein Sr. RB/LB 6-1 20525 David Streder Sr. R/LB 5-6 15928 Bradley Sorensen Jr. RB/LB 6-1 20533 Connor Mahoney Jr. E/DL 6-1 17534 Zachary Gorman Sr. RB/DL 5-10 18535 Joseph Landmeier Jr. RB/LB 5-11 17543 Jacob Sanson Sr. RB/DB 5-0 15244 Dan Le Sr. RB/LB 5-10 23545 Cole Roach Sr. RB/LB 5-11 22051 James Ankrom Jr. OL/DL 6-2 22052 Brendan Dobson Jr. OL/DL 5-8 16253 Esteban Escobar Jr. OL/DL 5-10 24055 Branden Sorensen Sr. OL/DL 6-3 22056 Matthew Overstreet Sr. OL/DL 5-11 23557 Dekota Sciabaras Jr. OL/DL 5-9 14559 Zachary Garbacz Sr. OL/DL 6-2 21060 Joseph Vitraelli Sr. OL/DL 5-8 25061 Joseph Garbacz So. OL/DL 5-9 21062 Kyle Blankenburg Sr. OL/DL 5-5 19563 Jackson Brummel Jr. OL/DL 6-2 21266 Charles Sanders Sr. OL/DL 6-1 21570 Bret Lopez So. OL/DL 6-0 28572 Argtim Jaos Sr. OL/DL 6-2 28073 Devon Bennett Sr. OL/DL 5-11 19074 Ryan Hupe So. OL/DL 5-11 21578 John Gieske Jr. OL/DL 6-2 32082 Thomas Moretti Jr. E/DB 6-1 16585 Andrew Lippert Sr. E/DL 6-0 19087 James Cross Sr. OL/DL 6-1 20588 Kyle Schejbal Sr. E/DL 6-1 195Head coach: Rich Crabel

GENEVA

No. Name Yr. Pos. Ht. Wt.1 Sean Chambers Jr. DB 6-3 1852 Alex Reed Sr. W0 6-5 1853 Stephen Kemp Jr. DL 6-0 2254 Pace Temple Sr R/DB 6-2 1905 Justin Taormina Jr. RB/DB 5-10 1656 Mitchell Merges Jr. LB 6-3 1807 Daniel Santacaterina Sr. QB 6-2 1908 Brock Perry Sr. DB 6-1 1609 Matthew Loberg Sr. DL 6-2 23510 Maxwell Woodworth Sr. RB 5-7 18511 Jake Rocks Sr. DB 5-7 14012 Tony Fencl Sr DB 5-6 135

2014 PREP FOOTBALL ROSTERS

See ROSTERS, page 26


Burlington Central’s Craig Kein works a running drill during practice at Burlington Cen-tral High School.

