JHN_Prep Football Preview_082919 by Shaw Media

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HERALD NEWS

SPECIAL HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW SECTION

TOUCHDOWN 2019 THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2019 | FRIDAYNIGHTDRIVE.COM

WHATEVER IT TAKES Plainfield North’s Marcellus Moore just wants to win football games / 18-19

KEEPING HEALTHY

Soucie: Here’s to hoping last season’s injury bug stays away / PAGE 2

TEAM PREVIEWS

A preseason breakdown of all the local football teams / PAGES 3-17 AND 20-27

The Herald-News/TheHerald-News.com • Thursday, August 29, 2019

TOUCHDOWN 2019

Here’s to hoping injury bug stays away ON PREP FOOTBALL Steve Soucie The athletic trainers and doctors who work the sidelines each and every high school football weekend seem like perfectly nice people. That being said, I sincerely hope they are not bombarded with things to do this year as much as they were last fall. As a whole, Joliet-area teams had fine seasons overall, with 12 teams qualifying for the playoffs (Bolingbrook, Coal City, Dwight, Joliet Catholic, Lincoln-Way East, Lincoln-Way Central, Lincoln-Way West, Lemont, Minooka, Plainfield South, Providence and Wilmington), and one reached the pinnacle in Joliet Catholic as the Hilltoppers captured the Class 5A state championship. But even with all that accomplishment, I can’t help but wonder what might have been for multiple programs in the area had that pesky injury bug not bitten at inopportune times and, in many cases, to some of the area’s best players. No one seemed immune. State champion Joliet Catholic had to alter its plan almost immediately as Kenyetta Williams was injured on the second offensive series of the first game of the year against St. Rita. Williams, who did at the time and still does have NCAA Division I interest, was expected to be a gigantic part of the Hilltoppers’ offense. Instead, Joliet Catholic was forced to adjust, and although they did so masterfully, it certainly is interesting to think about what could have happened had they had their full arsenal of offensive weapons. Williams is back to full strength now and will be expected to play a big role in the Hilltoppers’ title defense. The opening weekend wasn’t kind to Providence either, and it opened a can of worms that the Celtics were forced to deal with for the entire season. Defensive back Max Pignotti had a scary incident in the season

Shaw Media file photo

Lincoln-Way East running Back A.J. Henning dodges Maine South cornerback Danny Wolf on Nov. 18 in Frankfort. The Michigan-bound senior is ready to make up for lost time due to injuries. opener against Lockport during the Kickoff Classic at Northern Illinois University. Pignotti’s injury was extremely concerning at first, and although he ultimately was fine, the incident caused him to miss the entire season. It started a trend for the Celtics, who then lost promising then-sophomore quarterback Kevin Conway to a broken collarbone in a Week 2 win over Morgan Park. That began a revolving door of Celtics at the position for much of the season. That and other injuries led to a frustrating year for Providence, but now that experience comes with benefits as there are few teams around with as many returning starters. And then there was the case of Lincoln-Way East’s spectacular offensive threat, A.J. Henning. He was incredible during his sophomore season

during the Griffins’ Class 8A state title run but struggled to get back to 100 percent and wasn’t the same when he did return. Now fully healthy, the Michigan-bound senior is ready to make up for lost time. But last year was another example of what could have been. Lincoln-Way West’s Caleb Marconi, who has been a wildly productive player for the Warriors since his sophomore season, suffered three stress fractures in his foot and actually played through it. He’s back for another try at a healthy season. His teammate, graduated senior standout offensive lineman Nate Mahoney, wasn’t as fortunate, suffering a season-ending injury late in the year. The Warriors still reached the second round of the playoffs, but it isn’t difficult to imagine a scenario where a full-strength Warrior squad

would have given Simeon, the team that ousted the Warriors in the Class 7A playoffs, a battle to remember. We could go all day here, but we won’t. It is extremely telling to take note of the fact that nearly every single coach in the area when asked what his biggest concern is heading into the regular season says, in one form or another, “We’ve got to stay healthy.” Here’s to hoping that last year’s rash of key injuries was an isolated incident. And to all the fine trainers and doctors in the area, please forgive me when I nod at you, wish you well and hope you get to take the night off.

• Steve Soucie is sports editor of The Herald-News. He can be reached at ssoucie@shawmedia.com.

Index Joliet West...................................... 3 Joliet Central.................................. 4 Bolingbrook.................................... 5 Lincoln-Way East.......................... 5 Joliet Catholic............................ 6-8 Providence................................9-10 Plainfield North............................. 11 Plainfield South............................12

ON THE COVER Morris ............................................13 Plainfield Central .........................14 Lincoln-Way Central....................15 Plainfield East...............................16 Lockport.........................................17 Cover story.............................. 18-19 Lincoln-Way West................. 20-21 Romeoville.................................... 22

Coal City ...................................... 23 Minooka ................................. 24-25 Wilmington...................................26 Lemont..........................................26 Dwight..........................................26 Peoton........................................... 27 Reed-Custer................................. 27 Seneca.......................................... 27

Plainfield North’s Marcellus Moore poses for a portrait Aug. 20 in Plainfield. The electric senior is ready for more responsibilities in the Tigers’ offense.

See story on Pages 18-19. Eric Ginnard – eginnard@shawmedia.com

Larry W. Kane for Shaw Media

JOLIET WEST

Tigers building character over offseason By STEVE SOUCIE ssoucie@shawmedia.com

OLIET – Last season, Bill Lech’s first at the helm of the Joliet West football program, he got a bit of a late start after his hiring and wasn’t able to get into the school district regularly until the conclusion of the year. It didn’t leave much time for building the culture he hoped to, and at times last year during the Tigers’ 3-6 campaign it showed. “I believe if you lack character it is going to lose you at least two football games, and last year was pretty evident of that,” Lech said. “We’ve worked on that. I’ve had 13 seniors that lead our team through our weight workouts and lead our team through some community service projects because I think [character] was just something that we lacked. It was nobody’s fault, but that was something we worked on, and I think those are the things that are going to help us turn the corner.” His players saw the cracks, too. “There’s a lot of energy in camp, and a lot of good things are happening,” Tigers offensive lineman Hunter Brooks said. “It was very split last year. But now we are all getting better together. In the offseason, we did community

service as a team, had team-building exercises, all of it. [It] was really good for us.” Brooks, along with returners Jeromy Kountz and Anthony Petersen, is a part of a Joliet West offensive line that looks like it has the potential to be a real anchor for the Tigers this season, a component that will allow time for whomever is installed at quarterback to grow into the role. Josh Gautschy and Michael Bates currently are vying for the position. That top-notch offensive line also should do its job blasting open running room for a stable of backs currently expected to be led by James Zillinger and Trent Howland, but Lech quickly admits that duo isn’t his only option. “Right now, I feel like we have a stable of running backs,” Lech said. “I feel good about our running backs that are returning.” On the opposite side of the ball, Lech has a lot of confidence in the defensive unit’s potential. “I like our defense, I like our defensive line, I like the way they play. I like our linebackers; our secondary is solid,” Lech said. “Right now when I look at our team, I see defense as our strength.” And although the defensive line isn’t

Schedule

Inside the Tigers Coach: Bill Lech (3-6 in one year at Joliet West) 2018 record: 3-6, 3-6 Southwest Prairie Conference Classification enrollment: 3,290.5 (Class 8A) as accomplished as the offensive line, there’s some quality components – such as Danarius Poole and Shamar Beauchamp – prepared to do their part. “As big and strong as we are on the offensive line, on the defensive line our kids are giving us a good look,” Lech said. “We’re still working on the assignments, but I believe we’ll get those

AUGUST 30: at Minooka, 7 p.m. SEPTEMBER 6: vs. Oswego, 6:30 p.m. 13: at Oswego East, 7 p.m. 20: vs. Yorkville, 6:30 p.m. 27: at Romeoville, 7 p.m. OCTOBER 4: at Plainfield East, 7 p.m. 12: vs. Joliet Central, 12:30 p.m. 18: vs. Plainfield South, 6:30 p.m. 25: at Plainfield Central, 7 p.m.

things cleaned up.” The linebacker group gets an immediate boost from the return of Tom Luedke, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 2 last season and has spent much of the time since preparing for his senior season. In the secondary, Jeremy Pullen and Kinsyn Shelby both return to the fold and should anchor that unit. “We have returners back at every level, and I think that is just huge,” Lech said. “And we’ve got some kids that are going to step up and fill the spots that were vacated by players that graduated.”

TOUCHDOWN 2019 The Herald-News/TheHerald-News.com • Thursday, August 29, 2019

LEFT: Joliet West’s James Zilinger runs during practice Aug. 21 at the high school. BELOW: Joliet West coach Bill Lech talks to his players at practice Aug. 21.

