OTT-PrepFootballPreview 8_2018

2018 PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW

INSIDE u Editor’s Note ........................................................... Page 2 u Ottawa Pirates ........................................................ Page 3 u Streator Bulldogs .................................................... Page 4 u Sandwich Indians ................................................... Page 5 u Marquette Crusaders .............................................. Page 6 u Fieldcrest Knights ................................................... Page 8 u FCWRB Falcons ....................................................... Page 9 u Seneca Fighting Irish ............................................ Page 10 u Conference Previews ..................................... Pages 11, 12

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2018 Football Preview

Thursday, August 23 , 2018

The Times - Delivering Your Community

The times, they are a-changin’ in high school football To call these “changing times” in high school football would be like calling a fullback dive on 3rd-and-26.

It’s not wrong, exactly, but it’s going to come up far short of the mark.

Aside from being a paperboy as a kid or a few editorial cartoons I did for the Illinois Valley Community College student newspaper (mostly complaining about being stuck outside in lousy Illinois weather; little did I know then my career would force me to stay outside in lousy Illinois weather for much longer durations of time than a five-minute walk to a parking lot), my first real newspaper experience came during the 1999 high school football season. If I remember correctly, my first bylined article was a preview of a Woodland-Ridgeview Midstate Conference football game.

Neither of those schools has its own football program anymore, and the Midstate Conference ceased to exist a dozen years ago.

So yeah, change in Illinois high school football

isn’t a new trend.

Like so much in the world, however, it feels — at least to Your Friendly Neighborhood Sports Reporter — that change is accelerating exponentially, that 2018 might be the most radical departure from what’s come before and 2019 is shaping up to be even moreso.

Let’s look at where our area teams are at this specific moment of time.

After all, it’s not likely to last long ... u Ottawa and La Salle-Peru will be spending their final season as members of the Northern Illinois Big 12 Conference before joining a new-look Interstate Eight (of sorts) in 2019. u Sandwich and Streator are in their final season as members of the old-look Interstate Eight — Sandwich and archrival Plano joining with Ottawa and L-P, amongst others, next year; Streator staying with the majority of the current I-8’s members to form a new eight-team league next school year.

Pedelty Box J.T. Pedelty u Marquette Academy is still a member of the Northeastern Athletic Conference in football, but it’s a tenuous arrangement at best with the NAC losing members left and right, many to 8-man football — including one just a few weeks ago, leaving the Crusaders with a sudden (and aggravating) Week 5 forfeit in their schedule. u Seneca is starting life in a new conference, following fellow former I-8 member Dwight into the Sangamon Valley. Time will tell how that football- and wrestling-only arrangement will work for the Fighting Irish. u The FCW co-op is now Flanagan-Cornell/Wood-

land/Roanoke-Benson (FCWRB to its friends) and still a member of the Heart of Illinois Conference.

I love the devotion the Falcons and their coaching staff are showing to keep the co-op alive in these difficult times for the sport at small schools, but any time your co-op’s school names have more letters than your football program has players, it’s a troubling trend. I desperately hope things turn around soon for the Falcons. u And then there’s Fieldcrest. Everything seems good at Fieldcrest. Even with some of its smaller members (such as FCWRB) struggling, the Heart of Illinois Conference is for the most part stable, the league is wildly successful at the top, and the Knights program at this time looks solid. There’s always an exception to every rule, right?

If that all reads a little doom and gloom, it wasn’t meant to come across that way.

Ottawa and L-P, for example, should be much

better off competitive-wise in their future conference home than their current one in the NIB 12, which as former Times sports editor Andy Tavegia said at the time of its forming maybe wasn’t the best idea to begin with.

Streator, coming off its first playoff appearance in almost a decade, seems more than content with its future conference’s configuration and its chances at fielding winning teams there.

Marquette is in the midst of a phenomenal run of gridiron success, and there’s no reason to believe a change in conference scenery, if it does happen, would derail that.

Seneca is on the verge of what I think is going to be a memorable debut season in the SVC. Which is to say — while it’s always different — change isn’t always a bad thing.

What’s next for high school football in our area, our state, the nation? I have some hunches (see our staff ’s Bold Predictions on

page 10 of this very section for one of them that would affect every team playing football across the great state of Illinois), but as fast as things are moving, it’d be almost pointless to try to predict where any of our area’s football programs might be in two years much less five, 10 or 20.

The only thing that seems likely to remain the same is that things are sure to keep changing.

Times Staff Columns THE PEDELTY BOX with J.T. Pedelty Tuesdays

INFIELD CHATTER with Scott T. Holland Wednesdays

INSIDE THE GAME with Charlie Ellerbrock Thursdays

OUTDOORS

with Fred Krause Thursdays

FULL-COURT PRESS with Brian Hoxsey Saturdays

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The Times - Delivering Your Community

2018 Football Preview

Thursday, August 23 , 2018

n 3

The Times | J.T. Pedelty

Returning letterwinners for the 2018 Ottawa Pirates include (left to right): front row — Jake Ovanic, Jake Ahearn, Cody Figenbaum, Matt Varland, Jared Herzog and Patrick Walsh; and in back — Andy Dauter, Ben Slack, Sam McQuen, Bryce Phelps, Jaxson Callahan, Derrick Hobbs and Austin Hyde.

Pirates’ aim? Turning things around in 2018 New head coach, transfers, returners take over at OHS KYLE NEVINS knevins@shawmedia.com 815-431-4085 A new era — or “air-a” — of Ottawa Pirate football has begun with one of its own and a familiar name leading the way.

Chad Gross, a 2003 Ottawa High School graduate and the grandson of legendary OHS coach June Gross, takes over the reigns of the storied gridiron program this fall from Trent Swords, who resigned as head coach last December after a 1-8 season and a decade-plus (12 years) at the helm.

“They’ve come in knowing a lot more at this point than I even expected them to,” Gross said of his squad, “even though we were going through the stuff this summer and I knew the kids were putting in the time and the work. They’re ahead of where I thought they’d be going into Week 1. So I’m very happy where we’re at.

“As a group, I’ve been very pleased with how consistent they are day in and day out with their level of play and their effort level that they’re giving us in practice. These kids are really working hard to understand what

we’re trying to do both offensively and defensively; they’re putting in that time, and I think it’s going to really pay off for them.”

Gross’ 41-player varsity roster consists of 20 seniors, 19 juniors and a pair of sophomores playing up.

“We don’t have a lot of size, but we have a lot of kids that are very athletic and can play multiple positions,” Gross said.

“We do have a lot of kids that are going to have big roles on this team.

“Our team speed overall, I’m pretty excited about that.”

Ottawa’s new-look offense will be reminiscent of Sterling’s.

“We’re going to look to spread people out a little bit more,” Gross said. “I mean, we’re going to take what the defense gives us.

If we’re able to run the football, which I want to do, to control the game ... but we are definitely going to be able to throw the ball. We’ll probably throw the ball more than any Ottawa team has ever thrown the ball.

“We definitely won’t be one-dimensional; you won’t be able to just take one thing away to stop Ottawa. You know, we have three to four options on a play that we’re fine

SCHEDULE 8/24 SANDWICH 7 p.m.

8/31 WOODSTOCK 7 p.m.

9/7 at Kankakee 7 p.m.

9/14 at La Salle-Peru 7:15 p.m.

9/21 MORRIS 7:15 p.m.

9/28 at Sterling 7:15 p.m.

10/5 GENESEO 7:15 p.m.

10/12 ROCHELLE 7:15 p.m.

10/19 at Yorkville 7:15 p.m. getting the ball to.”

The offense will feature explosive junior running back Tray Fisher, who attended OHS at the beginning of his freshman year before transferring to Streator, where he gained 935 yards — at a 6.7 per-carry clip — and scored 10 touchdowns last season.

“Tray has a skill set that fits what we want to do offensively,” said Gross, who proclaimed Fisher will be “as good as anybody” in the NIB 12 Conference. “He’s a kid that will warrant a lot of attention for defensive coordinators.”

Flinging the pigskin will be promising sophomore quarterback Brett Galletti, a transfer from Marquette.

“He has a strong arm.

He sees the field pretty well,” Gross said of Galletti, who is believed to be the first 10th-grader to start at QB for Ottawa since Dan Battles in 1962.

“He really is working hard at learning this kind of spread offense. So I see him having a very successful season throwing the football.”

Among the receiving targets will be returning 12th-grader Jared Herzog

OTTAWA ROSTER No. Name

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7 10 11 12 14 15 16 24 25 26 28 32 33 34 36 40 42 43 44 51 52

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Brett Galletti Ben Lundy Jared Herzog Derrick Hobbs Cody Figenbaum Ben Slack Zak Maslanka Tray Fisher Dalton Gosdin Naseem Gray Andy Dauter Hunter Smith Dylan Sustek Collyn Gustaffson Michael Morse Ulices Perez Anthony Gutierez Matt Ahearn Tim Lingle Bryce Phelps Jaxson Callahan

and senior newcomer Ben Lundy. Sophomore Matt Ahearn will be an H-back type. The O-line will be anchored by seniors Jake Ahearn (center), Jaxson Callahan (tackle) and Ryan Gleason (tackle), all starters back.

The heart and soul of the Ottawa defense — now under the direction of Mark Andrews, whose base alignment will be a 3-4 — will be the middle-linebacking tandem of senior Bryce Phelps (46 total tackles, two

Sam McQuen Matthew Varland Jake Ovanic Dustin Gerkitz Kevin Saar Jake Ahearn Owen Snyder Zach Smith Austin Hyde Pat Walsh Trace Wilson Nathan Orlandi Ryan Gleason Payton Green Briar Flores Austin Howard Travis Dougherty Devin Gende Kyle Szewczuk Kyle Green

sacks) and junior Jake Ovanic (51 total tackles, three fumble recoveries).

Other expected playmakers on that side of the ball include junior defensive end Zak Maslanka, outside linebacker Matt Ahearn, active safety Fisher, as well as corners Herzog and Lundy.

The campaign marks a fresh start, and the 2018 Pirates have an opportunity to lay the foundation for the future.

“Right after I was hired and I met with the kids the

next day at school,” Gross said, “I just told them, ‘You know, you guys have a chance to be a building block for turning this program around,’ and I think they’ve taken pride in that. Our senior group definitely, they want to go out as a winner. This is their chance to write their own chapter of Ottawa Pirate football history.

“I am very optimistic. I definitely think this group has a chance to have a great season. These kids are hungry.”

3 QUESTIONS FACING THE PIRATES:

1) 2) 3)

years?

Can Ottawa’s team speed and versatility offset its general lack of size?

How big of an impact will skill-position transfers Brett Galletti at quarterback and Tray Fisher at running back have on an offense that has lacked big-play capability in recent What kind of start can the Pirates get off to against another team with a new head coach and new-look offense in Week 1 — the Sandwich Indians?

A FEW THANK YOUS ...

A special section such as this — an increasingly-rare thing as the changing times our cover and editorial note allude to don’t just refer to the sport of high school football — is no small undertaking, and it takes extra effort from a multitude of individuals in order to bring you these extra pages showcasing our area’s young gridiron stars.

So from me to you, here are a few of the people greatly deserving of thanks for these “Changing Times” you hold in your hands ... u All of the advertisers you see throughout this section for supporting their communities, their schools, their student-athletes and their local newspaper which strives to cover them all. u Our area’s coaches, student-athletes, administrative assistants and athletics directors for taking the time to answer questions, send schedules, email rosters and pose for pictures during what for them — as for us — is the busiest time of the year. u The excellent non-editorial staff here at The Times and in Shaw Media ... the ones who don’t get their names on the bylines and the photo credits but do their jobs to allow us to do ours. u Our talented designers (namely Julie Barichello and Angie Barry) who turned this giant pile of stories and pictures and ideas into a coherent product you can hold in your hands and enjoy. u Our award-winning Sports staff, in my mind far and away the best you’ll find around.