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13 Donny Friedel Jr. DB 5-10 15514 Matt Rinne Jr. QB 6-2 16516 Jack Mayes Sr. TE 6-2 18517 Michael Landi Sr. WO 6-6 18519 Chris Barger Sr. DB 5-11 18020 Grant Henderson Sr. LB 5-8 17021 Nick Carlton Sr. DB 5-7 16022 Liam Burns Sr. RB 5-7 17023 Tyler Landrum Jr. DB 5-8 12024 Justin Nebel Sr. RB 5-5 13025 Collin Lee Jr. DL 6-2 19026 Nate Donati Sr. LB 5-8 16527 Marcus Cresenzo Sr. DB 6-1 17028 Ethan Roesch Sr. DB 5-6 16030 Jacob Radke Jr. RB 5-6 16031 Jason Croci Sr. DB 5-9 15032 Ryan Zima Sr. TE 5-10 15533 Liam Crawshaw Sr. LB 5-11 19034 David Burchard Sr. RB 5-9 16536 Ryan Skibinski Jr. WO 5-9 14537 Alec Keating Jr. RB 5-10 17038 Jack McCloughan Sr. DL 6-4 20539 Alec Miszuk Jr. DB 5-8 15040 Vincent DeMeo Jr. RB 5-11 15041 Luke Will Sr. LB 6-2 19042 Jack Bodine Jr. LB 6-1 20043 Zack Thompson Jr. DB 5-11 17044 Wyatt Shodeen Sr. LB 5-9 21545 Marko Guerrieri Jr. DB 5-9 14546 Zeke Buck Jr. WO 6-1 15547 Michael Huck Sr. DB 5-8 16048 Ty McAvoy Jr. RB 5-7 17050 Tim Green Jr. LB 5-10 19051 Ryan Hurley Sr. OL 5-11 20552 Andrew Modjeski Sr. OL 5-7 18054 Nick Schmook Jr. DL 6-1 21555 Brian Baumgartner Jr. DL 5-8 18557 Matt Julseth Jr. OL 5-10 21060 Adam Dahlberg Jr. OL 6-1 25561 Ryan Scopa Sr. DL 5-4 18062 Joey Wagner Sr. OL 5-11 28063 T.K. Hood Sr. DL 6-2 27064 Matt Pawlak Jr. OL 6-4 23065 Thomas Alwin Sr. DL 6-0 24066 Samuel Post Sr. DL 5-11 22067 Joe Hendrickson Jr. DL 6-3 21568 Michael Radlinski Jr. DL 6-1 23070 John Boenzi Jr. OL 6-0 20571 Ben Baker Sr. OL 6-7 28572 Bobby Ariss Jr. OL 6-0 25074 Zach Ostrowski Jr. DL 5-11 20076 Sean McKenzie Sr. OL 6-0 28578 Michael Forni Sr. OL 6-1 25579 Loudon Vollbrecht Jr. OL 6-6 25581 Jack Wassel Jr. WO 6-1 16582 Stephen Moyer Sr. TE 6-4 20083 Alex Browere Sr. WO 5-9 13585 Brad Thomas Sr. TE 6-3 17086 Matthew Leban Sr. WO 6-0 15087 Brendan Hines Jr. WO 6-1 17088 Noah Bieszke Jr. DB 5-9 160Head coach: Rob Wicinski

KANELANDNo. Name Yr. Pos. Ht. Wt.1 Matt Noel So. 6-0 1602 Owen Korpela Sr. 6-0 1903 Austin Wheatley Sr 5-8 1504 Isaac Swithers Sr 5-8 1757 Grant Burris Jr. 6-2 1708 Austin Vickery Jr. 5-11 19511 Kevin Fuchs Sr 6-0 20512 Jake Marczuk Jr. 5-10 16515 Stephen VanHorn Jr. 5-11 17017 Kyle Diehl Sr 5-8 15018 Connor Fedderly Sr. 5-7 15522 Mitchell Groen Jr. 6-3 18023 Alec Aurelio Jr. 5-5 15025 Luke Olson Sr. 5-11 18526 Kyle Fugger Sr. 6-1 19027 Isaiah Baarenklau Jr. 5-10 166

28 Giovanni Regalado Jr 5-10 16535 James Savas Jr. 5-9 14038 Lio Arredendo So. 6-1 20041 Joey Esposito Jr. 5-10 18044 Zack Parker Jr. 5-8 18545 Tyler Kurzrock Jr. 5-11 20546 Nicholas Wilson Jr. 6-1 16350 Logan Strang Jr. 6-2 21051 Brandon Kigyos Sr. 5-11 19052 Tom Price Sr 5-1 20053 Jacob Gomes Jr. 6-5 22555 Danny Hammermeister Sr. 6-2 22269 Zachary Douglas Sr. 6-5 20074 Nick Soucie Jr. 6-0 23775 Andrew Kray Jr. 6-0 27677 Tristan Kinde Jr. 6-3 27682 Brock Harner So. 6-1 17083 Tyler Paulson Jr. 5-7 145Head coach: Tom Fedderly