The Herald-News/TheHerald-News.com • Thursday, August 29, 2019

TOUCHDOWN 2019

4 JOLIET CENTRAL

Gandy hopes to keep building up Steelmen By STEVE SOUCIE

ssoucie@shawmedia.com

OLIET – To the uninformed, it might not look like much positive happened to the Joliet Central football program. But there’s a reason why there’s a good feeling around a program that finished 3-6 last season, and there’s a positive vibe for new head coach Fred Gandy as the program heads into the 2019 campaign. Inside of that 3-6 record under former head coach Brett Boyter, who stepped down from the position last season, was a team that played inspired football despite the fact that the roster was outmanned against much larger rosters on most nights in the Southwest Prairie Conference. The roster crunch still is present, but Gandy knows what he’s up against. “We retained a lot of the kids we had coming back, but what we’ve struggled with is getting the new kids out to join us. ... I think that’s going to be a process that takes a few years to get accomplished,” Gandy said. “The momentum that Brett and the program built last year has definitely helped us.” What Gandy does have is a roster that still qualifies as relatively small for a Class 8A program, but one that seems determined to put itself in the best position it can to try to compete. There are some experienced players returning to help ease the transition into the Gandy era, but even many of those players will be on the move. Most notably, Andrew Murphy, a wide receiver last season, is being moved under center to take the reins of the offense as quarterback. He replaces Jared King at the position, who was a gritty player that had a heavy hand in the success that the Steelmen had last season. Murphy hopes to follow that lead. “He’s super athletic,” Gandy said of Murphy. “And that’s one of the things we are going to focus on, getting the ball in the hands of one of our best athletes and letting him have it 100 percent of the time.” Murphy will have some weapons at this disposal. Jaylin Berry showed flashes of being a playmaker last season and will be moved around to give him ample opportunity to get touches. Noah Bailey, a Hammond (Indiana) transfer, will likely also play a substantial role in the Steelmen ground attack. On the defensive side, linebacker Jaren Smith, will be an anchor for the Steelmen. As an all-conference per-

Photos by Geoff Stellfox for Shaw Media

ABOVE: Joliet Central’s Jaylin Berry carries the ball after making a catch in the backfield during practice Aug. 16. BELOW: Joliet Central coach Fred Gandy huddles with his team Aug. 16.

Inside the Steelmen Coach: Fred Gandy (2-52 in six years at Joliet Central) 2018 record: 3-6, 3-6 Southwest Prairie Conference Classification enrollment: 3,175 (Class 8A)

Schedule AUGUST 30: at Yorkville, 7 p.m. SEPTEMBER 6: vs. Plainfield North, 6:30 p.m. 13: at West Aurora, 7 p.m. 20: vs. Minooka, 6:30 p.m. 27: vs. Plainfield South, 6:30 p.m. OCTOBER 5: vs. Romeoville, 12:30 p.m. 12: at Joliet West, 12:30 p.m. 18: vs. Plainfield Central, 6:30 p.m. 25: at Plainfield East, 7 p.m. former a year ago, he’ll be looked at to provide leadership and skill to a unit that may have to see a healthy share of sophomores involved in the mix – once again because of the fact that program participation numbers likely will require it.

“The one thing about that is that these kids have bought in, and they know they have to condition more than other programs because of our numbers, and the kids have come through it working really hard,” Gandy said. “We are just fighting through that. We’ve been behind the eight ball numbers-wise for a while now, but that isn’t going to keep us from playing physical. These guys

will play hard. And we are going to try to continue to build on that. We’re going to go whistle to whistle no matter what.” The Steelmen are going to be challenged right off the bat. They open with a road trip to Yorkville, a playoff qualifier last season. In fact, the Steelmen will face playoff qualifiers from last season in four of the first five weeks of the season.

LINCOLN-WAY EAST

By STEVE SOUCIE

ssoucie@shawmedia.com

RANKFORT – The Lincoln-Way East football program isn’t resting on its laurels. “They decided they wanted to redefine themselves. That means a lot of things, but one of those is taking care of daily goals and being better today than you were the day before,” Lincoln-Way East coach Rob Zvonar said. “And these kids have taken that literally.” Lincoln-Way East steamrolled its way through the regular season and was the odds-on favorite to win the Class 8A title last year, but ran into a brick wall during a 24-16 loss to Loyola in the state semifinals. Although that roster was heavily dominated by seniors, some capable players remain as the Griffins make the transition to this season. “What we have here is a lot of inexperience. We feel good about the players’ abilities and the talent levels, but when you look at our back seven on defense, besides Jake Kramer, there’s not one kid that has played a meaningful down of varsity

That’s a heck of a three-headed monster for us to use.” Rob Zvonar, Lincoln-Way East coach on a backfield of A.J. Henning, Devon Williams and Jamal Johnson football when the lights go on on a Friday night,” Zvonar said. “It was an awful special senior class from a year ago; 18 of them are in college football camps this fall, so that’s pretty good. But the process has gone well. They have done everything we’ve asked.” And although inexperience appears to be a hallmark of most of the roster, those that return form an extremely impressive base. A.J. Henning’s junior season was marred by injury, but now fully healthy, the Michigan-bound senior looks capable of leading an offense that is blessed with a stable of running backs that gained valuable experience when Henning was out. Senior Devon Williams ran for more than 1,000 yards, and junior Jamal Johnson showed serious flashes of

skill. “That’s a heck of a three-headed monster for us to use,” Zvonar said. Kyle Quinn has earned the quarterback position after being pressed for the job throughout the offseason by Ty Slager. Although the Griffins lost some talented receivers to graduation, don’t expect Lincoln-Way East to just go into a shell. Lincoln-Way East’s offensive line will be entirely rebuilt this season, and although that’s a tad bit of a concern working each day in practice against a pair of NCAA Division I defensive ends in Adrian Wilson (Bowling Green) and Sean McLaughlin (Northwestern), it certainly will help in development. Kramer is the lone linebacker returning for the Griffins, while the secondary also will feature a signifi-

Inside the Griffins Coach: Rob Zvonar (177-39 in 18 seasons at Lincoln-Way East) 2018 record: 12-1, 7-0 SouthWest Suburban Conference Classification enrollment: 2,902.5 (Class 8A)

Schedule AUGUST 30: vs. Stevenson, 7:30 p.m. SEPTEMBER 6: at Naperville Central, 7:30 p.m. 13: vs. Bradley-Bourbonnais, 7 p.m. 20: at Bolingbrook, 7 p.m. 27: vs. Homewood-Flossmoor, 7 p.m. OCTOBER 4: at Lincoln-Way Central, 7:30 p.m. 11: vs. Lockport, 7 p.m. 18: at Sandburg, 7 p.m. 25: vs. Lincoln-Way West, 7 p.m. cantly different cast of characters from a year ago. “I think this is a team that will develop nicely for us over the course of the year,” Zvonar said.

BOLINGBROOK

Raiders looking to win wars in trenches By STEVE SOUCIE

ssoucie@shawmedia.com

OLINGBROOK – Veteran Bolingbrook coach John Ivlow truly believes most games are decided in the trenches, particularly the ones with wide differentials in the score. With a pair of massive offensive linemen returning in Cincinnati recruit John Williams (6-foot-5, 306 pounds) and Daniel Gonzalez (6-3, 301) being joined by tight end Trevor Borland, the Raiders appear to have the building blocks up front to try to ensure those moments when they were overwhelmed last season occur much less frequently. “They worked hard in the offseason; they are big, strong boys,” Ivlow said. “That could be one advantage for us.” “It’s no secret [that] when we can control the line of scrimmage we win. When they whoop us up front,

we lose. That’s the game of football. People see that when you put in fancy, intricate offenses that you can’t block. You have to be able to block it, and that’s been our Achilles heel in our down years and we are lacking in the offensive line.” That line will be charged with blocking for an almost entirely new backfield. Bolingbrook lost a pair of extremely productive running backs in Anthony Williams Jr. (Michigan State) and Quentin Pringle (Eastern Kentucky) to graduation, but Ivlow is confident he’ll be able to find some players from a healthy group of candidates to fill those positions. Ivlow is confident in the progress of returning quarterback Devyn Suggs. Suggs recently committed to Yale and is riding the wave of an impressive group of summer workouts. “He put on 20 pounds in the offseason and dropped his [40-yard

Inside the Raiders Coach: John Ivlow (133-52 in 17 years at Bolingbrook) 2018 record: 7-3, 5-2 SouthWest Suburban Conference Classification enrollment: 3,511 (Class 8A)

dash] time from 4.7 to 4.55 [seconds],” Ivlow said. “He’s looked very good this summer.” Antonio King also returns at wide receiver for the Raiders. On the defensive side, the Raiders may look young, but honestly only by school classification. Seven players return on defense, and each level benefits from the experience, with two returning on the defensive line, two at the linebacker position and three in the secondary. “They are capable of playing,” Ivlow said. “We don’t feel like we are

Schedule AUGUST 30: vs. Proviso West, 6:30 p.m. SEPTEMBER 6: at St. Charles North, 7:30 p.m. 13: vs. Stagg, 7:15 p.m. 20: vs. Lincoln-Way East, 7 p.m. 27: at Bradley-Bourbonnais, 7 p.m. OCTOBER 4: at Lockport, 7:15 p.m. 11: vs. Sandburg, 7:15 p.m. 18: at Homewood-Flossmoor, 7 p.m. 25: vs. Andrew, 7 p.m. trying to hide anyone.” It won’t take long to find out. Bolingbrook opens the season with Proviso West and follows it up with what appears to be a treacherous nonconference road trip to St. Charles North. SouthWest Suburban Conference powerhouse Lincoln-Way East lurks in Week 4.