Thank you for your hard work, Charlie, Jamie, Brian, Bill and Kyle. u And finally, thanks go to you, the reader, whose interest makes a section such as this possible.

It’s almost kickoff time. I can almost smell the pork chops ...

— J.T. Pedelty

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2018 Football Preview

Thursday, August 23 , 2018

The Times - Delivering Your Community

Bulldogs looking to raise the bar higher in ’18 Streator aims for first backto-back playoffs since 1970s BRIAN HOXSEY bhoxsey@shawmedia.com 815-431-4052 It was an exciting last four weeks of the season in 2017 for Streator Bulldogs football.

Fourth-year head coach Brian Hassett and his 36 players on the varsity roster are hoping there are more thrills to come this year — starting on the road against East Peoria tomorrow night.

The Bulldogs, who return five starters on each side of the ball, finished 5-5 (2-3 in Interstate Eight Large) last year and earned their first IHSA playoff berth since 2008.

To grab that place in the postseason, Streator won its final three regular-season contests, including defeating Lisle on a touchdown with just over a minute to play.

They then played even with Class 5A top seed and eventual state runner-up Dunlap for almost a quarter in the opening round of the playoffs before falling.

To say graduates and Times All-Area selections John Benckendorf, Maurice Cunningham, Caleb Osborn, Alonzo Flores, Daniel Gonzalez and Dawson McStoots set the bar high for this year’s team would be an understatement. But according to Hassett, his group this season isn’t resting on its laurels ... they want to push the bar higher.

“It hasn’t really affected how the kids have practiced so far,” Hassett said when asked about the end of last year carrying over.

“They haven’t come into this season with the attitude of (a playoff berth) is just something that’s going to happen. They have been working really hard, and I think we are all ready to get the season started.”

Hassett says he wants his team to be able to establish the running game to set up the play-action pass, and although the Bulldogs lost leading rusher Tray Fisher (transferred to Ottawa), the veteran coach feels he has a number of guys who can do the job when called upon.

The Bulldogs will use senior Lucas Sharisky, juniors Riley McCurdy, Riley Cole, Tavarre Phifer, Jeremiah Lukes, Dominic Haws and sophomore Trever Murphy at the running back spot. On the offensive line, Streator will return starting seniors Brett Dresbach (C), Brandon Durdan (LT) and Bryce Peacher (RT), with classmates Alex Granados and Dylan Woolford, plus juniors Patrick Rhodes and Maverick Murphy filling in..

“It is not going to be ‘that one guy’ as far as running the football. We have six or seven guys that can run the ball effectively, which is pretty unique, and I think we have a pretty strong offensive line as well,” Hassett said. “We are going to do the best we can to rotate guys in at running back, and some of those guys also play on the defensive side so they are going to need a break.”

As far as who will step in at the quarterback position — either senior Trevor Sember or junior Jimmy Tredway — Hassett says “it’s still up in the air” as of now. How-

The Times | Brian Hoxsey

Streator Bulldogs returning from last fall’s varsity squad include (left to right): in front — Logan Colter, Austin Stratton, Kobie Webb, Trevor Sember, Donnie Williams III, Alex Granados; and in back — Riley McCurdy, Dylan Woolford, Spencer Melvin, Caden Stasko, Brandon Durdan and Bryce Peacher.

Not pictured: Brett Dresbach.

SCHEDULE 8/24 at East Peoria 8/31 MORTON 9/7 at Plano 9/14 COAL CITY 9/21 SANDWICH 9/28 at Manteno 10/5 LISLE 10/12 at Wilmington 10/19 PEOTONE

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7 p.m.

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ever, whoever wins the job will have experienced receivers in seniors Kobie Webb and Logan Colter, plus McCurdy to throw to.

On defense, whether in a 3-4 or 4-3, Hassett says Granados and senior Caden Stasko will start in the middle of the line, with Rhodes, Woolford and juniors Haydn Rathbun and Nolan Salaz all rotating at end. Sharisky will be at middle linebacker, seniors Donnie Williams III and Spencer Melvin on the outside, with juniors Carter Spears and Haws filling in.

The secondary will feature Webb, Colter, Phifer and junior Latrell Teamer at cornerbacks, with Murphy and McCurdy at the safety spots.

“I think we will be better on the defensive side of the ball for sure this year,” Hassett said. “We have a few starters back and some younger guys that are going to step in that have some speed.”

Hassett feels the keys to a successful season for his team aren’t that much different from many teams across the state.

“We have to stay healthy ... I know that’s cliche, but its true,” said Hassett, who will be assisted by Pat DuMais, Beau Albert, Terry Kochis, Ben Huff and Terrell Shepherd. “We have some depth, but we need players to be able to go each and every play.

On offense, we’ll need to control the clock and take care of the ball, and on defense we just have to attack on every play and close up gaps.”

3 QUESTIONS FACING THE BULLDOGS:

1)

Will the Bulldogs’ “unique” rotation at running back work well enough throughout the season to take pressure off first-year varsity quarterbacks Sember or Tredway and help keep the SHS defense off the field?

Can the Streator defense, with a handful of veterans back and speedy newcomers, find ways to improve on the nearly 33 points and 375 yards a game given up a season ago?

Can Streator become postseason eligible before a Week 8 trip to perennial playoff team Wilmington and a Week 9 visit from a solid group from Peotone?

2)

3)

STREATOR ROSTER No. Name

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5-10 6-2 5-10 5-6 6-3 5-10 5-6 5-11 5-10 5-9 5-10 5-9 5-7 5-10 6-2 5-9 5-9 5-8

170 205 175 175 200 180 145 175 180 150 170 175 160 185 155 150 150 165

35 Trever Murphy 48 Greg Rashid 50 Patrick Rhodes 51 Dylan Woolford 53 Stephen White 54 Maverick Murphy 55 Brett Dresbach 58 Haydn Rathbun 64 Bryce Peacher 66/67 Nolan Salaz 70 Alex Granados 72 Caden Stasko 77 Brandon Durdan 80 Ethan Flanary 81 Spencer Melvin 82/57 Isaac Beals 85 Victor Torres 88 Logan Colter

5-9 6-2 5-10 5-10 5-10 5-10 5-10 6-0 6-2 5-10 5-7 6-3 6-0 5-10 6-0 6-0 5-9 5-9

165 150 225 200 195 180 225 180 265 180 235 280 300 150 165 190 150 150

Kobie Webb Donnie Williams III Riley McCurdy Riley Cole Jimmy Tredway Trevor Sember Tavarre Phifer Carter Spears Ian Kurdziolek Latrell Teamer Joey Cameron Jeremiah Lukes Austin Stratton Lucas Sharisky D’Angelo Hendrix Tommy Sirianni Jacob Black Dominic Haws

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So. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr.

RB/DB K OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB TE/LB TE/LB WR/DB WR/DB

SHARE YOUR NEWS TIPS WITH THE TIMES n IS THERE SOMETHING YOU WANT TO SEE COVERED IN THE NEWS? If you have an idea for a story or know about news you haven’t yet seen in the paper, we want to hear about it. Submit news tips at 815-431-4073 or newsroom@mywebtimes.com.

2018 Football Preview

The Times - Delivering Your Community

Thursday, August 23 , 2018

n 5

Under Cassie, Indians going back to ‘wing’ing it Sandwich returns to offense from repeated playoff runs BILL LIDINSKY For The Times After qualifying for the Class 4A playoffs five times from 2008 to 2013 including a state semifinal appearance in 2010, the Sandwich High School football program took a pretty big hit during the past four campaigns.

The Indians produced only seven wins while suffering 29 losses during the four-year tenure of head coach Chris Van Dyke, who stepped down after a 2017 season in which his team went 2-7 overall and 1-4 in the Interstate Eight Large Division.

Veteran SHS assistant coach Kris Cassie took over For The Times | Bill Lidinsky last spring and instituted a Sandwich Indians returning letterwinners this fall include (left to right): in front — Cole Frieders, Dylan Baumbach, Bailey Thurber, Devin Carrera, John new offense — the wing-T run-oriented approach the Conrad, Bryan Leon, Nathan Wheeler; and in the back row — Jacob Mosher, Sean File, Wyatt Murphy, Sean Smith, Tristan Olson, Jacob Meyer, Jimmy Indians perfected in their Roop and Mike Frieders. heyday — and new defense juniors) competitors. we were winning football consistently going to the become infectious with his along with a vibrant zest See SANDWICH, page 7 “We had a nice run where games and where we were playoffs,” Cassie said. group of 26 (13 seniors, 13 for his new role that has

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6n

2018 Football Preview

Thursday, August 23 , 2018

The Times - Delivering Your Community

The Times | Charlie Ellerbrock

Returning letterwinners for the Marquette Crusaders this fall will be (kneeling, left to right), Jake Mitchell, Eric Donahue, Luke Ferracuti, Logan Komater, Nick Phan, Evan Green and Gareth Kent; (middle) Devon Wawerski, Jack Durdan, Connor Durdan, Liam Dougherty, Jack Snook and Hunter McAlpine; (back ) Jonathan Headrick, Shane Reynolds, Tanner Jonassen, Christian Reynolds, John Thompson, Max Donahue and Preston Aukland.

Renewed spirit sparking veteran Crusaders in ’18 Marquette eying a return to November football CHARLIE ELLERBROCK cellerbrock@shawmedia.com 815-431-4035 When boxer Rocky Balboa was at the peak of his prowess, success took its toll on his fire and desire, and he needed Apollo Creed’s help to regain the “Eye of the Tiger” in order to defeat Clubber Lang and get the title back.

That film would be a good message for Marquette Academy football foes this coming season, because it appears the Crusaders have that fire back again, to the point where they even ran over assistant coach Tony Romano in a recent practice.

“Hey, I’ve got bruises now,” Romano said with a smile.

The Cru hope to leave their opponents in healthy but similar roughed-up and defeated condition after their 7-3 2017 season came to an abrupt end with a 34-16 home loss to

TIMES COLUMNS THE BUZZ What’s happening on the local business scene, each Monday

WEIGHT FOR ME with Julie Barichello every other Tuesday

SALMAGUNDI with Scott Holland each Tuesday

THE B-LIST

History, literature and pop culture with Angie Barry each Thursday

SPIRIT MATTERS with Jerrilyn Zavada each Saturday

PAPERWORK with retired managing editor Lonny Cain each Saturday

Fulton in the first round of the 1A playoffs.

“I think they’ve been dealing with that game since that very day, and it’s been stuck in their craw ever since,” said MA head coach Tom Jobst, who in his ninth season in the post has led the Cru to six Northeastern Athletic Conference championships in seven seasons in the league. “It’s showed in the offseason workouts, and it’s showing again here in practice.

“They’ve never mentioned it. Nobody talks about it, but they have a sore spot.”

They will be exorcising that demon without a small but tight group of graduates that included the last two Times Football Players of the Year, Zach Dyche and Michael Killelea, plus fellow First Team All-Area pick Keegan Jaros, but with a larger, even more cohesive bunch.

The biggest change will be the shift of Times First Team senior back Max Donahue from right halfback to fullback, a position that’s produced six 1,000yard rushers in as many seasons as the focal point in MA’s winged-T attack.

The versatile Jack Snook, also a Times First Team pick, takes on right half, seniors Evan Green and Eric Donahue and sophomores Luke Couch and Shane Reynolds the primaries at left half, with junior Liam Dougherty at split end.

Back for his fourth varsity season at quarterback will be Logan Komater, who like Green was a Times Second Team selection.

Blocking for them

MARQUETTE ROSTER No. Name

Ht.

Wt. Yr. Pos.

No. Name

Ht.

Wt. Yr. Pos.