MARMIONNo. Name Yr. Pos. Ht. Wt.2 Nick Stich Sr. SE/B 5-10 1553 Sean Campbell Sr. RB/B 5-11 1855 Abe Moore Sr. SE/B 6-1 1856 John Tate Jr. QB/B 6-4 21510 Rusty Joyce Sr. QB/B 5-10 17012 Alex Valenti Sr. SE/B 6-0 16513 Collin Gibson So. QB/B 5-10 15520 Matt Talarico Jr. RB/B 5-10 17021 Nick Funk Jr. SE/B 5-10 15522 Jordan Glasgow Sr. RB/B 6-1 20023 Cole Bonebrake Jr. RB/B 5-10 18024 Nate Traxler Jr. RB/B 6-3 20025 Eli Baltazar Jr. RB/B 5-8 16027 Evan Pickard Sr. TE/DE 6-6 21530 Noel Abraham Sr. RB/B 5-8 17531 Malcolm Confer Sr. RB/DE 6-0 19032 Kyle Jordan Sr. RB/LB 6-1 21033 Matt Ferraro Jr. RB/B 5-10 17534 Rory Arnold Sr. RB/LB 6-1 21035 Eric Bacorn Sr. TE/LB 6-1 19536 Patrick Zolfo Sr. SE/B 6-0 160

37 Zach Turnbow Sr. SE/B 5-10 16040 Ian Valaik Jr. SE/B 5-11 17542 Anthony Campbell Sr. SE/B 6-2 19543 Wade Gunderson Sr. RB/LB 6-0 20044 Nick Auriemma So. RB/LB 5-10 20045 Chris Valenti Sr. 6-2 SE/B 17046 Lucas Warren Jr. RB/LB 6-0 23550 Neil Peterson Sr. T/DE 6-2 22052 Jeremy Daum Jr. G/DT 6-0 20053 Zach Fincher So. K 5-10 17054 Baylor Johnson Jr. C/T 5-10 18556 Luke Juriga Sr. G/T 6-4 27063 Adam Prosser Jr. G/T 6-1 25064 Andres Lerma Sr. G/T 5-9 17565 Michael Cooney Fr. K 5-9 16069 Peter Capetillo Jr. C/T 5-11 20071 Tim Clohecy Sr. T/T 6-2 23073 Connor Hoeft So. K 6-2 20574 John Gauthier Sr. T/T 6-6 27076 Ben Freda Sr. C/T 6-0 24577 Adam Miller Jr. T/T 6-5 26580 Reilly Dougherty Sr. TE/DE 6-4 21582 Joey Cherwin Sr. SE/B 6-2 20586 Anton Blaeser Sr. SE/B 6-3 180Head coach: Dan Thorpe

ST. CHARLES EASTNo. Name Yr. Pos. Ht. Wt.2 Matt Dorsey Sr. 5-9 1653 Tommy Fink Sr. DB/WR 5-11 1804 Mitch Guillaume Jr. LB 6-0 1905 Parker Vidmich Sr. LB 6-0 2006 Kyle Cook Sr. QB 6-1 1707 Aiden Wright Jr. QB 5-11 1508 Kody Kolker Jr. DB 6-0 1559 Blake Jones Sr. LB 5-10 18010 Jack Russell Jr. WR/LB 5-11 17011 Nicholas Candre Jr. WR/K 6-1 17012 Anthony Rubino Jr. DB 5-6 14813 Nick Sciarrino Sr. QB 6-0 15514 Thomas Ballard Jr. DB 5-10 16015 Troy Braatelien Sr. WR 5-11 16016 Chad Bowen Jr. QB 5-11 165