TOUCHDOWN 2019 The Herald-News/TheHerald-News.com • Thursday, August 29, 2019

Griffins looking to redefine themselves

The Herald-News/TheHerald-News.com • Thursday, August 29, 2019

TOUCHDOWN 2019

Joliet Catholic’s defensive line runs drills Aug. 14 at Joliet Catholic Academy in Joliet. Eric Ginnard eginnard@shawmedia.com

JOLIET CATHOLIC ACADEMY

Urgency still there for Hilltoppers By STEVE SOUCIE ssoucie@shawmedia.com JOLIET – At this time last season, the Joliet Catholic football program had a noticeable hunger to get back into the postseason. The Hilltoppers accomplished that goal, then went on to claim the Class 5A state championship with a win over Montini. Now, a hunger of a different sort is there for the Hilltoppers, a hunger to defend the state hardware. The title, which was Joliet Catholic’s 14th, extended its state record for football state

titles. Mount Carmel is second with 12. Inside the Hilltoppers “Inside the program, it’s never about the wins and losses; it’s always about Coach: Jake Jaworski (13-10 in two years instilling the values, work ethic and at Joliet Catholic) competiveness. [Then] the wins kind of 2018 record: 10-4, 4-3 East Suburban take care of themselves,” Joliet Catholic Catholic coach Jake Jaworski said. “We firmly Classification enrollment: 1,062.6 (Class believe that if we do the little things, 5A) they’ll add up to the bigger successes. And that’s still the same goal.” For the Hilltoppers to repeat, they ple-year starters for the program. will have to do so with an almost en“Obviously, we’re replacing a lot tirely new cast of characters in start- of positions. We sort have to take a ing positions. They lost 17 of their 22 little bit of a step back because of it,” starters from the title team to the gradSee HILLTOPPERS, page 7 uation, many of whom had been multi-

Schedule AUGUST 30: at St. Rita, 7:30 p.m. SEPTEMBER 6: vs. IC Catholic, 7:30 p.m. 13: vs. St. Laurence, 7:30 p.m. 20: vs. Fenwick, 7:30 p.m. 27: vs. Brother Rice, 7:30 p.m. OCTOBER 4: at St. Ignatius, 7:30 p.m. 11: Carmel, 7:30 p.m. 19: vs. DePaul at Chicago Academy, noon 25: at Marmion, 7:30 p.m.

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Ultimate Professionals

• HILLTOPPERS

Continued from page 6

Eric Ginnard - eginnard@shawmedia.com

See HILLTOPPERS, page 8

Joliet Catholic works on passing drills Aug. 14 at Joliet Catholic Academy in Joliet.

JCA...A TRADITION. JCA...A TRADITION OF FAITH AND SERVICE Faith in Action ~ Daily Prayer, Kairos, School Masses, Retreats Christian Service ~ Committed to Catholic Education

JCA...A TRADITION OF ACADEMIC SUCCESS

1 in 6 students from the Class of 2019 was an Illinois State Scholar Average ACT score was 26.3 for the top 50% of of the Class of 2019 67% of the Class of 2019 earned $18 million total in college scholarships

JCA...A TRADITION OF CO-CURRICULAR SUCCESS

32 State/National Championships IHSA State Record 14 Football Championships ‘18-’19 School Year: 2 State Champions; 10 Total State Finals Appearances

LEVERAGED FINANCIAL AID

JCA strives to offer an excellent Catholic education at an affordable price Scholarships range from $500 to $13,336 per student!

JOLIET CATHOLIC ACADEMY 1200 N. Larkin Avenue, Joliet, Illinois 60435 (815) 741-0500 www.jca-online.org n

TOUCHDOWN 2019 The Herald-News/TheHerald-News.com • Thursday, August 29, 2019

Jaworski said. “We’ve had to go back to square one and substantially build from there.” Joliet Catholic’s amazingly productive backfield is largely gone. Keenan Hailey’s unbelievable season in which he accounted for more than 2,600 yards and the durable work of fullback Nick Iannantone are both removed from the mix. But the cupboard is far from bare in the Joliet Catholic backfield. In a wrinkle that some forgot, considering how the season played out, senior Kenyetta Williams returns for the Hilltoppers. He drew NCAA Division I interest before his junior campaign, which was cut extremely short by an injury he suffered in the second offensive series of the Week 1 win over St. Rita. When paired with fellow returnee Ja’aire Mack, the Hilltoppers have a backfield that could make the loss of the dynamic duo from last year a lot easier to swallow. Julian Perez will provide solid work from the fullback position. Likely the biggest question that Hilltoppers have to answer before the season is how they will rebuild the offensive line. Only one starter, Conor

The Herald-News/TheHerald-News.com • Thursday, August 29, 2019

TOUCHDOWN 2019

• HILLTOPPERS Continued from page 7 Kovas, returns this season from an experienced and talented crew that placed all of its starters and two reserve linemen in the ranks of college football. One of the things to watch with this year’s Joliet Catholic squad is that it may go to the air a bit more than usual. A quarterback battle has emerged in camp with junior Anthony Napolitano and sophomore Aiden Voss competing for the job. Whoever wins the job likely will throw the ball a bit more than in years past, opening opportunities for Hilltopper wide recievers such as Izaiah Murphy and Mike Green. “I would love to throw the ball more, if the personnel matches and we show the competency to do it,” Jaworski said. “We’re going to do what we do well, but I’m willing to adapt.” Despite multiple replacement to make on the defensive side of the ball to take care of before opening night, Jaworski feels the group he has should be able to gel fairly well. Only two defensive starters return in defensive lineman Mac O’Connell and linebacker Joey Bueno. But injuries last year gave some players on the roster ample playing time and will help them in transitioning from being reserves to regulars. “We feel like we have some pretty good depth,” Jaworski said. “But from an athleticism standpoint, we feel pretty good about what we got. It’s just getting our guys comfortable and getting them some experience.”

Eric Ginnard - eginnard@shawmedia.com

Joliet Catholic’s coach Jake Jaworski oversees practice Aug. 14 in Joliet.

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9 TOUCHDOWN 2019 The Herald-News/TheHerald-News.com • Thursday, August 29, 2019 Photos by Geoff Stellfox for Shaw Media

Providence Catholic players participate in live blocking drills with running backs on Aug. 15 at Providence Catholic High School in New Lenox.

PROVIDENCE CATHOLIC

Celtics hoping to turn things around By STEVE SOUCIE

ssoucie@shawmedia.com

EW LENOX – The 2018 football season was an odd one for the Providence Catholic program. The Celtics got themselves into the playoffs, bowing out in the opening round of the Class 6A playoffs at the hands of Washington. It was the end to what turned out to be an odd regular season as well where the Celtics started 4-0, suffered some key injuries along the way and took a forfeit loss to Mount Carmel in an odd series of circumstances. But it appears the Celtics have the pieces in place to make the rocky 2018 season a distant memory. “With returning starters, we are very strong; we’re very optimistic,” Providence coach Mark Coglianese said.

The Celtics were set to start last season with then-sophomore Kevin Conway under center, but he suffered a broken collarbone in Providence’s week 2 matchup with Morgan Park and was unable to really contribute for the remainder of the season. The offense had a hard time clicking without Conway under center despite having a number of capable players at skill positions. A number of them return for this season, and with a fully healthy Conway back in the fold, it’s easy to see how Providence could be a lurking offensive monster. Aaron Vaughn Jr. will shoulder a heavy portion of the Providence running game. The sophomore contributed nicely as a freshman and will look to expound upon that this season. Conway should have plenty of

Providence Catholic quarterback Kevin Conway receives a snap during practice Aug. 15. capable weapons to catch the football. Jerrell Wright established himself as both a capable possession receiver and a deep threat, and a pair of tight end weapons in Luke Porto and Jameson Geers should

make Conway’s life easier. Geers became a coveted recruit over the summer as the 6-foot-5, 210-pounder drew the interest of multiple NCAA Division I schools including several Big Ten schools. “Toward the end of the school year, things really picked up,” Coglianese said. “With his size and he’s athletic, even though he’s only a junior for us, he’s got all the tools.” Geers isn’t alone in regard to D-I talent on the Providence roster. Jake Renfro, the Celtics’ center, already has inked his deal to attend the University of Cincinnati next fall. Renfro is one of four offensive linemen that started last season returning. And although the offense shows significant promise, the defense isn’t lacking either.

See CELTICS, page 10

The Herald-News/TheHerald-News.com • Thursday, August 29, 2019

TOUCHDOWN 2019

• CELTICS Continued from page 9 Defensive lineman Elias Valdez is back to cause havoc, and the secondary gets a nice boost from the return of Max Pignotti, who was lost for the season in a scary injury he suffered in the season opener last year against Lockport. “Right now, having 19 of the 22 returning starters back, that’s just helping us,” Valdez said. “We’re going to know what we’re doing because we are so much more prepared. One of the best things about it is knowing that the guy in front of you knows what he’s doing and the guy behind you knows what he’s doing. That helps you form a bond that can’t be broken.” The schedule has a bit of a different look as well as the merger between the Chicago Catholic League and the East Suburban Catholic League caused a bit of a switch-up for the Celtics. St. Rita, Montini and Brother Rice still are on the slate from the old CCL, but Mount Carmel no longer is on the docket. Notre Dame and Mundelein Carmel are the two new additions to the Providence slate. The nonconference schedule also created an interesting matchup right off the bat as the Celtics will lock horns with a potentially good Willowbrook team to start the season.

Inside the Celtics Coach: Mark Coglianese (91-58 in 13 years at Providence) 2018 record: 5-5, 1-3 Chicago Catholic Blue Classification enrollment: 1,621.95 (Class 6A)

Schedule AUGUST 30: at Willowbrook, 7:30 p.m. SEPTEMBER 6: vs. Morgan Park, 7:30 p.m. 13: at Brother Rice, 7:30 p.m. 20: vs. Notre Dame, 7:30 p.m. 27: vs. Carmel, 7:30 p.m. OCTOBER 4: St. Rita, 7:30 p.m. 12: vs. DePaul at Chicago Academy, noon 18: vs. St. Laurence, 7:30 p.m. 25: at Montini, 7:30 p.m.