2 5 7 8 12 17 20 21 22 25 32 34 35 37 42

5-10 5-11 5-0 5-10 5-3 5-9 5-10 6-0 5-6 6-2 5-11 5-6 6-2 5-11 5-11

160 200 124 150 110 165 175 165 170 155 150 170 215 140 165

48 52 53 56 62 63 64 65 68 70 71 74 75 80 81

5-8 5-9 5-6 5-7 6-0 5-9 6-4 5-8 5-11 6-0 6-1 6-1 6-3 5-11 6-5

145 205 170 170 195 165 210 260 220 250 240 275 280 180 200

Logan Komater Max Donahue Nick Phan Luke Couch Jalen Flavel Evan Green Jack Snook Liam Dougherty Jay Scott Shane Reynolds Gabe Amicon Hunter O’Dell Preston Aukland Gabe Johnson Gareth Kent

Sr. Sr. Sr. So. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. So. Jr. So. Jr. Jr. Sr.

QB/DB RB/DB RB/DB RB/DB SE/DB RB/DB RB/DB E/LB FB/LB E/OLB SE/DB FB/LB RB/LB SE RB/LB

3 QUESTIONS FACING THE CRUSADERS:

1) 2) 3)

How will Marquette’s new varsity starters — and old starters now in new roles — take over for a small but talented group of graduates from the Class of 2018?

Who, if anyone, will the Crusaders line up against in Week 5 to replace potentially-departing-the-NAC Our Lady of the Sacred Heart?

Can Marquette make it through a revamped and potentially more-challenging regular-season schedule and return to their customary status as a top seed in the Class 1A playoff bracket? will be Second Teamer Christian Reynolds and either Tanner Jonassen or rapidly-improving Connor Durdan at tackles, guards Luke Ferracuti and Hunter McAlpine, and either John Thompson or Jack Durdan at center.

Connor Durdan might also see action at tight end, along with Gareth Kent.

Leading the defense will be the linebacking crew of Max Donahue and Times Second Team choice Preston Aukland inside, and Ferracuti, Green and Dougherty outside. Komater, Snook, Eric Donahue and Couch will be in the defensive backfield mix.

The aforementioned linemen will be joined in the D-line by senior Devon Wawerski and juniors Austin Leiteritz and Steven Jackson.

“When you have a program that’s been as solid as ours has been the last few years, you are going to be losing some very good players from one year to the next, as is the case now,” Jobst said.

“We’ve been fortunate to have very good players following them.

“But man for man, this is the physically strongest group I’ve had here. In the past, we had a few guys

Eric Donahue Evan Mann Lennon Daniels Luke Ferracuti Hunter McAlpine Jake Mitchell John Thompson Devon Wawerski Austin Leiteritz Jack Durdan Steven Jackson Christian Reynolds Tanner Jonassen Connor Durdan Victor Mullen

Sr. So. Jr. Sr. Sr. So. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. So.

RB/DB OL/DL OL/DL OG/LB OG/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL T/DL T/DL T/DL T/DL E/LB E/DL

SCHEDULE

who were strong and a bunch of average guys.

This year, we have a lot more guys who are re- 8/24 at Dwight 7 p.m. ally strong, and every7 p.m. one else is still strong. 8/31 SENECA That will show in their 7 p.m. making tackles, break- 9/7 KIRKLAND HIAWATHA ing tackles, and even in 9/14 at Mooseheart 7 p.m. their playing posture on the field. Hopefully 9/21 TBD TBD it will keep us healthi9/28 WALTHER CHRISTIAN 7 p.m. er, too.”

The schedule starts 10/5 at River Valley 7 p.m. with Dwight and Seneca as nonconference 10/12 ROCKFORD CHRISTIAN 7 p.m. foes in the first two 10/19 at South Beloit 7 p.m. weeks. Meanwhile, the rapidly-changing NAC — which has lost foe, St. Louis Cardinal MA’s Week 5 opponent, Ritter.

Rockford Sacred Heart, to “Seneca and Dwight eight-man football — has are very solid programs,” strengthened itself with Jobst said, “good teams, the additions of Walther good players, and RockChristian and Rockford ford Christian will be a Christian. ton. They have a lot of guys back. … We feel good The latter, a former Big Northern Conference about our season and our players. I don’t like making member which went 5-5 predictions. If we avoid inwith a 2A playoff loss juries and illness and don’t to Orion last year, Jobst compared favorably to for- make mistakes — and of course it takes a little good mer league powerhouse fortune, too — it should be Chicago Hope Academy a very solid season for us.” and last year’s non-loop

2018 Football Preview

The Times - Delivering Your Community

Sandwich

at center flanked by senior captain/returning guard John Conrad (5-10, 260) and From page 5 senior Bryan Leon (5-10, 170).

“There was a recent Tackle spots will be manned stretch where that didn’t by senior Jacob Meyer (6-2, happen, and when this 280) and juniors Jack Pehlke opportunity came about to (6-2, 215) and Jacob Mosher be a head football coach at (5-10, 240). Senior ends Wyatt Sandwich, I jumped at it.

Murphy (6-0, 195) and senior “I’ve always been a captain Jimmy Roop (6-3, high-energy guy, so it was 190) — the team’s leading easy for me to bring that receiver last year with 13 passion to the table as a head receptions for 263 yards and coach. I’m excited about this two touchdowns — complete opportunity, and I’ve never a line that’s not huge but is backed away from a chalquick. lenge. I think the kids are the “We’ll still incorporate same way and have bought throwing the ball this year, into the new approach, and but me as a blocker this their attitudes have been season is going to be huge,” amazing.”

Roop said. “Those POAs Offensively, it starts with (point of attacks) are importa line that must block well if ant. I love this offense, and the Indians are to be success- I want to play a big role to ful running the wing-T. make this team successful.”

Junior Cole Frieders The Indian backs are light(5-10, 225) will snap the ball ning fast. Senior captain

3 QUESTIONS FACING THE INDIANS:

1) 2) 3)

sters?

How quickly can the Indians letterwinners adjust back to the wing-T offense they learned as young-

What combination of runners will best replace Sandwich single-season rushing leader Evan Taxis and his area-best 1,524 yards from a year ago?

In a sign of things to come, how will Sandwich (enrollment 689) match up in Week 1 with Ottawa (enrollment 1,332) in a nonconference matchup between schools which will be conference foes beginning in 2019?

Thursday, August 23 , 2018

n 7

SANDWICH ROSTER No. Name

Ht.

Wt. Yr. Pos.

No. Name

Ht.

Wt. Yr. Pos.

1 2 5 9 10 11 15 20 21 22 23 25 26

5-9 6-1 6-1 6-0 6-3 6-3 5-8 5-7 5-9 6-3 6-2 5-10 6-0

165 165 170 150 180 190 150 160 160 165 205 155 195

32 34 40 50 51 54 60 62 65 73 75 76 79

5-8 6-0 5-8 5-8 5-10 6-2 5-9 5-10 5-6 5-10 6-2 5-10 6-4

185 165 175 220 170 215 205 225 150 240 280 260 205

Devin Carrera Nathan Wheeler Jack Theurer Mason Blanchard Mike Frieders Jimmy Roop Trace Hayes Nicolas Lidinsky Dylan Baumbach Tristan Olson Sean Smith Sean File Wyatt Murphy

Dylan Baumbach (5-9, 160) heads the wingback contingent along with senior captain Devin Carrera (5-9, 165) and junior Nic Lidinsky (5-7, 160). Both Baumbach and Lidinsky are sprinters on the SHS track and field squad.

At fullback, Cassie will look to a trio of athletes to compete including seniors Sean Smith (6-2, 205), Bailey Thurber (5-8, 175) and Sean File (5-10, 155).

Senior captain Mike Frieders (6-3, 160) will be the Sandwich quarterback.

As a junior he played in five games, completing 13 passes for 174 yards and two touchdowns. But Frieders will

Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr.

RB/DB TE/DB QB/DB TE/LB QB/DB TE/LB RB/DB RB/DB RB/DB TE/LB RB/DL RB/DL TE/LB

now revert to the lessons learned in youth tackle as a wing-T play caller.

“It’s all coming back to me, having run that offense from second grade all through middle school,” Mike Frieders said. “I’ve got some experience coming off last season, so I know I’ll keep my composure out there and play my best.”

On defense, the Indians have a bunch of guys playing both ways starting on the defensive line with Conrad and Cole Frieders at guard as well as Pehlke, Smith and Meyer at ends along with juniors Braden Mansur (5-9, 205) and Gerrit Decker (5-8, 220) filling in as well.

Nico Migliorini Jackson Murphy Bailey Thurber Gerrit Decker Bryan Leon Jack Pehlke Braden Mansur Cole Frieders Avery Tindall Jacob Mosher Jacob Meyer John Conrad Austin Kleckner

Thurber, Wyatt Murphy, Roop, Lidinsky along with juniors Jackson Murphy (6-0, 165) and Nico Migliorini (5-8, 185) will handle the linebacking duties ahead of Mike Frieders, Carrera, Baumbach and senior Nate Wheeler (6-1, 165) as well as junior Jack Theurer (6-1, 170) in the defensive backfield.

Punter and kicker Smith will lead the SHS special teams along with speedy returners Baumbach, Carrera and Lidinsky as the Indians will look to go back to the playoffs for the first time since 2013.

“We want to be outstanding in all phases of the game, be it offense, defense

Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr.

RB/LB RB/LB RB/LB OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL

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8n

2018 Football Preview

Thursday, August 23 , 2018

The Times - Delivering Your Community

The Times | J.T. Pedelty

Fieldcrest Knights returning from last fall’s varsity squad include (left to right): in front — Tyler McKay, Travis Sunken, Cory Land, Michael Breitbarth, Colby Booth, Jordan Hochecker, Jaxon Cusac-McKay, Thomas Milton, Andrew Mason, Braden Peck; second row — Blake Bratt, Garrett Nix, Micah Hurd, Matt Lorton, Gage Mays, Ryan Breckenridge, Mike Morse, Andrew Wiesenhofer, Keegan Robbins, Tyler Baker, Allen Harlan, Teo Zamora; and in back — Parker Ruestman, Hunter Wyss, Ethan Johnson, Mason Faulk, Cam Milashoski, Derek May, Tisen Covington, Brock Malone, Andrew Gochanour, Jared Seggerman and Brandon Spangler.

Friday Knights: Fieldcrest aims to build on return to playoffs SCHEDULE Plenty back in Minonk for another 8/24 REED-CUSTER 8/31 TRI-VALLEY playoff push 9/7 at Tremont J.T. PEDELTY jtpedelty@shawmedia.com 815-431-4043

FIELDCREST ROSTER 7 p.m.

No. Name

7 p.m. 1 7 p.m.

9/14 at Gibson City-Mel.-Sib. 7 p.m.

9/21 FCWRB

7 p.m.

9/28 at Dee-Mack

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

After a one-year hiatus 10/5 RIDGEVIEW-LEX. last season, the Fieldcrest 10/12 at Eureka 7 p.m.

Knights were back where 10/19 EL PASO-GRIDLEY 7 p.m. they felt they belonged with a return to the IHSA playoffs in 2017. them will be featured back Now — with a wealth of Micah Hurd — back from returners, a good amount a season-ending injury of depth and plenty of after a great start in 2017 talent even with all-every- — spelled by Kenton Casthing quarterback Cam trejon and change-of-pace Grandy gone to Pomp and back/slot receiver Mike Circumstance — their aim Morse. is to do better once they At receiver, the Knights get there. feature talent stacked “We had a good season,” on top of talent led by arguably the best one-two said head coach Derek punch around in Times Schneeman (fifth year, All-Area First Teamer 30-13), whose team went Derek May (41 rec., 446 7-3 last year and fell in yards), slot Second Team the opening round of the selection Morse (44 rec., playoffs, “but the end left 510 yards) and Honorable us with a bad taste in our mouths. The guys are hun- Mention pick Jaxon McKay-Cusac. gry for more this year.