17 Adam Finke Sr. WR 5-9 15018 David McDermott Jr. CB 5-7 15019 Peyton Brown Jr. DB 5-9 14020 Max Mollenhauer Sr. DB 6-2 16522 Jacob Clodi Sr. DB 5-11 15024 Ramon Lopez Sr. RB/DB 5-9 18025 Matt Senger Jr. DB 6-0 17027 Zack Pera Jr. DB 5-9 14528 Cameron Canales Jr. RB 5-7 19029 Kevin Cuautle Sr. RB 5-9 17530 Connor Slattery Sr. DB 5-11 15532 Jake Asquini Sr. WR 6-1 17534 Berke Bearrick Jr. RB 5-11 18535 Jack Williams Jr. DB/K 5-10 15537 Michael Wilcox Jr. DB 5-11 16539 Austin Griffin Jr. DB 6-0 16041 Russell Phelps Sr. LB 5-10 14542 John Morgan Jr. LB 5-11 18044 Blake Saltsman Jr. LB 6-1 16745 Max Powers Sr. DB 5-10 16046 Jared Chimil Sr. DL 5-2 16547 Ricky Skryd Jr. DL 6-0 18048 Jeffrey Sommer Jr. LB 6-2 16049 William Stevens Jr. LB 6-0 19050 Nicholas Barron Jr. OL 5-9 16551 Joe Meyers Sr. OL 5-8 19053 James Vicicondi Jr. DL 5-7 15055 Edward Harriett Sr. OL 5-9 22057 Michael Gutierrez Jr. DL 6-1 20658 Johnny Cotter Jr. LB 5-11 14059 Frank Cristino Sr. DL 5-10 24060 Jack Sharkey Sr. OL 6-0 22561 Jake Rosenfeldt Jr. OL 6-0 20062 Brennan Bosch Sr. OL 6-2 26565 Anthony Bisogni Sr. DL 5-9 16566 Larry Vivoda Jr. DL 6-4 20070 Tyler Konecki Jr. OL 5-7 14071 Kristopher Miller Jr. OL 6-2 19073 Blake Lundstrom Jr. OL/DL 5-10 18574 Zachary Reyes Sr. OL 5-11 25075 Brian Chacha Sr. DL 6-1 20176 Matthew Doyle Sr. OL 6-3 300

See ROSTERS, page 27


St. Charles East’s Brennan Bosch (69) readies for a drill during a recent practice at the school in St. Charles.

• ROSTERSContinued from page 25


• Thursday, August 28, 201427 2014 PREP FOOTBALL ROSTERS

76 Matthew Doyle Sr. OL 6-3 30077 Luke Neville Jr. DL 6-0 19578 Erik Boehmer Jr. OL 6-1 24879 Zachary Kampen Jr. DL 5-7 18080 Zachary Camper Sr. WR 6-2 18581 Corbin Marucco Jr. CB 5-9 15082 Jason Turnbull Jr. WR 5-10 13583 Vince Basile Sr. WR 5-7 12585 Jonathan T. Ford Jr. WR 6-3 16088 Morgan Flanigan Sr. WR/CB 5-8 15589 Max Paladino Jr. DB 6-0 17090 Jacob McCann Sr. DL 5-9 18091 Blake Fialka Sr. DL 5-7 16592 Nicholas Lombardo Sr. DL 5-9 19098 Connor Plumb Sr. DL 6-2 21099 Will Leite Sr. DL 6-0 240 Luis Anzaldua Jr. 6-1 165Head coach: Bryce Farquhar

ST. CHARLES NORTHNo. Name Yr. Pos. Ht. Wt.1 Brendan Joyce Jr. DB/WR 5-10 1752 Jake Spaniol Jr. DB/WR 6-0 1753 Justin Skwierarski Jr. DB/WR 6-0 1554 Jayson Reckards Jr. DB/WR 6-0 1605 Nick Zamecnik Sr. DB/WR 6-1 1756 Brendan Donlevy Sr. WR 6-1 1777 Jake Chantos Jr. DB/WR 5-9 1638 Bryan Verstat Sr. DB/RB 5-7 1659 Chris Hegedus Sr. DB/WR 5-9 16510 Kyle Novotney Jr. DB/QB 6-0 18111 Tyler Mettetal So. LB/WR 6-0 19712 Nathan Didier Sr. DB/QB 6-0 18113 Dean McBride Sr. DB/RB 5-10 17514 Dylan Rithhamel Jr. DB/WR 5-11 17615 Ryan Brandt Sr. PK 6-1 17516 Tyler Bell Sr. WR 5-9 16018 Blake Kastein Sr. DB/WR 6-0 16319 Ethan Fredericks Sr. DL/RB 5-10 17321 Cole Bruett Sr. NG/RB 5-9 185