Photos by Geoff Stellfox for Shaw Media

ABOVE: Running back Qwynton Johnson sprints through a drill during practice Aug. 15 in New Lenox. LEFT: Providence Catholic coach Mark Coglianese watches during throwing drills at practice Aug. 15.

JCA...A TRADITION. JCA...A TRADITION OF FAITH AND SERVICE Faith in Action ~ Daily Prayer, Kairos, School Masses, Retreats Christian Service ~ Committed to Catholic Education

JCA...A TRADITION OF ACADEMIC SUCCESS

JCA...A TRADITION OF CO-CURRICULAR SUCCESS

32 State/National Championships IHSA State Record 14 Football Championships ‘18-’19 School Year: 2 State Champions; 10 Total State Finals Appearances

LEVERAGED FINANCIAL AID

JCA strives to offer an excellent Catholic education at an affordable price Scholarships range from $500 to $13,336 per student!

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Photos by Larry W. Kane for Shaw Media

PLAINFIELD NORTH

Tigers may be on brink of postseason play By STEVE SOUCIE

Inside the Tigers

ssoucie@shawmedia.com

LAINFIELD – New Plainfield North head coach Anthony Imbordino readily admits that he hasn’t spent a lot of time critiquing what went on with his program before he arrived. But there’s one simple fact from last fall that doesn’t escape him. In three of Plainfield North’s five losses during a 4-5 campaign, the Tigers fell by a combined six points. And although you don’t get any credit for coming close in the actual win/loss record, Imbordino feels like the talent is strong enough that with a few adjustments, the Tigers can get back to where they want to be. “I think the transition has gone well,” Imbordino said. “They were right there last year, for the most part. They were a touchdown away from going 7-2 and hosting a playoff game, and that’s the way we look at.” Junior Adam Smith steps into the quarterback position and has a bevy of explosive options to choose from in a receiving corps that has Purdue-bound Marcellus Moore, Jaylon

Coach: Anthony Imbordino (first year at Plainfield North) 2018 record: 4-5, 4-5 Southwest Prairie Conference Classification enrollment: 2,321 (Class 7A/8A)

Schedule

Plainfield North quarterback Adam Smith quarterback drops back to pass Aug. 15. Tillman and Tobenna Enyi to choose from. Nate Simpson and Joshua Stiffend provide what Imbordino called “a thunder and lightning” combination for the Tigers’ backfield, so getting offensive production doesn’t appear to be a glaring problem. “We have a lot of guys that we think can make some plays for us,” Imbordino said. “The challenge of

AUGUST 30: vs. Plainfield East, 7 p.m. SEPTEMBER 6: at Joliet Central, 6:30 p.m. 13: vs. Romeoville, 7 p.m. 20: at Plainfield Central, 7 p.m. 27: at Oswego, 7 p.m. OCTOBER 4: vs. Minooka, 7 p.m. 11: at West Aurora, 7 p.m. 18: at Oswego East, 7 p.m. 25: vs. Yorkville, 7 p.m. having that many options is a good problem to have.” Uchenna Udeogu should anchor an experienced defensive line that features multiple senior returners.

Danny Nuccio will be another key player that is plugged into whatever area of need the defensive unit has. Although the experience element of the Plainfield North defense could be lacking a little bit, Imbordino is more than comfortable with the skill set his largely younger defensive unit brings to the table. “Even our juniors on the defensive side of the ball are very good,” Imbordino said. “We feel very confident in them going into Week 1.” The Southwest Prairie Conference realignment, with the addition of the West Aurora and Yorkville to the league, did little to help the Tigers. Plainfield North is the only one of the six teams in the West Division that was not playoff bound a year ago. “We know what we are in for, but I think they are hungry,” Imbordino said. “I think there is a little bit of redemption there from last year. This senior class has never played in a playoff game. As freshman ... they watched the ’16 team go to the state title. So they are hungry and they want to see success. They were 9-0 as freshman, so we just need to put it all together.”

TOUCHDOWN 2019 The Herald-News/TheHerald-News.com • Thursday, August 29, 2019

Plainfield North’s Nate Simpson runs during practice Aug. 15 in Plainfield.

Cougars hope to surpass past success stories By JEFF DEGRAW

Shaw Media correspondent PLAINFIELD – Coming off a 2018 season that saw Plainfield South go 7-2 in the regular season and earn a playoff spot, the Cougars would like nothing better than to repeat the scenario and go deeper into the playoffs and get at least one playoff win. “Last year, our football team seemed to set the tone early in our school year,” coach Bill Bicker said. “I realize it’s not the only sport, but football can really get everyone excited in the school year, and we had such a vibe around the school last year. It seemed to carry over to all of our athletic teams as we had great successes in all sports last year. “Our returning players are confident in who they are as football players, and now the big question is are they willing to do the work again.” The Cougars lost a great senior class that will be hard to replace, but the show must go on and Bicker likes this season’s version because of its depth and athleticism. “We are a deeper team this year, and this is one of the best teams athletically we have had, but we have to see how tough they are,” Bicker said. One key position on any football team is quarterback, and the Cougars graduated a good one in Cody Dieball. However, Niko Schultz had quality minutes last year under center when Dieball battled some midseason injuries. Schultz, a junior, also played wide receiver when not at quarterback and had a stellar sophomore season on the track as he qualified for the state meet in the 400-meter dash and as a part of the Cougars’ 4x800 relay. “Running the 400 and 800 in track gives me that aerobic fitness and stamina not many quarterbacks have along with improving my overall speed,” Schultz said. “Last year, we put Plainfield South on the map as far as showing people that we can play football. “I learned from Cody last season, but we are different types of quarterbacks. He was a power runner, and I consider myself a slasher-type runner and I like

Plainfield South’s defensive line practices Aug. 16 at Plainfield South High School in Joliet. Eric Ginnard eginnard@shawmedia. com

to throw the ball. I think with the line I have in front of me, our running backs and the style we will run offensively, we will be tough to stop.” The person responsible for getting Schultz the ball will be senior center Jacob Mancini, as he is one of three starters returning on the line for the Cougars. “We had a great summer of camp and practice and that was because our confidence was high because of what we did last year,” Mancini said. “We also have good depth on our line, which really helps and I really feel we are further along this season than we were last year at this time. “Our line wants to be a force in the trenches and we are happy with everyone else getting the glory and the touchdowns because we know we do the dirty work up front.” Senior guard Paul Sebert echoed many of Mancini’s sentiments. “We graduated a great senior class, but I honestly believe we are more of a unit, more together right now,” Sebert said. “The enthusiasm has carried over,

and a great thing was that the sophomores saw what we did last year, and now they want to be a part of that experience.” With the new alignment of the Southwest Prairie Conference this season, the Cougars open at home with one of the new members, West Aurora, in what Bicker considers a key season opener for his team. “West Aurora has a great tradition and we will see right away where we stand,” Bicker said. “But it’s not only that game, but our next three games are tough with Minooka, Oswego and Oswego East. This conference is fun; there are natural rivalries and others that have come about through competition. You have to be prepared each week because records don’t mean much in this conference.” “We are not taking anyone lightly, but we also want the other teams to know that you better not take us lightly,” senior running back Arthur Anthony said.

Inside the Cougars Coach: Bill Bicker (15-13 in three years at Plainfield South) 2018 record: 7-3, 7-3 Southwest Prairie Conference Classification enrollment: 2,543.5 (Class 8A)

Schedule AUGUST 30: at West Aurora, 7 p.m. SEPTEMBER 6: vs. Minooka, 7 p.m. 13: at Oswego, 7 p.m. 20: vs. Oswego East, 7 p.m. 27: at Joliet Central, 6:30 p.m. OCTOBER 4: vs. Plainfield Central, 7 p.m. 11: vs. Plainfield East, 7 p.m. 18: at Joliet West, 6:30 p.m. 25: vs. Romeoville, 7 p.m.

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TOUCHDOWN 2019

12 PLAINFIELD SOUTH

MORRIS

By ROB OESTERLE

roesterle@shawmedia.com MORRIS – There was no question last season that the Morris football team was battle-tested. The Redskins had one of the top totals of playoff points in the state, but their 4-5 record kept them out of the playoffs and unable to test their postseason pedigree. Gone from the schedule this year are 11-1 Washington, 12-4 Class 6A runner-up Crete-Monee, 8-2 DeKalb and 8-3 Yorkville. In their place are 1-8 Manteno, 5-5 Plano, 4-5 Sandwich and 5-5 Rochelle as the Redskins move from the Northern Illinois Big 12 East into the Interstate Eight Conference. Still on the schedule will be 10-2 Coal City, 8-3 Sycamore and 7-4 Kaneland, as well as 0-9 Ottawa and 3-6 LaSalle-Peru. On paper, at least, it looks as if Morris should be able to find that one win that eluded it last year and get into the playoffs. But head coach Alan Thorson and the Redskins know that games aren’t played on paper. “We are in a different conference, but that doesn’t mean we are just going to run right through it,” Thorson said Aug. 12, the first official day of practice. “Everyone in that conference is going to be gunning for us.” The man with the biggest target on his back for Morris will be quarterback Zach Reddinger, who has been getting interest from such schools as Northern Illinois and Central Michigan. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound left-handed thrower is being viewed as an athlete on the next level, with many colleges seeking him out for possible defensive purposes. Until then, however, he will call the signals and direct the Morris offense as well as start at defensive end. “Zach has a real strong arm, and he is one of if not the fastest guys on our team,” Thorson said. “We definitely want him to have the ball in his hands as often as possible.” Along with him in the backfield will be a quality stable of running backs, such as senior Brandon Phelps (5-10, 185), juniors John Landers (5-10, 175) and Tyler Davis (5-11, 190) and sophomore Jorge Loza (5-9, 185). The receiving corps is a deep one, as seniors Nolan Swartz (6-0, 170), Barry Amiano (6-0, 175), and Cole Laurie (5-11, 165) and juniors Keegan Puckett (5-11, 170), Colin Cummings (6-2, 165) and Parker Skubic (6-1, 160) will all get their chances. The offensive line will be anchored by senior Robbie Bates (5-10, 210) at

Dan Voitik for Shaw Media

Morris’ Jorge Loza finds some room to run Aug. 23 during the Maroon and White scrimmage.