Keegan Robbins and “We have lost some Tisen Covington also pieces ... but we’re really figure into the receiver excited about the guys we picture. have back and the guys “Receiving-wise, this we have to fill these roles.

We have a lot of guys who group is as good as we’ve had,” said Schneeman. were No. 2s last year or were out with injuries too, “I’m very pleased with and they’re hungry as well what we have in the skill positions.” and hopefully ready to Up on the line where take that next step.” it all starts, the Knights On offense, the Knights have solid experience led headed into the final by the likes of three-year week of practice with a starter Mason Faulk; quarterback competition 210-pound Jared Segto replace the explosive Grandy. Senior Tyler McK- german; and 225-pound ay, Grandy’s backup a year returning center Gage Mays. Tackles Cam Miago, and/or last year’s JV lashoski, Thomas Milton starting QB, Matt Lorton, and Travis Sunken look will be behind center to poised to man the tackle start a versatile spread spots, while opposite left attack. guard Faulk should be In the backfield with

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 11 12 13 15 16 17 20 21 22 23 24 25 27

Keegan Robbins Derek May Ryan Breckenridge Colby Booth Tisen Covington Tyler Baker Andrew Gochanour Cory Land Matt Lorton Garrett Nix Andrew Mason Henry Lorton Nate Flynn Blake Bratt Tyler McKay Braden Peck Micah Hurd Teo Zamora Jaxon Cusac-McKay Andrew Wisenhofer Mike Morse Ryan Hook

Jordan Hochecker and/or Allen Harlan. Blake Bratt and Garrett Nix are down as the squad’s tight ends, which Schneeman expects to use more of this season.

Ryan Breckenridge could see time at receiver in addition to being the Knights’ placekicker.

Defensively, Seggerman was a Times All-Area First Team force from one end spot, with some combination of Hurd, Nix and Bratt opposite him.

In between Fieldcrest has some good size at tackle — namely some combination of Faulk (275 pounds), Milashoski (275 pounds), Parker Ruestman (240 pounds) and Harlan (240 pounds).

At linebacker, Schneeman says middle man Teo Zamora looks poised for a breakthrough season,

Ht.

Wt. Yr. Pos.

No. Name

Ht.

Wt. Yr. Pos.

5-8 6-1 5-9 5-8 5-8 5-10 6-0 6-0 6-1 6-2 5-9 5-9 5-8 6-0 5-11 5-8 6-2 6-0 5-10 5-9 5-9 5-5

150 175 155 145 135 170 140 125 155 170 170 130 140 225 180 160 200 200 160 145 160 135

31 32 33 35 48 50 51 52 54 56 57 58 66 67 68 69 73 75 77 78 80 83

5-10 5-6 5-7 5-10 5-11 5-8 6-1 6-0 5-11 6-0 6-5 5-6 6-1 5-10 6-0 6-2 6-1 6-4 5-10 6-3 5-8 6-2

150 155 150 130 225 150 225 195 240 175 210 260 220 150 165 180 275 240 240 275 130 160

Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. Jr. Jr. Sr. So. So. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. Jr. Sr. So.

WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB/K WR/LB WR/DB RB/DB WR/DB QB/DB QB/DB TE/DE WR/LB WR/DB WR/DB TE/DE QB/LB WR/DB RB/DE WR/LB WR/DB WR/DB WR/RB/DB RB/LB

Skyler Nix Jacob Joyal Austin Jefford Zachary Keller Kenton Castrejon Michael Breitbarth Gage Mays Thomas Milton Jordan Hochecker Brandon Spangler Jared Seggerman Collin Morris Travis Sunken Clayton Boland Zachary Cremer Ethan Johnson Mason Faulk Parker Ruestman Allen Harlan Cam Milashoski Lucas Sidebottom Hunter Wyss

3 QUESTIONS FACING THE KNIGHTS:

1) 2)

How will the Knights (and their offensive identity) adjust to and compensate for the graduation of bigplay machine Cam Grandy?

Can FHS score victories in what promise to be brutal matchups in even-numbered weeks this year — Week 2 at home against Tri-Valley, Week 4 at defending 2A state champion GCMS, Week 6 at Dee-Mack and Week 8 at fierce rival Eureka?

Will Fieldcrest realize its goal of another deep playoff run after recording all four postseason wins in school history in 2014 and 2015?

3)

backed by Sunken and bookended by Milton and returning all-conference performer at linebacker Tyler McKay, also the team’s punter. The defensive backfield will include corners Cusac-McKay, May, Covington, Ryan Breckenridge and Braden Peck; as well as a strong safety corps with returning starters Morse and Robbins

spelled by Tyler Baker.

Additional Knights beyond those listed are also expected to contribute on Friday nights, as Schneeman says he has “full confidence in a lot of guys, and with our depth I really feel we’ll be able to rotate guys in and out, keep them fresh.”

As for what the Knights are hoping to accomplish

So. So. So. So. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. So. Jr. Sr. So. So. So. So. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. Jr.

QB/WR/DB WR/LB RB/DB WR/DB RB/LB/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB WR/DB

after last season’s return to the postseason, the expectations of Schneeman and his staff — including Mitch Neally, Craig Meyer, Mike Freeman, Zach Meyer, Wayne Weber and Logan Weber — are the same.

“Our goal every year is to compete for a conference title (in the Heart of Illinois Conference, which has provided three consecutive Class 2A state champions in Tri-Valley, Dee-Mack and last year Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley). If we can do that,” said Schneeman, “we feel we’re pretty well set up for postseason success. ...

“I think we have the ability to do so. We just have to put things together, not get big heads, and — I know it’s cliche, but it’s true — take things week by week.”

The Times 2017 All-Area Football Teams & Honorable Mention FIRST TEAM u John Benckendorf, QB/DB, Sr., Streator u Sam Brunoehler, WR/DB, Sr., Sandwich u Logan Bruss, QB/RB/DB, Jr., Seneca u Maurice Cunningham, RB/DE/LB, Sr., Streator u J.J. Davis, OL/DL, Sr., Sandwich u Max Donahue, RB/LB, Jr., Marquette u Zach Dyche, RB/LB, Sr., Marquette u Tray Fisher, RB/DB, So., Streator u Cam Grandy, QB/S, Sr., Fieldcrest u Keegan Jaros, OL/DL, Sr., Marquette u Isaac Jung, OL/DL, Sr., Ottawa u Michael Killelea, OL/DL, Sr., Marquette u Derek May, WR/DB, Jr., Fieldcrest u Tyler McKay, WR/OLB, Jr., Fieldcrest u Caleb Osborn, OL/DL, Sr., Streator u Jake Ovanic, RB/LB, So., Ottawa u Bryce Phelps, RB/LB, Jr., Ottawa u Zach Reyes, WR/LB, Sr., Sandwich u Jared Seggerman, OL/DL, Jr., Fieldcrest u Jack Snook, RB/DB/KR, Jr., Marquette u Evan Taxis, RB/DB, Sr., Sandwich u Logan Vandenberg, OL/DL, Sr., Seneca u Kobie Webb, WR/DB, Jr., Streator

SECOND TEAM u Cody Altman, WR/LB, Sr., Seneca u Preston Aukland, RB/LB, So., Marquette u Mason Dooley, RB/LB, Sr., Seneca u Mason Faulk, OL/DL, So., Fieldcrest u Alonzo Flores, K, Sr., Streator

u Daniel Gonzalez, OL/DL, Sr., Streator u Coltin Grace, WR/DB, Sr., Streator u Evan Green, RB/DB/K, Jr., Marquette u Ethan Harsted, RB/DB, Sr., Ottawa u Zach Hix, OL/DL, Sr., Sandwich u Dalton Kacvinsky, RB/LB, Sr., FCW u Logan Komater, QB/DB, Jr., Marquette u Riley McCurdy, WR/DB, So., Streator u Dawson McStoots, RB/LB, Sr., Streator u Mike Morse, WR/DB, Jr., Fieldcrest u Derek Murphy, OL/DL, Sr., Sandwich u Joey Owens, E/DB, Sr., Ottawa u Christian Reynolds, OL/DL, Jr., Marquette u Jimmy Roop, WR/LB, Jr., Sandwich u Clayton Sibert, QB/DB, Jr., FCW u Brence Smith, OL/DL, Sr., Ottawa u Austin Snyder, E/DB, Sr., Ottawa u Matt Snyder, RB/LB, Sr., Ottawa

HONORABLE MENTION FIELDCREST — Jaxon McKay-Cusac (Fr.), Micah Hurd (Jr.); FCW — Chandler Hillebrenner (Sr.), Christian Harms (So.); OTTAWA — Slaten Swords (Sr.), Josh Jackson (Sr.), Jared Herzog (Jr.); SANDWICH — Jimmy Weekly (Sr.), Joe Wiggins (Sr.), Dylan Baumbach (Jr.); STREATOR — Brandon Durdan (Jr.), Caleb Gallup (Jr.); SENECA — Hunter Greve (Sr.), Mason Dooley (Sr.), Tyson Elias (Sr.); MARQUETTE — Hunter McAlpine (Jr.), Luke Ferracuti (Jr.), Liam Dougherty (Jr.).

A daily newsletter from The Times newsroom featuring the day’s top headlines, delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up for email subscriptions at mywebtimes.secondstreetapp.com/ Email-Registration-Form.

Good Luck to the

FIELDCREST KNIGHTS

On Your 2018 Season

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2018 Football Preview

The Times - Delivering Your Community

Thursday, August 23 , 2018

n 9

Falcons add new school, hope to add to win column FCWRB staying positive as it looks to snap losing skid

kids to play two schedules, and that is key because it helps kids play their own age,” Matteson said.

“Last year we had 27 kids, but we only had five underclassmen, so it was a true varsity team.

That’s why we went the varsity route.”

Along with the August JAMIE NEWELL practices, Matteson said For The Times he was pleased with the turnout in June and July.

A new school has been “Practices have been added to the former Flafun,” Matteson said. “We nagan-Corhad a better nell/ turnout Woodland numfootball cobers-wise op for the in June and 2018 seaJuly. The son, though kids that numbers were there in the were out program there learnare still a ing, and concern. luckily the The addifreshmen tion of Rogot to learn anoke-Bena lot quickTYLER MATTESON son makes er and they the official FCWRB head coach got to move acronym of quicker. the co-op The last FCWRB. two years That’s a mouthful. it felt like Day 1 was the “It’s definitely a first August practice, and mouthful,” said thirdyou felt like you were year FCWRB head coach three months behind.”

Tyler Matteson. “I just One player who Matcall it Falcon football. It’s teson can rely on to trigmuch easier to say.” ger the Falcons offense There are 28 Falcons is senior quarterback preparing for the team’s Clayton Sibert, who has 2018 season debut in started every varsity Rockford against Rockgame and has been in the ford Christian on August program all four years.

24. One thing Matteson “Clayton is ready to likes with his team’s have fun,” Matteson numbers — although he said. “He is ready to get certainly wished he had the ball out there. He more players — is the is ready to run, and he fact that FCWRB can still is ready to work with play two schedules, a another couple of seniors varsity and a JV. who have gone through “We still have enough 12 months of work to get

‘It’s definitely a mouthful. I just call it Falcon football. It’s much easier to say.’

The Times | J.T. Pedelty

The four returning captains for the 2018 Flanagan-Cornell/Woodland/Roanoke-Benson Falcons are (left to right): Clayton Sibert, Mitch Lawless, Christian Harms and Jake Albertson. to this point.”

Running back Triston Watson returns for his senior year. Christian Harms, a senior, and junior Tyler Harms are familiar targets to Sibert.

“This will be Christian’s third year in the program with me, and Tyler scored a touchdown as a sophomore, that was good, and you expect more in his junior year.