22 Dominick Sidari Jr. LB/RB 6-1 20523 Alex Sabo Jr. DB/WR 5-7 14024 Tom Summerwill Jr. DB/WR 5-7 15025 Billy Duhownik Jr. LB/RB 5-11 20026 Justin Fishbach Jr. DB/WR 6-0 18027 David Hernandez Jr. DB/WR 5-10 16230 John Fullem Sr. DL/RB 5-9 17532 Nico Smolinski Jr. LB/WR 6-1 17733 Nick McDonald Sr. DB/WR 5-10 17534 Matt Schweitzer Jr. DB/WR 5-8 15036 Michael Druck Sr. DB/WR 5-11 15137 Liam Kelly Jr. LB/RB 5-11 19038 Alex Fortcamp Jr. LB/RB 6-0 19241 Jordan Bergren Sr. DE/TE 6-4 225 Andrew Winkleman Jr. LB/OL 6-0 21043 Zach Woeste Sr. DB/WR 6-2 17544 Chris Lanciloti Jr. LB/WR 5-9 17045 Tyler Buterbaugh Jr. LB/RB 4-3 10546 Kyle Wandle Sr. DL/OL 6-3 18550 Kyle Begovich Jr. DL/OL 6-0 24051 Brendan McCarthy Sr. DL/OL 6-2 22052 Ben Thiele Sr. LB/RB 6-0 20053 Doug Cermak Jr. LB/RB 5-10 18754 Quinn Calcagno Jr. DL/OL 5-10 21055 Carson Schmitt Sr. LB/OL 6-4 21456 Jack Glavin Jr. DL/OL 6-5 23258 Giovanni Danna Jr. LB/OL 5-9 17561 Kevin Bragowski Sr. DL/OL 6-2 21062 Dylan Caprini Jr. DL/OL 6-2 20764 Dillon Conrad Jr. DL/OL 5-10 19565 J.P. Principato Sr. DL/OL 5-9 18566 Graham McDonald Jr. DL/OL 6-5 23568 Ryan Turner Sr. DL/OL 6-3 27069 Dalton Young Sr. DL/OL 6-0185 71 Ryan Ibach Jr. DL/OL 6-0 24572 Colin Leivrow Sr. DL/OL 6-0 23073 Logan Johnson Jr. DL/OL 6-0 23074 Nick Keonig Jr. DL/OL 6-7 30077 Sam Ambrogio So. DL/OL 6-3 29278 Jackson Krantz Jr. DL/OL 6-2 24579 Stewart Vasquez Jr. DL/OL 5-10 19580 Sean McCarthy Jr. DL/OL 5-10 17081 Jack Callaghan Sr. LB/TE 6-3 22090 John Pretet Sr. DL/OL 6-3 21795 Tyler Skott Sr. DL/OL 6-0 180

96 Harley Tobon Sr. DL/OL 5-10 19097 Will Madura Sr. DL/OL 6-0 20098 Chandler Rubin Jr. DL/OL 5-8 19899 Zach Greiter Sr. DL/OL 6-2 310Head coach: Rob Pomazak