Inside the Redskins Coach: Alan Thorson (66-35 in nine years at Morris) 2018 record: 4-5, 0-4 Northern Illinois Big 12 East Classification enrollment: 847.50 (Class 4A) center, who returns after starting at the position last season. Senior Nathan Lobb (6-2, 205) has the inside track at left tackle, while Juan Gutierrez (5-10, 230) will be the left guard. The right guard will be senior Braden Engleman (5-8, 225) and the right tackle will be freshman Justin Hemmersbach (6-1, 225). “We feel pretty good about the offensive line,” Thorson said. “It’s a little young, but these kids are pretty good. It might seem a bit odd for us to have a freshman starting on the varsity, but Justin has earned his position. We feel like he will do a good job.” The defense will continue to be

Schedule AUGUST 30: vs. Coal City, 7 p.m. SEPTEMBER 6: at Manteno, 7 p.m. 13: vs. Rochelle, 7 p.m. 20: at Plano, 7 p.m. 27: vs. Ottawa, 7 p.m. OCTOBER 4: at Sycamore, 7 p.m. 11: at LaSalle-Peru, 7:15 p.m. 18: vs. Kaneland, 7 p.m. 25: vs. Sandwich, 7 p.m.

have a 4-3 alignment, with Reddinger, Davis, Lobb and Devin Bailey (6-0, 215) rotating at defensive end and Engleman, senior Ovahdyah Ben-Israel (6-4, 320 transfer from Joliet West) and junior Drayden McKerrow (6-0, 190) getting time at defensive tackle. The linebackers will be Bates in the middle and Phelps and Loza on the outside, with senior Scott Dale

(6-1,180) capable of stepping in and giving one of them a breather when needed. Laurie and Nathan Jepson (59, 165) will be the cornerbacks, and junior Cameron Anderson (5-9, 160) and sophomore Zach Romak (5-11, 170) will be the safeties. “We are pretty young,” Thorson admitted. “This is probably the youngest team I have had in my time here. But, we have a good balance of seniors that will provide good leadership and some real talented younger kids. The young guys aren’t just in there because we don’t have the numbers in the upperclassmen. They have earned it with what they have shown us in the off season and in practice.” As far as special teams go, Henry Hansen will handle placekicking duties, while Reddinger will be the punter. Laurie and Landers will rake care of both punt and kickoff returns. “Henry has done a good job of kicking for us,” Thorson said. “And, Cole and John are both capable of taking a kick back all the way at any time, so we feel good there, too.”

TOUCHDOWN 2019 The Herald-News/TheHerald-News.com • Thursday, August 29, 2019

Redskins gear up for big football season

Wildcats poised for rebuilding process Inside the Wildcats Coach: Jon Pereiro (6-21 in three years at Plainfield Central) 2018 record: 2-7, 2-7 Southwest Prairie Conference Classification enrollment: 2,068 (Class 7A)

Schedule AUGUST 30: at Oswego, 7 p.m. SEPTEMBER 6: vs. Oswego East, 7 p.m. 13: at Yorkville, 7 p.m. 20: vs. Plainfield North, 7 p.m. 28: vs. Plainfield East, 1 p.m. OCTOBER 4: at Plainfield South, 7 p.m. 11: vs. Romeoville, 7 p.m. 18: at Joliet Central, 6:30 p.m. 25: vs. Joliet West, 7 p.m.

By ALLAN SCARABELLO Shaw Media correspondent

LAINFIELD – Things didn’t go exactly as planned for Plainfield Central last season. The Wildcats won only two games, but there’s reason for optimism this season. Coach Jon Pereiro returns eight starters on offense and six on defense in the hopes of a major rebound. The playmaking positions have plenty returning with three wide receivers (Dillon Koty, Logan Palmiter and Brandon Shoemaker). Koty and Shoemaker will play on both sides of the ball, while Koty will likely be a team captain for Pereiro’s crew. Pereiro also is excited about newcomer Matt Aresenault, who will play tight end and defensive end this season. “He’s special,” Pereiro said. “He’ll be a threat on every single down and an excellent blocker and pass catcher.” While the Wildcats have the threats to sling the ball all over the field, they also will have a solid running option in returner Bruce Pendleton, who also will play on both sides of the ball. “[He’s a] tough ball carrier,” Pereiro said. “He’s a tough kid to break down. He has a heck of a lot of heart and won’t go down on first contact.” Kyle Gockman is another back who should see a lot of carries. Offensive lineman Quinn Krawiec should anchor the offensive line for the Wildcats. There’s a slew of playmakers, but one question that hasn’t been answered yet is who will be throwing and handing off to the skill players. As of now, senior James Buck is taking first-team reps, but junior Chris Leto could push for playing time. Many of the aforementioned players on offense also will lead the

Photos by Geoff Stellfox for Shaw Media

ABOVE: Players run blocking drills Aug. 13 at Plainfield Central High School. TOP LEFT: Plainfield Central’s Erik Lemke runs a backpedaling drill Aug. 13. BOTTOM LEFT: Coach Jon Pereiro calls a coaches meeting during practice Aug. 13. charge on defense. Pendleton, Koty, Palmiter and Shoemaker will all play in an experienced secondary. Camden Henderson and Justyn Wheeler are back on the defensive line. Luke Johnson and Caleb Dallmann are newcomers who are expected to have a big effect on the defensive line, while Robert Marrero could be solid for the Wildcats at linebacker. Central will play in the Southwest Prairie Conference – East Division and will open the season at Oswego.

The Wildcats also are looking forward to games against their Plainfield rivals. “We always circle our schedule around the other three Plainfield schools,” Pereiro said. “We have a program goal to win the city.” Team chemistry is a big key to having a successful season, Pereiro said. “What we’re focusing on is our ability to put it together,” he said. “We didn’t have that team chemistry or brotherhood as we liked it. The seniors have looked to bridge that gap.”

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TOUCHDOWN 2019

14 PLAINFIELD CENTRAL

Photos by Geoff Stellfox for Shaw Media

LINCOLN-WAY CENTRAL

Experienced Knights looking for more By ALLAN SCARABELLO

Inside the Knights

Shaw Media correspondent

EW LENOX – Lincoln-Way Central is coming off a solid season – six wins and a playoff berth – but after a first-round loss to Hersey in the state playoffs, the Knights are hungry headed into this season. And, if games are won in the trenches, Central is in great shape returning almost everyone from its offensive line. Jake Leggero, Rikki Dobson, Collin Bockover and Keith Kaminski should spearhead the offensive line play and provide a solid wall of protection behind newly anointed starting quarterback Liam Higgins. Higgins paid his dues as the backup last season and is set to lead a Knights team with high expectations. Coach Jeremy Cordell is excited about his new signal caller. “He’s a multisport athlete, big competitor,” Cordell said. “He does a great job of commanding the offense and doesn’t get shaken and rattled. [He’s] a hard worker and keeps

Coach: Jeremy Cordell (27-15 in four years at Lincoln-Way Central) 2018 record: 6-4, 4-2 Southwest Suburban Conference Classification enrollment: 2,147 (Class 7A)

Schedule

Nolan Recker practices a touchdown dance during practice Aug. 13 in New Lenox. the mood light but does a good job leading.” Joining Higgins in the backfield are running backs Joey Gurgone and Carter Bojan. Nolan Recker and

AUGUST 30: vs. Oak Lawn Richards, 7 p.m. SEPTEMBER 7: at Bloomington, 1 p.m. 13: at Lockport, 7:15 p.m. 20: vs. Bradley-Bourbonnais, 7 p.m. 27: at Lincoln-Way West, 7:30 p.m. OCTOBER 4: vs. Lincoln-Way East, 7:30 p.m. 11: at Andrew, 7 p.m. 18: vs. Stagg, 7:15 p.m. 25: at Homewood-Flossmoor, 7 p.m. Kyle Shalati provide solid targets for Higgins in the passing game. Defensively, the Knights will be led by defensive back Ian Troester and linebackers Luke Juricek and Zack Orr. Cordell also is high on

newcomers Cory Fulkerson and T.J. Hincks at linebacker and Nick Farrell and Shalati on the defensive line. Although the Knights are talented on the field, they also want to be excellent off the field, as well, especially in the classroom. “Our guys come up with their own [goals] during the summer. No. 1 is to be accountable on and off the field,” Cordell said. “They want to carry a high GPA of 3.87 and conduct themselves well off the field. Those are really important goals for a season. The end-all, be-all is to be in DeKalb, but that’s a process, and that’s why we talk about being 1-0.” Cordell is happy with the amount of talent he has but knows it will take more than talent to make a deep playoff run. “You have to do the right things on a daily basis,” he said. “Being focused on the same goal as a football team. You have to stay healthy and fresh and be able to compete well into November. We want our kids to be great teammates to each other and love being together with the players and coaches.”