We hope to give all of

FCWRB ROSTER No. Name

Yr.

Pos.

No. Name

Yr.

Pos.

6 7 10 11 12 14 23 24 25 36 38 50 52 53

Sr. Fr. Jr. So. Fr. Sr. Fr. Sr. Sr. Fr. Fr. Sr. So. Sr.

QB/LB TE/LB WR/DB QB/DB RB/LB WR/LB RB/DB WR/LB RB/DB RB/LB WR/DB OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL

54 55 59 61 63 65 67 70 74 75 80 81 88

Sr. So. Sr. So. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Sr. Fr. Fr. Jr. Jr.

OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB WR/DB WR/LB

Clayton Sibert Colton Peterson Jackson Mathe Caden Price Will Weber Christian Harms J.D. Ruddy Michael Moranville Triston Watson Chris Stasko Ian Herbst Mitch Lawless Kyle Uhl Logan Hillebrenner

Brendan Hayse Ethan Tjaden-Beutke Nate McDonald Nick Egerstaffer Jake Hutton Nate Weichmann Skyler Harris Tommy Yanek Jake Albertson Carter Novotney Dakota Weichmann Austin Barnes Tyler Harms

3 QUESTIONS FACING THE FALCONS:

1)

our kids the ball and give them an opportunity.”

Another name that has been in the program the past three years and will anchor the offensive and defensive lines is that of senior tackle Jake Albertson. Joining Albertson on the Falcon O-line is another Falcons veteran, senior center Mitch Lawless. Sophomore Klye Uhl joins Albertson at the other tackle spot.

Logan Hillebrenner and Brendan Hayse are both returning for their senior years at guard.

Most of the names on offense will also appear on the defense.

Albertson and Uhl will hold down the line. Lawless and Christian Harms will patrol linebacker

With just enough players to fill both varsity and JV rosters, can FCWRB remain healthy enough to maintain both schedules and develop its younger players against players their own age?

Can the Falcons offensive line create the time and space needed for Sibert and Co. to move the chains on offense?

Will the FCWRB defense be able to improve on its 52.6 points allowed per game and keep the Falcons in striking distance to be in position for their first win since 2015?

2) 3)

spots. Junior Jackson Mathe and Tyler Harms lead the Falcon defensive backfield. Sophomore Caden Price will also be in the mix in the defensive backfield.

Coming off back-toback 0-9 seasons, Flanagan-Cornell/Woodland/ Roanoke-Benson’s aim of getting that first win since 2015 is a given.

There is, however, another goal that Matteson has for his Falcons.

“Out first goal is to have fun,” he said. “Making sure that every kid we have is enjoying this game we call football.

After that, the kids will

SCHEDULE 8/24 at Rockford Christian 7 p.m.

8/31 at Heyworth 7 p.m.

9/7 EUREKA (Woodland) 7 p.m.

9/14 FISHER (Flanagan) 7 p.m.

9/21 at Fieldcrest 7 p.m.

9/28 LEROY (Flanagan) 7 p.m.

10/5 at El Paso-Gridley 7 p.m.

10/12 TREMONT (Woodland) 7 p.m.

10/19 at Ridgeview-Lex. 7 p.m.

stay excited and stay motivated.

“Yeah, we have to try to get that first win one way or another. The results haven’t looked good, but the kids enjoy the game of football.”

Flanagan-Cornell-Woodland

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2018 Football Preview

Thursday, August 23 , 2018

The Times - Delivering Your Community

New start, new conference for O’Boyle’s Fighting Irish Seneca leaves Interstate Eight behind for Sangamon Valley CHARLIE ELLERBROCK cellerbrock@shawmedia.com 815-431-4035 Things couldn’t have started better or ended worse for the Seneca High School football squad a year ago, so a fresh chance of a new season in a new conference would appear to be just what the doctor ordered.

The Fighting Irish last fall rebounded from the late-preseason loss of its starting quarterback to get off to a strong 3-1 start before the power of the Interstate Eight Conference caught up to them and dealt them five straight defeats.

But now that disappointment is far in the past, and Seneca has a refreshed, more-confident attitude as it joins a new league, the Sangamon Valley, for its seventh year under head coach Ted O’Boyle.

“You couldn’t ask for better practices than we’ve had,” said O’Boyle, whose program starts seeking its first playoff appearance since 2013 when it hosts Westmont in Week 1. “They’ve been awesome, some of the best we’ve had in a long time with an attitude that’s been great.

With some new additions to the coaching staff and with us going into a new conference, there’s a certain level of excitement around here right now, and I like where we’re at … but we know we have a ways to go.

“We’ve set the bar high, and we have to keep pushing toward it.”

The Irish have several key veterans back from a club that had to make last-second adjustments last year to the loss of quarterback Hunter Greve, among them his successors at that position — the versatile senior back Logan Bruss and this year’s signal-caller, senior Ken Sangston.

Bruss, who earned Times All-Area First Team status with 667 rushing yards in a QB/RB role, will be “the focal point” of the offense, said the coach. He and Sangston, an improving runner and capable thrower, will be joined in the backfield by two other rapidly-improv-

The Times | J.T. Pedelty

Fighting Irish football welcomes back letterwinners including (left to right): in front — Gavin Robinson, Logan Bruss, Cole Underhill, Ben Virgo, TJ Van Ness, Carter Hartwig and Owen Barnett; and in back — Edgar Reyes, Creighton O’Boyle, Zakk Gonnam, Myles Mitchell, Cody Carey, Eli Painter, Ben Hogue, Connor Greve, Ian Wilkinson, Adam Powell, Brody Baudino and Kenneth Sangston. ing backs, senior Brody Baudino and sophomore Cole Underhill.

The main targets in the passing game should be senior wideout Connor Greve and tight ends T.J. Van Ness, a junior, and sophomore Ryan McCauley.

Together, they add a strong traditional running game, further diversifying the spread attack SHS has employed recently, but only if the “work in progress” O-line can replace graduated Times First Teamer Logan Vandenberg.

Seniors Ben Hogue and Adam Powell are solid returnees, but the remainder up front is largely inexperienced at the varsity level. Among the candidates there are seniors Ian Wilkinson and Jacob Hampton, juniors Edgar Reyes and Collin Quinn, and sophomores Tyler Greve, Ricky Millman and the promising Gavin Robertson.

“Right now, our strength is in our skill positions, mainly our running backs,’ said O’Boyle.

“We’re going to run a little different system offensively that will require us to have four, five, even six guys who can carry the ball, and right now I think we have that. I like the versatility of the puzzle pieces we have at our skill positions, so it will just be about getting the line ready.

SENECA ROSTER No. Name

Ht.

Wt. Yr. Pos.

No. Name

Ht.

Wt. Yr. Pos.

1 2 3 5 7 9 10 11 12 14 15 19 20 21 22 24 26

5-6 6-1 5-7 6-0 5-4 5-10 5-10 6-1 5-10 5-8 6-1 6-0 6-1 5-9 5-7 6-1 5-9

105 170 120 170 125 155 170 200 155 170 180 145 175 135 140 175 200

30 34 35 50 51 52 54 55 60 65 68 70 71 78 79 85 88

5-10 6-0 5-10 6-1 6-3 6-0 5-9 6-0 6-0 6-0 6-1 5-7 5-7 5-11 5-5 5-11 5-11

170 155 185 215 195 180 180 280 165 200 320 180 175 220 250 160 220

Luke Sangston Cody Carey Ben Virgo Ryan McCauley Cody Carvell Ken Sangston Carter Hartwig Logan Bruss Owen Barnett Zakk Gonnam Connor Greve Mason Daggett Trey Thorsen Creighton O’Boyle Brayden Roe Brody Baudino T.J. Van Ness

SCHEDULE 8/24 WESTMONT 8/31 at Marquette 9/7 DWIGHT 9/15 PAXTON-BUCKLEY-LODA 9/21 at Clifton Central 9/28 at Iroquois West 10/5 WATSEKA 10/12 MOMENCE 10/19 at Bismarck-Henning

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

1 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

“Undoubtedly, the improvement of the offensive line will be the key to our success. The effort is never a doubt with those guys because they know you could have the best backs in the history of high school, but if you don’t have the line in front of

So. Jr. Jr. So. So. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. Jr. Jr. So. Sr. Jr.

WR/DB QB/LB WR/DB TE/DL RB/DB QB/DB WR/DB RB/DB WR/DB RB/LB WR/DB RB/DB TE/DL QB/DB QB/DB RB/LB TE/DB

them they wouldn’t have half their yards.”

Defensively, keys will again be Hogue and Powell on the line, with inside linebackers Robertson and junior Myles Mitchell and outside backers Bruss and Baudino at the next level. Sangston, Underhill, Van Ness, Connor Greve, junior Ben Virgo, senior Owen Barnett and junior Creighton O’Boyle are all in the backfield mix.

“We have to have guys step up,” said Coach O’Boyle. “Our varsity roster isn’t going to be huge, so a lot of people are going to have to step up and contribute for us to be successful in this new conference. … This is a

Charlie Ellerbrock 1 —MAX DONAHUE WILL HAVE THE BEST YEAR OF ANY BACK IN THE TIMES AREA. It was during his sophomore season that Max Donahue broke onto the grid scene with 527 yards and a whopping 13 touchdowns, following it up with 653 yards and nine scores as a junior. This year, he moves from right halfback to focal-point fullback in the Crusaders’ winged-T offense That’s why I say he will lead The Times area in rushing with over 1,300 yards and 23 touchdowns.

2 —SENECA’S LOGAN BRUSS WILL BE CLOSE TO THAT NUMBER IN TOTAL YARDAGE, AND SCORE 15 TDS. The Irish are going to do their best to get the ball into the hands of this versatile running back/ wide receiver whenever

possible, and he showed why a year ago when he totaled 938 yards rushing, receiving and passing.

This year, if the RB tandem of Brody Baudino and Cole Underhill can draw the defense in between the tackles, I feel Bruss can reach 1,200 yards, more if coach Ted O’Boyle can find a way for him to throw a little, too.

3 —THE LIST OF IHSA SCHOOLS PLAYING 8-MAN FOOTBALL WILL DOUBLE BY THE 2019 SEASON. The effort led by Alden-Hebron coach John Lalor to provide a competitive football format for small schools has been recognized by the IHSA as an emerging sport, and it’s picking up steam statewide. The six schools that have formed a conference are listed with the 11-man leagues, though they are not eligible for those playoffs and have no postseason of their own ... yet.

By my thinking, there will be at least 12 Illinois schools involved in it by next season, possibly even the Northeastern Athletic Conference’s Mooseheart, and 20 of them by 2020, no pun intended.

Brian Hoxsey 1 — TRAY FISHER WILL HAVE THE BEST YEAR OF ANY BACK IN THE TIMES AREA. Let me first start by saying this prediction means no disrespect to my friend and co-worker

Charlie Ellerbrock or Marquette’s Max Donahue, but I saw Fisher, who is now at Ottawa, a handful of times in his sophomore year at Streator, and I feel he has the ability to put up some really nice numbers this season. In the final two games of the regular season and opening round of the Class 5A playoffs in 2017, Fisher ran for 153 yards against Westmont, 250 vs. Lisle, and he then put 131 on Dunlap, which was the only time the state runner-up allowed a 100+ rusher.

My guess is it will be a close race between the two for The Times-area rushing leader, but I feel Fisher will gain just a bit more.

2 — STREATOR WILL CUT THE AVERAGE POINTS AND YARDS THEY GIVE UP BY A THIRD FROM 2017.

The Bulldogs defense allowed 32.7 points and 370.1 total yards per contest last season, but I think those numbers will drop dramatically in 2018. Head coach Brian Hassett has told me that with a few starters back — including senior inside defensive linemen Alex Granados and Caden Stasko, plus corner backs Kobie Webb and Logan Colter — and speed from starting juniors, he thinks his club is much stronger defensively than in any of his first three years at the helm.