ST. FRANCISNo. Name Yr. Pos. Ht. Wt.1 William Purdom Jr. ATH 5-11 1752 Matthew Hanson Sr. WR 6-2 1804 Clint Bobowski Sr. QB 6-0 1805 Keenan Corrigan Jr. K 5-9 1306 Nick Dama Sr. QB 5-11 1609 Peter Fassnacht Jr. QB/DB 5-7 15510 Michael Beach Jr. WR/DB 6-2 17511 Patrick Sullivan Sr. WR 6-5 18012 Jeff Duke Sr. WR/DB 5-10 17513 Ian Hart Sr. K 6-2 16015 Christopher Smith Sr. WR/DB 5-8 16517 AJ Fernandez Sr. WR/LB 6-1 19018 Brian Marren Sr. RB/LB 5-8 17019 Trevor Jungles Jr. 5-9 17020 Steven Fassnacht Sr. RB/DB 5-10 18521 Jack Ahern Sr. R/DB/P 5-9 16022 Liam Marren Jr. RB/LB 5-9 15023 Tristan Bolin Jr. TE/LB 6-0 17024 Connor Lippencott Jr. LB 5-9 14029 Thomas Petrando Jr. TE/LB 6-2 19035 Thomas Brundage Sr. DL 5-7 17037 Nathan Zito Sr. TE/LB 6-2 22039 Michael Rueth Jr. RB/LB 5-7 15050 Michael Riley Sr. OL/DL 6-0 20551 Nicholas Kavouris Jr. OL/DL 6-2 21052 David Dauer Sr. OL/DL 6-0 19054 John Perry Jr. OL/DL 6-0 18555 John Vargyas Sr. OL/LB 6-0 23059 Jonathan Krisco Jr. OL/DL 5-9 16060 Brandon Winkelman Jr. OL/LB 5-8 170 63 Cole Cunningham Sr. OL/DL 6-1 27072 Kevin Killian Jr. OL/DL 6-0 23074 Brendan Killian Sr. OL/DL 5-10 22575 Brian Riesenberg Sr. OL/DL 6-2 20077 Pasquale Calcagno Sr. OL/DL 6-5 22578 Spencer Stibbe Sr. OL/DL 6-2 24083 Michael Pelletiere Sr. DB 5-7 165

88 Michael Shaw Sr. WR/DB 6-3 180Head coach: Mike Fitzgerald

WHEATON ACADEMYNo. Name Yr. Pos.2 Camden Mead Sr. RB/LB3 Luis Ramos Sr. RB/LB5 David Thrasher Jr. QB/LB7 Dillon Oleson Sr. R/DB9 Sam Martinez Sr. R/DB12 Scottie McLean Sr. RB/LB13 Graham Cole Sr. R/DB14 Steven Sellers Jr. QB/DB16 Ty Collins Jr. TE/LB17 Mikey Alfano So. QB/DB20 Mike Silfugarian Sr. RB/LB21 Kyle Maranhas Sr. OL/LB22 Grady Crawford Jr. R/LB24 Luke Doncel Sr. R/DB25 Marino Costello Sr. TE/DL26 Adam Marquardt Jr. R/DB30 Tyler Jackson So. RB/LB32 Kordell Bowling Jr. R/DB34 Harrison Taylor So. R/DB38 Chase Martin Jr. RB/LB45 Will Litfin So. R/DB50 Nori Kasai So. OL/LB52 Noah Owens Jr. OL/DL54 Zach Wakely Jr. OL/DL55 Nick Polimenakos Jr. OL/DL56 Nathan Meade Jr. OL/LB57 Alec Dunn So. R/RB58 John Acosta Sr. OL/DL60 Tom Holmberg So. OL/DL63 Mitch Brunner So. OL/DL68 Josh Farrell So. OL/DL70 David McDonell Jr. OL/DL75 Josh Dutton Sr. OL/DL78 Tommy Ryan So. OL/DL83 Luke Manske Jr. R/DB84 Evan Williams Sr. OL/DL Zach Stenzel Sr. KHead coach: Brad Thornton

• ROSTERSContinued from page 26


St. Charles North players take to the field during the first day of practice Aug. 11 at the school.

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