TOUCHDOWN 2019 The Herald-News/TheHerald-News.com • Thursday, August 29, 2019

Lincoln-Way Central quarterback Liam Higgins runs the huddle during practice Aug. 13 in New Lenox.

The Herald-News/TheHerald-News.com • Thursday, August 29, 2019

TOUCHDOWN 2019

16 PLAINFIELD EAST

Bengals looking to make leap forward By STEVE SOUCIE

Inside the Bengals

ssoucie@shawmedia.com

Coach: Brad Kunz (first year at Plainfield East) 2018 record: 3-6, 3-6 Southwest Prairie Conference Classification enrollment: 2,244.5 (Class 7A)

Schedule AUGUST 30: at Plainfield North, 7 p.m. SEPTEMBER 6: vs. West Aurora, 7 p.m. 13: at Minooka, 7 p.m. 20: vs. Oswego, 7 p.m. 28: at Plainfield Central, 1 p.m. OCTOBER 4: vs. Joliet West, 7 p.m. 11: at Plainfield South, 7 p.m. 18: at Romeoville, 7 p.m. 25: vs. Joliet Central, 7 p.m.

LAINFIELD – Plainfield East’s new head coach, Brad Kunz, is all about branding. And while the Bengals orange and green color scheme certainly was appealing to the former Miami (Fla.) football player, the swagger his former collegiate program carried is something he’d also like to link to his new post. Kunz, the former head coach at Plano, is all about building an atmosphere that fosters players’ ability to play with confidence in themselves, but realizes it isn’t all going to happen overnight. “The first time I realized I wasn’t going to be able to do able to do everything I wanted to do in Year 1, I really had to sort of put the governor on myself. I’m trying to take care of what I can take of,” Kunz said. “Not that what was being done before was completely wrong or anything, but as things go on though, more and more things are happening the way I want them to.” Plainfield East went 3-6 last season and has had two playoff appearances in the school’s 10 years of existence. More importantly, Kunz hopes to establish some stability for the program. “This senior group has had three different head coaches,” Kunz said. “But as far as handling a new coach, I think they are so hungry for consistency I probably could have come out here with ketchup popsicles and them in white gloves and they would have been hungry for it.” Kunz has a fair amount of returning players on both sides of the ball,

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ABOVE: Plainfield East quarterback Brett Winiecki throws during the West Aurora 7-on-7 football tournament July 12. LEFT: Plainfield East’s Jordan Knowles scores during the July 12 tournament. particularly on defense, where a trio of players: defensive back Brian Tape and linebackers Dale Dambek and Sam Amponseh give Kunz confidence the Bengals defense can be an early anchor for his team. “Especially with the buzzsaw of a schedule we start with, we are going to have to lean on our defense,” Kunz said. “It’s our strength coming back, and hopefully our offense can catch up by the time we need to them to.” The offensive course of attack still is a work in progress. The quarterback position still is undecided between senior Joey Morgan and junior Brett Winiecki. Kunz admits

the Bengals may use both. Whoever wins the quarterbacking derby will have some capable weapons to throw to. All-conference performer Nicholas Smith leads the group, but Javen Mays and Connor Bright should figure into the mix heavily, as well. Also adding even more depth is Aiden Tonarelli, a player Kunz feels could have a huge breakout season. The offensive line features only two returning starters in tackle Zach Barlev and guard Joey McDonough, but Kunz likes the progress the group has made through the offseason.

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LOCKPORT

Inside the Porters Coach: George Czart (first year at Lockport) 2018 record: 0-9, 0-6 SouthWest Suburban Conference Classification enrollment: 3,707.5 (Class 8A)

Schedule AUGUST 30: vs. Grandville, Mich., 7 p.m. SEPTEMBER 6: vs. Wheaton-Warrenville South, 7:15 p.m. 13: vs. Lincoln-Way Central, 7:30 p.m. 20: vs. Homewood-Flossmoor, 7:15 p.m. 27: at Sandburg, 7 p.m. OCTOBER 4: vs. Bolingbrook, 7:15 p.m. 11: at Lincoln-Way East, 7 p.m. 18: at Andrew, 7 p.m. 25: vs. Stagg, 7:15 p.m.

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By JEFF DeGRAW Shaw Media correspondent

OCKPORT – The past is in the past, nothing you can do about yesterday, you only control what you do today. That seems to be the sentiment around the 2019 version of the Lockport football team. “During the offseason we tried not to talk about last year or even bring it up; it’s in the past,” senior linebacker Joe Kenney said. “But I can tell you, from Day 1 when we first met with coach [George] Czart, we weren’t going 0-9 again. The intensity has been incredible since that first meeting, and the attitude of everyone has changed.” “I really enjoy playing linebacker, and with coach on the defensive side of the ball, I can see a big difference already, and we just go and get after it.” Much already has been written about the return of Czart to the Porter program, and the defensive czar seems to be right where he wants to be. “I mentioned something about last year to the team when we weren’t having a very good practice, and I told them it would be the last time it was ever talked about,” Czart said. “From walking around the hallways in the school, to our locker room, the bleachers and the surroundings, everything is the same, except it was a grass field when I was here before. I have great feelings about this place. “I’m just the head coach, and our football staff has made everything easier. They have done a great job of working with our kids at every level, from the 80 freshman kids we have out to the sophomore team. We have 70 kids on the varsity [team], and our coaches have put in the time. Just look around and see how many coaches and players are out here working after practice is over.” Collin Schmutzler, a senior running back and free safety also has noticed a big difference, and it starts

Photos by Geoff Stellfox for Shaw Media

ABOVE: Lockport’s Adrian Gordon breaks off after pushing a sled during practice Aug. 12. TOP LEFT: Players take part in blocking drills Aug. 12. BOTTOM LEFT: Quarterback Marcos Voulgaris scans the field Aug. 12. with intensity. “There is an intensity every day at practice, and it has been fun, but different,” Schmutzler said. “It’s a different mindset, and it has been like that since Day 1. We are not going to let teams come in here and run us over; we are not going to be that sure win for everyone else. “We have great respect for Coach Czart because we all know what he did here; there are banners up for when he coached here. Everyone on this team is excited, and it’s a big challenge.” One thing that Czart has noticed with his new team is the improvement since summer camp. “The kids are listening, because I have seen so much improvement since our summer camp,” Czart said. “Everything has changed, and it is good to see. Over the summer I thought the defense was undisciplined, but that has changed a lot. You can really tell that these kids are learning and want to get better. We have a good, talented group of players. I’ve watched every game on

film from last season, and I liked what I saw from the offense. We have big kids on the line and some experience at key positions. “But the best thing I have seen is the competition at every position on this team. Not one position is set because everyone has been pushing each other and that is among all 70 players. I’ve told them that if you don’t start, you’re just one play away from being on the field.” The Porters have only three road games this season with the first four games on home turf. They open with Grandville (Mich.) in what Czart calls a key contest against a tough team. “The first game is really important, and it’s nice to be playing someone different,” Czart said. “That first game sets the tempo. Now, it doesn’t make or break your season, but we have basically three weeks to prepare, and Grandville will be a different opponent as they have a two tight end set and just come at you with power football. It will be sort of an old-school smash-mouth football game.”

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TOUCHDOWN 2019 The Herald-News/TheHerald-News.com • Thursday, August 29, 2019

Porters ready to put past behind them

The Herald-News/TheHerald-News.com • Thursday, August 29, 2019

TOUCHDOWN 2019

Tigers’ greatest offensive threat ready for more responsibilities By STEVE SOUCIE

ssoucie@shawmedia.com

LAINFIELD – It’s not rocket scientist-level analysis to pinpoint exactly why many NCAA Division I schools coveted adding Plainfield North’s Marcellus Moore to their roster. Moore has blink and you’ll miss it kind of speed. The kind of speed that allowed him to bring home a gold medal from the 2019 U20 Pan American Championships in Costa Rica as part of the 4x100 relay team in a record time of 38.62 earlier this summer. Moore’s speed is an obvious weapon on the football field, as well, a fact not lost on multiple schools that tried to secure his services for collegiate athletics. Moore eventually decided on Purdue University, where he will participate in both football and track and field for the Boilermakers. But before he suits up to participate in the Big Ten and tries to add his name to an incredible short list of athletes who have won three consecutive state titles in the 100-meter and 200 sprints at the state track meet, Moore has some unfinished business to tend to for the Tigers football program. The first thing to check off on that list is a return to the playoffs, for himself and his Tiger teammates. “We have to eliminate mistakes,” Moore said. “Last year, we were seven points away from being a playoff team. We lost a lot of games in real close matchups. But if we do what we are supposed to do, we’ve got a lot of talent. We just have to outwork other teams and be disciplined.” Moore served as something of an offensive utility knife for the Tigers last season and led the team in receptions. But Moore, like the Tigers, didn’t seem to have consistent moments where everything clicked. Moore expects to line up at wide receiver, where he’ll likely find himself most of the time at the next level, but he genuinely will play wherever asked and wherever needed. “Wherever the team needs me is where I’ll play,” Moore said. “As a leader, I’ll fill in wherever the team

Photos by Eric Ginnard – eginnard@shawmedia.com

Plainfield North’s Marcellus Moore poses for a photo Aug. 20 in Plainfield. The electric senior is ready for more responsibilities in the Tigers’ offense. needs me to be.” Plainfield North hopes that whatever role that ends up being it will be one that will allow Moore to find some open space to utilize. “He’s just got a very unique skill set,” Plainfield North first-year coach Anthony Imbordino said of Moore. “He’s very fast. We definitely want to make sure that we are putting him in position to make plays when he has the ball and even when he doesn’t have the ball. “We want to make sure that he’s making plays or opening up an opportunity for someone else to make plays.” “We definitely want to try to find ways to get me the ball and allow me to use my speed as much as possible,” Moore said. Good plan. And while Moore is expected to shoulder a good portion of the offensive load for the Tigers, there are plenty of others, most notably fellow receiver Jaylon Tillman

and running back Nate Simpson, to help Moore try to avoid becoming a marked man in the Plainfield North offensive attack.