See PREDICTIONS, page 11

So. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. So. Jr. Sr. So. So. Sr. Jr. So. So. So. So. So.

RB/LB WR/DB RB/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL TE/LB TE/LB

3 QUESTIONS FACING THE FIGHTING IRISH:

1) 2)

How quickly can a largely inexperienced offensive line jell in front of a stable of promising ballcarriers?

Will the change in opposition from the Interstate Eight Conference to the Sangamon Valley alter Seneca’s playoff hopes/chances down the stretch of seasons, beginning with this one?

And before heading into SVC play in Week 3, where will the Fighting Irish sit record-wise after nonconference tilts at Westmont in the opener and in what promises to be an intense renewal of their rivalry with Marquette in Week 2?

3)

good fit for us, a very solid 2A-3A conference, one where I’m familiar with several of the programs and the coaches.

“It’s new, an exciting opportunity for our guys, to have a fresh start, and we’re looking forward to the challenge.”

SENECA HIGH SCHOOL

Bold predictions for the season ahead from your Times Sports staff Wimpy predictions are easy.

Bold predictions take guts.

You won’t find any “Morris will finish above .500” or “The kid who rushed for 1,500 yards and 15 touchdowns last year will rush for 1,500 yards and 15 touchdowns this year” prognostications here, as three members of the Times Sports staff put themselves out there with some bold predictions for the 2018 high school football season.

Cole Underhill Eli Painter Myles Mitchell Ben Hogue Ian Wilkinson Maveric Varland Edgar Reyes Adam Powell Nathaniel Elliott Nathan Elliott Jacob Hampton Collin Quinn Gavin Robertson Tyler Greve Ricky Milliman Chase Hauch Trey Hauch

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The Times - Delivering Your Community

2018 Football Preview

Sangamon Valley features new tests for Fighting Irish BRIAN HOXSEY bhoxsey@shawmedia.com 815-431-4052

positions, although inexperienced, but showed a ton of promise in the summer.

The veteran coach will Here is a look at this also need to find a way to year’s Sangamon Valley replace four of the five Conference: starting offensive linemen LAST YEAR’S CHAMPION: from 2017. ... It hasn’t been Clifton Central since 2006 that DWIGHT 12 PLAYERS TO WATCH: played beyond Week 9, but CLIFTON CENTRAL — Canfirst-year coach Luke Stanyon Burrow (WR/DB, Sr.), diford is hoping to change Caleb Toberman (OT/ that trend. Standiford, a DE, Sr.); DWIGHT — Chris former wide receiver at Bement (TE/DE, Sr.), LoSouthern Illinois Univergan Graham (RB/LB, Sr.); sity, takes over a Trojans IROQUOIS WEST — Nolan club that finished last seaAhleden (RB/MLB, Sr.), son 3-6 (2-4 SVC) and was Nick Vaughn (C/LB, Sr.); shut out in its final two MOMENCE — Jason Bargy contests. Dwight returns (RB/DE, Sr.), Kobey Mazur eight offensive (QB/S, Sr.); PAXTON-BUCKand seven LEY-LODA — Mason Ecker defensive (WR/CB, Sr.), T.J. Jones starters from (RB/DE, Sr.); WATSEKA — 2017, includJustin McTaggart (RB/ ing all-conferLB, Sr.), Tim Wright (OL/ ence Graham DL, Sr.). and first team NOTES: CLIFTON CENTRAL, all-league which ran the league table Bement. Belast season going 5-0, lost ment stands its opening two games to 6-foot-5 and 240 powerhouses Tuscola and pounds, has been highly Herscher before reeling recruited and has scholaroff eight straight victories, ship offers from a number including a big win over of FCS and FBS schools.

Mercer County in the The Trojans also return opening round of the Class four seniors — Xavier 2A playoffs. The Comets Slaughter, Cam Klinger, then fell three points short Dane Rodosky and Tyler in the second round to Bryant — in the offensive Orion. Clifton Central has line, and Standiford has made the postseason 12 been pleasantly surprised of the last 13 seasons and with the young talent and made 17 appearances over progression since he took the last two decades. Coach over. ... Longtime rival Brian Spooner, who took Dwight will be the first over the Comets program SVC opponent for newin 1998 and boasts a career comer SENECA in Week 3. record of 140-74, lost many ... IROQUOIS WEST won the key senior players to Class 2A championship graduation, but is hoping in 2003, but its last playoff Burrow (three-year startappearance was in 2006 er) and Toberman can lead and they are coming off the way. Spooner feels his back-to-back 1-8 seasons. club is good at the skilled The Raiders, which have

won just 17 games in the past 10 seasons, will be guided by 25-year-old and first-year coach Cameron Stone. The rookie skipper will have Ahlden, who rushed for 490 yards and six touchdowns last season, as a threat on offense and Vaugh as the leader in the middle on defense.

Iroquois West’s roster of 31 players includes 16 freshmen, but Stone is seeing “a drastic improvement and a more-disciplined” team each and every practice.

Stone is also hoping his team can stay out of game situations that have “become very tough to dig out of.”

Last season the Raiders were outscored 110-400, with 56 points coming in their lone victory. ... MOMENCE had a streak of seven straight playoff appearances snapped last season after finishing 4-5 under third-year coach Wayne Walker, who is a former Olivet Nazarene defensive lineman. Walker’s club scored 39 or more points in six games, but gave up 40+ in five in 2017.

They will be led this season on the offensive side

by Mazur, who threw for 2,274 yards and 29 touchdowns as a junior and was a First Team All-SVC pick. Bargy, a four-year starter and a University of Minnesota commit, rushed for 662 yards while also averaging eight tackles

per contest and recording 11 tackles for loss. ...

PAXTON-BUCKLEY-LODA began last season 0-3 before capturing six straight games, but then fell in the opening round of the Class 3A playoffs to Peotone. The Panthers have reached the postseason four consecutive seasons under eighth-year coach Jeff Graham. P-B-L will have to replace quarterback Will Pond (607 rushing, 1,188 passing yards in 2017) with either junior Gunner Belt or sophomore Gavin Coplea, but return Jones and Ecker as weapons on the offensive side. The Panthers — which had won two straight SVC titles before 2017 — finish second in the loop after losing to Clifton Central in Week 3.

P-B-L gave up a league-low 186 points and scored 313. ... After winning its first six games in 2017, WATSEKA lost three of its last four, including a 55-6 defeat to eventual Class 3A champion IC Catholic in the first round of the playoffs to finish 7-3. Third-year coach Aaron Hilgendorf has taken the Warriors to the postseason in his first two years and returns leading rusher and All-SVC McTaggart and Wright, but lost all-conference quarterback and safety Bredan Fletcher to graduation.

Senior Anthony Quinn, who will be Watseka’s signal-caller, was Fletcher’s back up the past two years. Watseka may drop from 3A after dissolving its co-op with St. Anne in the offseason.

PROJECTED PLAYOFF TEAMS: Clifton Central, Momence, Seneca.

Rockford Christian a challenger for Marquette in NAC CHARLIE ELLERBROCK cellerbrock@shawmedia.com 815-431-4035 Here’s a look at this year’s Northeastern Athletic Conference: LAST YEAR’S CHAMPION: Marquette.

10 PLAYERS TO WATCH: HIAWATHA – Miguel Delvalle (OL/LB, Sr.), Kyle Thompson (RB/CB, Jr.); WALTHER CHRISTIAN – Malik Whittier (QB/DB, Sr.), Charles Stamps (RB/CB, Sr.); MOOSEHEART – Nelson Doe (RB/LB, Sr.); ROCKFORD CHRISTIAN – Connor Cunningham (RB/ LB, Sr.), Jared Frederick (RB/ LB-S, Sr.), Jaden Ferlita (OL/DL, Sr.); SOUTH BELOIT – Denny Passialis (B-RB/LB, Sr.); RIVER VALLEY – Roque Huang (RB/ LB, Sr.).

NOTES: The more things change, the more they stay the same. The seemingly ever-changing face of the Northeastern Athletic Conference has once gain been altered by the probable exit of Rockford Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, which has by some reports left the league in order to co-op in 8-man football with Rockford Christian

Predictions From page 10

Even with Interstate Eight Conference Large powerhouses listed on their schedule, I think when the final totals roll in the Bulldogs will be right around 20 points and 250 total yards given up per game.

3 — SENECA WILL BE VYING FOR THE SANGAMON VALLEY TITLE IN ITS FIRST YEAR IN THE LEAGUE. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not naive in thinking that Seneca moving from the Interstate Eight Small to the SVC will be a cake walk for the Fighting Irish, but I can’t help but think playing teams in the I-8 last year will be an advantage.

The big tests for Seneca to be atop the SVC will be a Week 5 trip to take on defending champ Clifton Central and its Week 8

Life. That situation will leave defending champ MARQUETTE without a home game in Week 5 and lifts the number of teams that have left or entered and left the NAC since MA became a member seven years ago to 10. Fortunately, the conference this year will add two historically solid programs, Melrose Park Walther Christian and Rockford Christian. ...

By virtue of its 5-4 mark in 2017, HIAWATHA posted winning records in backto-back seasons for the first time in school history.

Both have come under the leadership of head coach Jason Keneway.

There are six senior two-way starters gone from last year’s club that missed the postseason by mere points, stung by a shoulda-won game against Orangeville. Leading the club are Delvalle, an all-conference linebacker, and the versatile Thompson. ... WALTHER CHRISTIAN, like many teams in the NAC, has struggled in recent years, going 3-25 in the Metro Suburban Red Conference in the three seasons under head coach Darrold Muzzall, 1-8 a year ago including a 61-0 loss

to Rockford Christian.

The Broncos’ last winning season was in 2008, but that was the last of 17 straight playoff seasons, so there is tradtion there. They hope to regain that glory behind the speedy Stamps, the returning quarterback Whittier and a sizable line that includes 6-5, 265 sophomore Bradley Fasshauer. ... Once the power of the league (five playoff teams in seven seasons from 200611), MOOSEHEART won just seven games over the next three seasons, but is building back toward postseason quality behind coach Jacob Penkofske, going 3-6 and 5-4 the last two. The latter included a four-game win streak in which it outscored foes, 213-20, capped by a 58-0 win over River Valley in which the speedy Doe notched 4 TDs. Also back are senior WR Nick Rehmpert and soph WR Elvis Iroegulem. ... League newcomer ROCKFORD CHRISTIAN went 17-3 in its last years before leaving the NAC in 2011, but went 3-42 the next five seasons before going 5-5 with a 2A playoff appearance last year. With half those starters back, the Eagles should be a significant challenger for the title. Coach Brett Frederick has returning six three-year starters,

including second-leading tackler and receiver and Second Team All-BNC Frederick, second-leading rusher and All-BNC HM Cunningham and all-BNC HM lineman Ferlita. ...

SOUTH BELOIT last season registered two shutouts, in Weeks 1 and 9, but in the seven games in between surrendered an average of 62.3 points per, including 129 in back-to-back games with the Cru. Still, the 2002 1A state champs have to be respected because of athletes like Passialis, a senior three-year starter; sophomore WR Miles Beckham; and 6-0, 240-pound senior lineman Colby Glackin. ...

At RIVER VALLEY, there’s a new head coach in Michael Petrovics, who will try to turn around a program that has gone just 16-138 in its 17-year history and has 10 of those wins in just two seasons. Like South Beloit, the Falcons not only had trouble keeping teams from the end zone, allowing 400 points, but finding it, netting just 73.

They’ll try to improve both of those figures behind Huang, sophomore RB/ LB Brady Neuhalfen and a line that boasts six linemen over 240 pounds.

PROJECTED PLAYOFF TEAMS: Marquette, Rockford Christian, Hiawatha.

matchup at home against Momence. With wins in those two games, and a little bit of luck, the Fighting Irish will make the maiden voyage in their new league a memorable one.

vein of El Paso-Gridley last season — which could have things come together and make some serious noise in the 2A brackets come late October/early November.

2 — THE WINNER OF WEEK 1’S SANDWICH AT OTTAWA GAME WILL BE IN CONTENTION FOR A PLAYOFF SPOT THE FINAL THIRD OF THE REGULAR SEASON. This might seem like a stretch for a pair of teams that combined to win three games total each of the past two seasons — and maybe it is — but I like the vibes I have gotten from new head coaches Chad Gross (Ottawa) and Kris Cassie (Sandwich) and the energy that seems to be emanating from the Pirates and Indians preseason practice fields.

A good start Friday night could go a looooong way toward one of these programs turning things

around sooner rather than later.

3 — RIGHT AFTER THE SEASON ENDS, MAJOR MOVES WILL BE MADE TOWARD COMPLETELY REORGANIZING THE SPORT IN ILLINOIS. Circle Wednesday, Dec. 5 on your calendar. That’s when the IHSA’s football advisory committee will meet, with the IHSA Board of Directors scheduled to convene five days later.

I’m not the biggest fan of the proposed district format for football in Illinois (no conferences, IHSA makes regular-season schedules pitting teams against other like-sized teams, district standings alone determine who advances to the playoffs and seeding), but I do feel that, sooner or later, it’s coming.

While I don’t think it will pass quite this quickly, this December could see some major steps in that direction.

J.T. Pedelty 1 — THE HOIC WILL MAKE IT FOUR IN A ROW. Three straight years, three different Heart of Illinois Conference teams have not only made the IHSA Class 2A state championship game, but won it.

So who could it be in 2018?

Well, we could definitely see what looks to be a strong Tri-Valley squad celebrating a state title the day after Thanksgiving. GCMS lost some key players ... but they brought back a lot of key players too, as in 19 letterwinners. If I’m getting really bold here, Fieldcrest looks like the type of team — sort of in the

Thursday, August 23 , 2018

n 11

Defending 2A state champs join loaded HOIC Large J.T. PEDELTY jtpedelty@shawmedia.com 815-431-4043

to Shelbyville in the second round. … FIELDCREST has to replace all-everything QB Cam Grandy but not much Here is a look at this year’s else, leading the Knights to Heart of Illinois Large: eye another playoff appearLAST YEAR’S CHAMPION: ance. … Head coach Job Tri-Valley Linboom is in his 13th year at 10 PLAYERS TO WATCH: DEER CREEK-MACKINAW and GCMS — Nathan Garard has built the Chiefs back into (QB/DB, Sr.), Jared Trana perennial contender even tina (RB/LB, Sr.), Ben in the loaded HOIC Large.

Freehill (K/P, Sr.), Bryce Numbers look good with 38 Barnes (TE/DT, Sr.); varsity players (including TRI-VALLEY — Zach Wo20 seniors), led by returning odring (RB/DB, Sr.), Cole all-conference defensive Maxedon (TE/DL, Sr.); backs Caden Slack and Levi DEE-MACK — Dakota Brush Scheuermann as well as (RB/LB, Sr.), Cade Foffel Brush and Foffel. Getting up (OL/DL, Sr.); EUREKA — to speed and notching wins Alexander Brittain (WR/ early in the season will be OLB, Sr.); EL PASO-GRIDLEY key with a brutal late stretch — Ryne Faulk (RB/LB, Sr.). waiting on the schedule. “My NOTES: Defending, undetop concern right now is feated Class 2A state chamgetting a new offensive line pion GIBSON CITY-MELVIN-SIB- to jell as quickly as possible,” LEY was a member of the said Linboom. … EL PAHOIC Small last season and SO-GRIDLEY was the Cinderbumps up to the Large side ella of the 2017 2A playoffs, this season, setting up some following up a 5-4 regular must-see showdowns includ- season with an Elite Eight ing Week 6 against reigning appearance by stunning both Large champ and 2015 state Rockridge and Knoxville champion Tri-Valley. This before running into the buzzyear’s GCMS Falcons look saw that was GCMS. Faulk is loaded again, bringing back as good as the conference has 19 letterwinners, adding a to offer, but the big question good crop from last season’s mark will be what the players 6-1 JV squad and returning around him — including a some of the league’s best largely-inexperienced line — players in Trantina, Barnes can deliver, both offensively and Girard. Head coach Mike and on what should be an Allen loves his team’s work improved defense featuring ethic and experience, espethe linebacking corps of cially on the defensive end, Faulk, Hunter Armstrong but is concerned this year’s and Nash Stoller. … EUREKA team might not offer the was one of five HOIC Large depth of last year’s. GCMS playoff teams a year ago, the will do fine on the big side Hornets’ first back-to-back of the conference this fall. postseason appearances … To take over as the HOIC since 2002-03. Fast but young, Large’s top team, GCMS will Eureka looks likely to dehave to go through defending pend on returning standouts champion TRI-VALLEY. The Brittain, RB/SS Jonah Hahn Vikings posted a 9-2 record and lineman Joel Baer to get last season and return the an otherwise inexperienced bulk of their skill position swarm of Hornets — includplayers — including their ing new starters at quarterhigh-power backfield led by back and receiver — up to all-stater Woodring — but speed. “We will be young,” will be looking to improve said head coach Jason Bachdefensively after allowing 20 man, “but ready to fight.” or more points four times, PROJECTED PLAYOFF TEAMS: most vitally in their seaGCMS, Tri-Valley, Fieldcrest, son-ending, 50-35 playoff loss Dee-Mack, El Paso-Gridley.

LeRoy, Fisher look to be at top of HOIC Small J.T. PEDELTY jtpedelty@shawmedia.com 815-431-4043 Here is a look at this year’s Heart of Illinois Small: LAST YEAR’S CHAMPION: GCMS 10 PLAYERS TO WATCH: LEROY — Wyatt Gulley (C/LB, Sr.), Gabe Bennett (RB/DB, Sr.), Zeb Pliura (TE/LB, Sr.); FISHER — Andrew Zook (OL/ DL, Sr.), Cory Hicks (RB/ slot/DB, Sr.); RIDGEVIEW-LEXINGTON — Ryan Benton (RB/ DB, Sr.), Jacob Devore (OL/ DL, Sr.); TREMONT — Nate Nguyen (RB/DB, Jr.); HEYWORTH — Andrew Sims (RB/ DB, Sr.), Nick Bolettieri (TE/ DE, Sr.).

NOTES: With defending champion Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley moving to the HOIC Large this season, things look wide open as to who will take over as the top dog in the Small. LEROY looks to be the early favorite, as head coach B.J. Zeleznik’s Panthers welcomes back a senior-dominated roster featuring 17 returning starters from a 2017 squad which went 3-2 in HOIC Small play but 0-4 outside of the Small.

Gulley, Bennett and fellow senior Jakob Sexton at quarterback are the top returners, with Pliura looking likely to step into a major role. While the Panthers’ crossover schedule is brutal with games against Eureka, Dee-Mack, Tri-Valley and GCMS, a Week 2 visit from Ridgeview-Lexington and Week 9 home showdown against Fisher seem likely to determine LeRoy’s playoff fate. ... Speaking of FISHER, the Bunnies too seem to be in a good spot to ascend to the top of the Small after finishing runner-up a year ago and making the playoffs.

Like last year, the 2018 Bunnies are on the smaller side (only two 200-plus-pound players) but aim to make up for that with excellent team speed and experience starting with the likes of Zook, guard Tanner Diorio, receiver Tyler Martin and linebacker Dylan Baker.

“This is the most experienced team that I’ve coached

at Fisher,” said head coach Jake Palmer. “Having nearly 20 juniors and seniors, our roster is comprised of mostly upperclassmen ... and their leadership and experience will be a vital part of how we progress throughout the season.” ...

RIDGEVIEW-LEXINGTON has been an HOIC wild card and an exciting team to watch in recent years. That looks likely to continue this fall, as head coach Jake Kennedy’s Mustangs have speed and depth at the skill positions, but question marks along the lines, which are smaller than in past years. Benton and Josh Hardman in the backfield, Devore and Tate Hoffman on the lines, Jared Leake at quarterback and Bobby Requiena in the defensive backfield lead a 53-man program roster.

The Mustangs are already 1-0 with a Week 1 forfeit win from Rockford Sacred Heart, which is moving to 8-man football. ... TREMONT head coach Zach Zehr said he wasn’t certain what, exactly, his team’s strengths would be when the Friday night lights go on, but the Turks have a healthy mix of returning standouts (including Nguyen, fellow running back Caiden Buster and tight end/linebacker Garrett Rollins) and newcomers he expects will contribute at the varsity level. Zehr’s main question mark? “People playing at the varsity level for the first time,” he said, “the speed of the game is quicker.” ... HEYWORTH scored one win a year ago and has a new head coach in Derek Logue and a handful of key returners including Sims and Bolettieri to go with promising newcomers such as WR/CB Wyatt Cotton and lineman Micah Stout. ... Numbers — especially upperclass numbers — are a concern again at FLANAGAN-CORNELL/WOODLAND/ROANOKE-BENSON, but the small Falcons group aiming to snap an 18-game losing streak is a dedicated one.

PROJECTED PLAYOFF TEAMS: LeRoy, Fisher.

12 n

2018 Football Preview

Thursday, August 23 , 2018

The Times - Delivering Your Community

Coal City looks strong in Interstate Eight Large BILL LIDINSKY For The Times Here’s a look at this year’s Interstate Eight Large: LAST YEAR’S CHAMPION: HERSCHER 10 PLAYERS TO WATCH: COAL CITY – Connor Skubic (Sr., 6-0, 195, RB/LB), Max Arias (Sr., 5-10, 175, RB/DB), Austin Pullara (Jr., 6-2, 185, TE/LB), Payton Hutchings (Jr., 6-0 175, QB/DB); MANTENO – Anthony Lopez (Sr., 5-8 150, WR/CB), Shane Warren (Sr., 6-0, 180, QB/ OLB); PLANO – Bryson Schmidt

(Sr., 6-0 165, QB), Demitri Coker (Sr., 5-10, 175, RB), Dominic Esposito (Sr., 5-11, 255, OL), Uriel Rodriguez (Jr., 5-9 185, RB/S).

NOTES: With the departure of Seneca and Westmont from the Interstate Eight Conference, Herscher moved over to the Small to give the conference two five-team divisions, leaving both STREATOR and SANDWICH remaining in the I-8 Large. … COAL CITY had the stingiest defense in the conference last year, allowing just 74 points to its five Large

Division opponents. This season the Coalers return 12 seniors, including 2017 all-conference performers Skubic and Arias, along with strong– armed quarterback Hutchings. According to second-year coach Dan Hutchings, his team’s strengths will lie in its experience and athleticism, with its weakness being depth in the lines. He hopes his club can improve on the 6-4 record it posted in 2017

and move past the first round of the playoffs. … MANTENO posted a 6-4 overall ledger in 2017 and will once again be led by veteran coach R.J. Haines. The Panthers return a pair of all-conference performers in Lopez and Warren, but will have to fill the void left by all-conference star running back Stevie Silva and wide receiver Brandon Steele, both of whom graduated last spring. … PLANO suffered through a tough 2017 campaign, finishing 3-6 overall but without a win in the Large Division, going 0-5.

The Reapers also couldn’t find

the end zone much, scoring only 138 points (15.3 points per game).

Versatile and shifty senior quarterback Bryson Schmidt will give the offense stability along with hard-charging running backs Coker and Rodriguez, and big offensive lineman Esposito.

According to coach Brad Kunz, his team is loaded with speed and athleticism, but he feels inexperience could be a weakness even though the Reapers have 18 seniors on a large 52-player roster.