“It’s unique, and it is a good thing,” Imbordino said. “At the end of the day, all of those guys want to win a football game. If one guy has

Marcellus Moore, Plainfield North senior

five catches and another has 200 yards rushing, they are happy for one another. They have been playing together for a long time, and I think they just want to see each other be successful and have a team that’s successful.” With all of that taken into account, Moore still knows that many a defense will set its sights on trying to shut down a Big Ten recruit.

“I get the sense that people are trying to shut me down, but I kind of play with a chip on my shoulder,” Moore said. “I never look at myself as just a speed guy. I definitely have a mindset where I’m not going to look at anyone who is bigger than me. I see everybody as a football player. That’s how I approach things. “I feel like I’m a physical player, but I also have my speed and can use

my elusiveness, as well.” But as such, Imbordino and Moore are both resolute in their common goal: winning in whatever way it takes to do so. “Once we get later in the season, teams are going to start taking him away, and that’s going to open up some things for other plays,” Imbordino said. “And he understands that. He knows that we’re going to need him to make plays even when he’s

not getting the ball. And with that, Moore is going to be used early and often. He welcomes that challenge. “We’re using him on offense, we’re using him on defense, and we’re using him on special teams,” Imbordino said. “He’s a kid that just wants to help his teammates out, to be successful and win football games. We’re very fortunate to have him on our football team.”

TOUCHDOWN 2019 The Herald-News/TheHerald-News.com • Thursday, August 29, 2019

Wherever the team needs me is where I’ll play. As a leader, I’ll fill in wherever the team needs me.”

The Herald-News/TheHerald-News.com • Thursday, August 29, 2019

TOUCHDOWN 2019

Geoff Stellfox for Shaw Media

Lincoln-Way West coach Dave Ernst joins the team during practice Aug. 12 in New Lenox.

Coach: Dave Ernst (60-22 in seven years at Lincoln-Way West) 2018 record: 8-3, 6-1 Southwest Suburban Conference Classification enrollment: 1,901.5 (Class 7A)

Schedule AUGUST 30: at Hersey, 7 p.m. SEPTEMBER 6: vs. Evanston, 7:30 p.m. 13: at Sandburg, 7 p.m. 20: vs. Andrew, 7:30 p.m. 27: vs. Lincoln-Way Central, 7:30 p.m. OCTOBER 4: at Stagg, 7:15 p.m. 11: vs. Homewood-Flossmoor, 7:30 p.m. 18: at Bradley-Bourbonnais, 7:30 p.m. 25: at Lincoln-Way East, 7 p.m.

LINCOLN-WAY WEST

Health a key question for Warriors By ALLAN SCARABELLO Shaw Media correspondent

EW LENOX – Lincoln-Way West coach Dave Ernst has built a solid program in New

Lenox. The Warriors won eight games last season, including one playoff game. However, a second-round playoff loss to Simeon has West eyeing the later rounds of the state playoffs this season. But, making that type of leap isn’t always easy. One player who gives the Warriors a shot to win any game is se-

nior Caleb Marconi, who has been dominant both at running back and linebacker during his varsity tenure. Marconi had more than 1,400 yards rushing as a sophomore all the while dominating area teams at inside linebacker. His junior season was hampered by stress fractures in his foot, but now fully healthy, Marconi hopes to close his high school career with a flourish. Marconi isn’t the only outstanding skill player returning. Wide receivers Billy Dozier and Joel Madrigal are sure to turn some heads with their playmaking ability. While the skill players are

turning heads, it will be up to a new offensive line if the offense is to truly thrive. Zack Gouty, a 6-foot-6 junior, figures to be key on the offensive line along with Nick Hildebrand. Ryan Creagan, who started a game at left guard for Ernst’s bunch last fall, also will see major playing time. As a whole, the Warriors have 10 players battling for starting spots on the offensive line. On the defensive side of the ball, Justin Harris and Erik Nowak should take charge in West’s secondary.

See WARRIORS, page 21

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Inside the Warriors

21 TOUCHDOWN 2019 The Herald-News/TheHerald-News.com • Thursday, August 29, 2019

Last year, we had a ton of injuries and lost some of our best players to surgery or had guys playing on knees that had to be operated on at the end of the year. If we can stay healthy, that will be the No. 1 thing.” Dave Ernst, Lincoln-Way West coach

• WARRIORS Continued from page 20 The coaching staff believes two make up the most athletic duo of secondary backs they’ve had at West even though they haven’t started a game yet. Ernst and staff have been working hard at finding replacements for impact players who were lost to graduation. “We only have seven guys who started back,” Ernst said. “We may play five sophomores. They’re really talented. We had a lot of guys behind two- and three-year starters. I feel really good about where we are.” The Warriors will open against Hersey, who defeated Lincoln-Way Central in the opening round of last year’s playoffs. The Warriors

probably don’t feel sorry for Central, but Hersey’s win gives West an indication of what they could be facing in the season’s opening week. After Hersey, it doesn’t get any easier, as the Warriors will play Evanston before getting into their conference schedule. “They’re a perennial playoff team, second round or better,” Ernst said of Hersey. “And Evanston has the No. 1 running back in Midwest.” Even with the tough schedule, Ernst knows the key to his team’s season could hinge upon staying healthy. “Last year, we had a ton of injuries and lost some of our best players to surgery or had guys playing on knees that had to be operated on at the end of the year,” Ernst said. “If we can stay healthy, that will be the No. 1 thing.”

Photos by Geoff Stellfox for Shaw Media

TOP: Lincoln Way West players run tackling drills during practice Aug. 12 in New Lenox. ABOVE: Wide receiver Billy Dozier stretches to make a catch Aug. 12.

The Herald-News/TheHerald-News.com • Thursday, August 29, 2019

TOUCHDOWN 2019

ROMEOVILLE

Spartans trying to reboot after winless 2018 Inside the Spartans

By ALLAN SCARABELLO

Shaw Media correspondent

OMEOVILLE – Romeoville struggled in a winless season last year. However, a year later with most of his players returning with experience, coach Oliver Gibson is filled with optimism as 10 starters on offense and seven on defense return. The talent starts with dual-threat quarterback Zach Gibson, who has gotten multiple NCAA Division I looks. The quarterback has been working hard in the offseason to refine his craft, Oliver Gibson said. “He’s worked his tail off to learn the quarterback position,” Oliver Gibson said. “He’s a natural athlete but now a good quarterback. He’s dual threat. He can run and pass.” The signal caller should have a lot of playmakers to distribute the ball to. Wide receiver Keedan Foster has received D-I offers and should provide a speedy target. Foster has the type of big-play ability Romeoville will need. “He is a very shifty player, just an elusive athlete,” Oliver Gibson said. “He’s very hard to cover. He’s smart, knows when to come back to the ball. He has stupid speed.”

Coach: Oliver Gibson (6-30 in four years at Romeoville) 2018 record: 0-9, 0-9 Southwest Prairie Conference Classification enrollment: 1,904.50 (Class 7A)

Schedule

Photos by Geoff Stellfox for Shaw Media

ABOVE: Quarterback Zach Gibson drops back to pass Aug. 12. TOP: Romeoville players push a sled during practice Along with Foster, Naurice Trent, Kejaun Stamps and Donovan Dehoyos also should see quite a few touches for an offense that wants to control the ball and clock. Trent rushed for more than 600 yards last season and is expected to produce the same, if not more, this

AUGUST 30: at Oswego East, 7 p.m. SEPTEMBER 6: vs. Yorkville, 7 p.m. 13: at Plainfield North, 7 p.m. 20: vs. West Aurora, 7 p.m. 27: vs. Joliet West, 7 p.m. OCTOBER 5: at Joliet Central, 12:30 p.m. 11: at Plainfield Central, 7 p.m. 18: vs. Plainfield East, 7 p.m. 25: at Plainfield South, 7 p.m. year. Team speed is expected to be a major strength. Dehoyos is a solid pass-catching tight end who is looking to hone his skills as he heads to the next level next season at the University of St. Francis. Oliver Gibson expects Logan Miller

to be the leader on the offensive line, a a group that will be important if the team wants to utilize all of its playmakers. On the defensive side of the ball, Oliver Gibson expects Ty Ross-Childs to be a talented leader at the linebacker spot. Ross-Childs played defensive back last year but will make the switch to linebacker this season. Joey De La Rosa also figures to be a key cog on defense. When asked to pinpoint some of the bigger games on the schedule, Oliver Gibson deferred, saying the Spartans are a team that can’t look past anyone. “Always Week 1,” Oliver Gibson said about the biggest games on the schedule. “We have the juggernaut of Oswego East. We’re playing at their place. Traditionally, they’re a great program. We’ll see how we measure up. We’re looking for some payback, but we know we have our work cut out for us.” So, what’s key for Romeoville to make some noise this year? “Consistency,” Oliver Gibson said. “We have to play consistent. There were times when we showed potential, but we need to stop the run. Our defensive backfield is pretty darn good with the pass, but we need to stop the run.