PROJECTED PLAYOFFS TEAMS: Coal City, Streator, Manteno.

Will Wilmington hold off Herscher in I-8 Small?

BILL LIDINSKY For The Times Here’s a look at the Interstate Eight Small: LAST YEAR’S CHAMPION: WILMINGTON 10 players to watch: WILMINGTON – Connor Dempsay (Sr., 5-9 175, RB/ LB), Jake Rodawold (Jr., 5-9, 173, RB/LB), Jesse Cox (Sr., 6-0 193, OL/LB); PEOTONE – Ryan Brewer (Sr., 6-0, 190, RB/LB), Nate Battiato (Sr., 5-9 165, RB/ LB); HERSCHER – Matt Dorsey (Sr., 6-0 185, RB); LISLE – Kevin Paz (Sr., 6-1, 240, OL/DL), Jay McGrath (Sr., 6-2, 195, QB/ DB); REED-CUSTER – Josh Loomis (Sr., 6-1, 175, QB/ LB), Ryan Shepherd (Sr., 5-11, 190, OL/LB).

NOTES: WILMINGTON continued it’s awe-inspir-

ing run through the I-8 Small Division, racking up 50 consecutive victories that spans the last 10 seasons after posting a perfect 5-0 mark and a 10-2 overall record where the Wildcats advanced to the Class 3A quarterfinals before losing a hard-fought game to eventual champion IC Catholic. The ‘dean’ of coaches in the I-8, Jeff Reents, returns for his 25th year on the sidelines for WHS with a 34-man roster that includes 15 seniors.

First and foremost will be all-state and all-conference running back Connor Dempsay, who rushed for better than 1,400 yards as a junior in 2017. Reents figures his team strength is speed with a lack of experience being a potential weakness. … PEOTONE

produced a fine season in 2017, going 9-2 overall and 4-1 in the Small losing only two very tight contests — to Wilmington during the regular season and IC Catholic in the second round of the playoffs. The Blue Devils defense was outstanding, allowing just 168 points (15.3 points per game), while the offense was solid behind all-state and all-conference running back Chandler Gartner and six other all-conference offensive performers who have since graduated.

But PHS still has a lot in the hopper with 12 seniors on a 34-player roster led by veteran coach Apostolos Tsiamas, who feels coming off such a solid season that there’s much excitement in the program. He also believes his club possess-

es good young talent and is anxious to see how they can follow up a solid campaign. …

HERSCHER was an I-8 Large Division squad last season, but moves to the Small after winning the Large in 2017 with a perfect 5-0 record and a 10-2 overall mark. The Tigers were an offensive juggernaut, scoring 554 points (46.2 ppg.), but also allowed their fair share of 288 tallies (24 ppg.), including a whopping 77-47 loss to Highland in the Class 4A state quarterfinals. Gone are 2017 all-conference performers Tyler Jarnigan, Anthony

Koranda and Tyler Stuart.

But HHS does return allleague performer Dorsey, who is now a senior. …

LISLE started 2017 on fire, winning three of its first four games before losing its last five to finish 3-6 overall and 2-3 in the I-8 Small.

Paul Parpet has been a staple as the Lions coach over recent years and will enjoy the return of all-conference lineman Paz as well as strong-armed quarterback McGrath. … REED-CUSTER sees one of its favorite sons return as the head coach of the Comets. Legendary quarterback Gavin Johnston — who led R-C to some of its finest hours

back in 2005 and 2006 — takes over for Mark Wolf, who had been the Comets bench boss the past four years. Johnston is hopeful his club can improve on a 2-7 overall record and a 2-3 Small ledger in 2017. R-C has a 34-player roster which includes 15 seniors, including threeyear starting quarterback Loomis (886 yards passing in 2017) and Shepherd, who led the Comets in tackles last year. Johnston believes R-C has a good mix of upper and underclassmen who get along and play well together. He thinks his club is lacking in size but will make up for it with quickness and physicality.

PROJECTED PLAYOFF TEAMS: Wilmington, Peotone, Herscher.

NIB 12 East stacked NIB 12 West is again not for the faint of heart as usual, up for grabs BRIAN HOXSEY bhoxsey@shawmedia.com 815-431-4052

BRIAN HOXSEY bhoxsey@shawmedia.com 815-431-4052

last-second field goal went through the uprights in the Class 4A final to end its season at 11-3. However, ninthHere is a look at this year coach Alan Thorson year’s Northern Illinois Big has more than enough talent 12 East: returning to make another LAST YEAR’S TRI-CHAMrun. Morris will have senior PIONS: MORRIS, DEKALB, quarterback Mitch MayberKANELAND ry calling signals after he 10 PLAYERS TO WATCH: threw for 1,139 and 12 TDs DEKALB — Spencer Harris and senior Chatten Dryfhout (OL, Sr.), Keegan Smith (LB, (442 rushing yards, 100 reSr.), Jaylon Hobson (RB, Sr.); ceiving yards) at the running KANELAND — Jonathan Alsback spot. Little and Swartz tott (RB, Sr.), Chaz Shaw (RB/ were part of an offensive LB, Sr.); MORRIS — Kyle Little line line that helped pave (OT/DE, Sr.), Mitch the way for over 3,200 Mayberry (QB, rushing yards last Sr.), Dylan Swartz season, while the (OL, Sr.); SYCAformer also caused MORE — Grayson havoc in opponents Burns (LB, Sr.); backfields with YORKVILLE — 11 sacks. ThorBrandon Lee (FB, son feels along Sr.). with returning NOTES: One of his signal caller, his three teams that team’s strengths are a shared the league good mix of size and speed title a year ago, DEKALB got across the board, but a few off to a great start in 2017, concerns he has is the loss winning its first five games, to graduation of starters and eventually earned a on the defensive line and at postseason berth for the fifth linebacker. He thinks he’ll consecutive season under have a few more two-way head coach Matt Weckler. players this season than The Barbs finished 8-3, adhe has had in the past few vancing to the second round years. ... YORKVILLE has been of the Class 6A playoffs, and absent from the playoffs the return a ton of talent on last three years, including both sides of the ball that back-to-back 2-7 seasons could lead to another trip to under fourth-year coach Dan the second season. DeKalb McGuire. The Foxes return brings back all-conference Lee — a three-year startlineman Harris, who has a er — and senior tight end/ trio of Division I offers, as defensive end Brady Fisher well as All-NIB 12 and Air for a defense that also brings Force commit Smith. The back six sophomores who Barbs also will have Hobson started the last few games in the backfield again after of 2017. Although McGuire he ran for 1,278 yards and feels Yorkville may have 12 touchdowns, and in close question marks at quargames, a solid kicker in seterback and the offensive nior Conner Tierney who is line, he thinks talent at the committed to Indiana State. skill positions will be an Weckler feels the strength asset. Many other conferof his club will be a big, ence coaches feel Yorkville physical offensive line and will be much improved. ... inside running game, but SYCAMORE, which dealt with his team will need to stay a number of injuries at key healthy. ... After missing the spots last year, missed the playoffs for the first time in playoffs for the first time 10 years in 2016, KANELAND since 2008 and had its worst returned to the postseason record (3-6) since 2006. Coach and advanced to the Class Joe Ryan, who begins his 5A second round, finishing 15th season at the helm, 7-4. The Knights return eight wants his Spartans, which starters on defense and the haven’t had a 1,000-yard one-two punch of Alstott and rusher in four campaigns, to Shaw in the offensive backrun the ball better this year. field. For second-year coach Junior Logan Egler will be Patrick Ryan, the quartercounted on in the rushing back spot is still undecided attack, with senior Connor — junior Joe Smith and Smith, last season’s leading senior Connor Buyck vying rusher, moving to safety. for the spot. Alstott gained The quarterback spot is still 881 yards and scored eight being battled for between seTDs as a junior. ... Entering nior Troy Larson and junior 2017 with three state titles Grant McConkey. Sycamore and seven runner-up finishbrings back six starters on es since the football playoff defense, including Burns. format began, MORRIS saw a PROJECTED PLAYOFF chance for a fourth champiTEAMS: DeKalb, Kaneland, onship end when Rochester’s Morris.

Here is a look at this year’s Northern Illinois Big 12 West: LAST YEAR’S CHAMPION: STERLING. 10 PLAYERS TO WATCH: GENESEO — Jaren Brucher (QB, Sr.), Zac Olson (RB/ DB, Sr.); LA SALLE-PERU — Jacob Kupperschmid (QB, Sr.), Zach Hartman (LB, Sr.), Justin Story (Sr., RB); ROCHELLE — Andrew Johnson (QB, Sr.), Brandon Johnson (FB/ILB, Sr.), Eddie Villalobos (RB/OLB, Sr.); STERLING — Isaiah Ryan (WR/DB, Sr.), Marquuez Williams (RB/LB, Sr.).

NOTES: The word “tradition” is defined as “a long-established custom or belief that has been passed on from one generation to another.” It also describes GENESEO football. The Maple Leafs have won four state titles since the playoffs began in 1974 and posted at least five wins in a season for 55 consecutive years, including last year’s 5-5 mark.

Geneseo, who will be joining the Western Big 6 Conference after this school year, will once again feature the wing-T offense that has fueled its winning run. The Maple Leafs will feature Brucher, who has committed to play baseball at DII Central Missouri, at quarterback, with the talented junior Isaiah Rivera not returning and opting to concentrate on basketball.

The Green Machine lost leading rusher Drew Rapps to graduation, but he will be replaced by another good runner in Olson. ... It has been nearly a decade (2009) since LA SALLE-PERU made the playoffs. The Cavaliers, which finished 4-5 last season, return signal-caller Kupperschmid and hope to get solid running from Story and juniors Kyle Abadajos and Devin Poggi.

L-P — which won its first three games of 2017 before finishing the campaign on a 1-5 slide — was shut

out on three occasions.

The Cavs will look to post more than the 13.1 points per game they scored last year, and Hartman will be looked to by fourth-year coach Jose Medina to lead a defense that allowed 22.3 points. ...

It was the end of an era for ROCHELLE last season as veteran coach and IHSFCA Hall of Famer Kevin Crandall — after 24 years, over 200 wins and 12 straight/18 overall playoff appearances — retired after leading his club to a 8-4 mark and into the Class 4A quarterfinals.

Enter new head coach Kyle Kissack. Kissack was the Hubs’ starting quarterback in 19971998 under Crandall and played at Eastern Illinois University behind NFL star Tony Romo. Rochelle will still run the wing-T, with Johnson & Johnson,

plus Villalobos, featured heavily. However, Kissack feels he has enough talent to add a few wrinkles in as well. The Hubs outscored their opponents 420-197 in 2017. ... STERLING, which will be joining Geneseo in the Western Big 6, thus breaking a rivalry with Ottawa that has been good since 1942, has won the league title three consecutive seasons and finished 13-1 last year, the only loss being to Chicago Phillips in the Class 5A playoff semifinals. The Golden Warriors, which have made the postseason 15 of the past 16 campaigns, lost highlight-reel-making Nyrell Sullivan — the school’s all-time leading rusher — as well as 2017 leading passer Trey Morse (1,307 yards) and receiver Nolan Sullivan (26 catches, 388 yards)

to graduation. However, seventh-year coach Jon Schiemmer has plenty of talent returning to make things tough for opponents. Ryan and Williams will need to be focal points for the opposition on both sides of the ball, especially after the duo helped Sterling put up 537 total points and 38.4 per outing while allowing just 116 (1.1).

Schiemmer feels overall team speed and the experience many players received from the deep playoff run last season will be strengths, while admitting the Golden Warriors will need to improve on their depth. ... OTTAWA opens its final season of NIB 12 West play in Week 4 against archrival L-P. PROJECTED PLAYOFF TEAMS: Sterling, Rochelle.

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