COAL CITY

Inside the Coalers Coach: Dan Hutchings (16-6 in two years at Coal City) 2018 record: 10-2 overall, 4-0 Interstate Eight Large Conference Classification enrollment: 649 (Class 4A)

Schedule AUGUST 30: at Morris, 7 p.m. SEPTEMBER 6: vs. Bishop McNamara, 7 p.m. 13: at Herscher, 7 p.m. 20: vs. Peotone, 7 p.m. 27: at Streator, 7 p.m. OCTOBER 4: vs. Manteno, 7 p.m. 11: at Lisle, 7 p.m. 18: vs. Wilmington, 7 p.m. 25: vs. Reed-Custer, 7 p.m.

Defense has high standard to meet after last year’s success By ROB OESTERLE

roesterle@shawmedia.com

OAL CITY – Coal City making the playoffs is as near to a certainty as it gets. The Coalers have been in the postseason in 28 of the past 31 years. Coal City left the Interstate Eight Conference, along with Streator, Lisle, Reed-Custer, Wilmington, Manteno, Peotone and Herscher to form the Illinois Central Eight, and the Coalers look to be be the cream of the crop in the new league, especially with a wealth of talent returning from a team that went 10-2 last season. The defense set an almost impossible standard to meet considering the Coalers posted six shutouts in their 12 games. But with defensive ends Brady Crawford and Jacob Jasnosz, linebackers Austin Pullara, Jack Bunton and Daniel Jezik and defensive back Asa Cooper all returning, if the middle of the defensive line can be shored up, that standard could be met or exceeded. Offensively, Coal City isn’t lacking for talent either. Quarterback Payton Hutchings returns to run the offense for his third season under center, and with capable offensive weapons such as Pullara, Cooper, Jezik and Crawford for Hutchings to use, points shouldn’t be a major issue either. Connor Best, who missed all of last season with a foot injury, is another possible weapon to be added to the fold. Best likely will contribute on

Dan Voitik for Shaw Media

ABOVE: The Coal City offensive and defensive lines get ready to run a play Aug. 12 during the first official practice of the season. TOP LEFT: Running back Daniel Jezik looks for running room Aug. 12. BOTTOM LEFT: Quarterback Payton Hutchings throws a pass Aug. 12. both sides of the ball. “Connor is healthy this year and ready to go,” coach Dan Hutchings said. “Having him around will give us a lot more flexibility on the D-line and with our offense.” Coal City will get an early measuring stick to how it might fare this season right out of the gate. The

Coalers will travel to Morris, who beat the Coalers, 21-7, last year, to open the season before hosting Bishop McNamara in Week 2. The conference schedule doesn’t appear to be nearly as difficult to navigate – until Week 8 when the annual showdown with neighboring Wilmington looms.

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TOUCHDOWN 2019 The Herald-News/TheHerald-News.com • Thursday, August 29, 2019

Coalers confident in return to playoffs

Minooka’s Seth Lehr runs passing drills at Minooka Community High School in Minooka, . Eric Ginnard – eginnard@shawmedia.com

Inside the Indians

MINOOKA

Indians have experience on their side By ROB OESTERLE roesterle@shawmedia.com

INOOKA – Last season, with a starting team composed mostly of juniors, the Minooka football team went through some growing pains early, starting the season 0-2 before rebounding to win its final seven games to finish the regular season at 7-2 and qualifying for the Class 8A playoffs before an opening-round loss to Loyola Academy. This year, under second-year head coach John Belskis, that group comes back as seniors, and with a

different plan in mind. “We had some growing pains early last year and started 0-2,” Belskis said. “Hopefully, that experience pays off this year and we can improve on what we did.” Belskis noted that with all the experience returning from last season; he and his staff have spent much less time teaching the Indians’ system and more time working on execution. “We took full advantage of our 25 contact days during the summer,” he said. “The kids keep getting better. There’s not really a sense of urgency, but we are able to keep

practices to two or two and a half hours instead of three hours. “The kids have really bought in to what we are doing and why we are doing it. Right now, we are working on getting in shape to play four quarters of football.” With the addition of Yorkville and West Aurora to the Southwest Prairie Conference, the Indians were put in the East Division of the conference, in which five of the six teams were playoff qualifiers last season. “There are no games we can look past on our schedule,” Belskis said.

See INDIANS, page 25

Coach: John Belskis (7-3 in one year at Minooka) 2018 record: 7-3, 7-2 Southwest Prairie Conference Classification enrollment: 2,688.50 (Class 8A)

Schedule AUGUST 30: vs. Joliet West, 7 p.m. SEPTEMBER 6: at Plainfield South, 7 p.m. 13: vs. Plainfield East, 7 p.m. 20: at Joliet Central, 6:30 p.m. 27: at Oswego East, 7 p.m. OCTOBER 4: at Plainfield North, 7 p.m. 11: vs. Yorkville, 7 p.m. 18: vs. West Aurora, 7 p.m. 25: at Oswego, 7 p.m.

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TOUCHDOWN 2019

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25 TOUCHDOWN 2019 The Herald-News/TheHerald-News.com • Thursday, August 29, 2019

This team has great chemistry. They get along well. That can take you a long way in this game.” John Belskis, Minooka head coach

• INDIANS Continued from page 24 “Also, the last couple of years, I think we kind of snuck up on some people. This year, we aren’t going to be able to do that. We are going to have a target on our back. That’s a good place to be, because it means we are a pretty good football team.” Leading the offense will be returning quarterback Seth Lehr and running back/receiver Connor Etzkorn. “Connor battled a hip injury most of last year, but he is fully healthy this year,” Belskis said. “He is a very versatile weapon for us. He’s one of those kids you can put anywhere on the field: running back, receiver, defensive back. He is what we call a program kid. He is more interested in what helps the team win rather than his own numbers. “Seth Lehr, if he was 6-[foot]-2 or 6-3, would be getting a lot of looks from big schools. He has a great foot-

ball IQ and knows the offense inside and out. He knows not just what he’s supposed to do, but what everyone is supposed to do. It’s almost like having a coach out there on the field, and that’s a huge help.” Belskis looks for the offensive line to be anchored by tackle Jake Shipla (6-3, 280) and center Ryan Doody, both returning starters from last season. Shipla also will be a mainstay on defense, where he registered 21 tackles for loss and 10 sacks last season. Other returning defensive players to watch are linebacker Tommy Burrs and defensive back Steve Gonzalez. “This team has great chemistry,” Belskis said. “They get along well. That can take you a long way in this game. “It is also [assistant coach] Terry McCombs’ 50th year of coaching, and it may be his last year. The kids really enjoy being around him, and I think they would like to send him out on a high note.”

Photos by Eric Ginnard – eginnard@shawmedia.com

TOP: Minooka’s defensive line runs drills Aug. 14 at Minooka Community High School in Minooka. ABOVE: Coach John Belskis runs drills with the starting quarterbacks Aug. 14.

The Herald-News/TheHerald-News.com • Thursday, August 29, 2019

TOUCHDOWN 2019

26 WILMINGTON

DWIGHT

Wildcats look to crank things up Trojans set By STEVE SOUCIE

ssoucie@shawmedia.com WILMINGTON – Wilmington is a program that has been predicated on using physical play to assert its dominance over opponents. It’s a great blueprint, one that has worked for 23 consecutive years with a playoff berth including last season, during which the Wildcats recovered from a rocky start to advance to the Class 3A playoffs where they were edged, 14-10, by Monmouth in the opening round. But some of the foundation of that program theory was a bit shaky last season, something veteran coach Jeff Reents is hopeful his squad will correct. “Against some of the physical teams, we didn’t match up too well,” Reents said. “And I’m hoping this year, we do a better job of that.” Wilmington has an experienced core to lean on as multiple injuries forced some underclassmen into larger roles

than initially expected last fall. The Wildcats hope to reap the benefits of that experience. That now-experienced core is especially apparent in the backfield where three-year starter Keaton Hopwood will continue to engineer Wilmington’s double-wing offense, along with fellow backfield returners Jake Rodawold and Trey Shaw. In the trenches, Hunter Doherty and Cam Holman will be key cogs, especially on defense, where the Wildcats will look to continue their tradition of being averse to allowing yards and points. Wilmington will be pushed out of the gates because of a nonconference schedule that features a pair of nonconference foes in Evergreen Park and Oak Lawn Community, both of which are schools substantially larger than Wilmington. Then, they will follow with an Illinois Central Eight Conference schedule that has reduced the number of teams but left virtually all of the strongest programs.

Inside the Wildcats Coach: Jeff Reents (222-59 in 25 seasons at Wilmington) 2018 record: 6-4, 2-2 Interstate Eight Small Conference Classification enrollment: 465 (Class 3A)

Schedule AUGUST 30: vs. Evergreen Park, 7 p.m. SEPTEMBER 6: at Oak Lawn, 7 p.m. 13: at Streator, 7 p.m. 20: vs. Manteno, 7 p.m. 27: at Lisle, 7 p.m. OCTOBER 4: vs. Herscher, 7 p.m. 11: vs. Reed-Custer, 7 p.m. 18: at Coal City, 7 p.m. 25: vs. Peotone, 7 p.m.

LEMONT

Indians hope to get back on track By STEVE SOUCIE

ssoucie@shawmedia.com LEMONT – Since taking over the program in 2014, a Bret Kooiled Lemont squad had not lost more than two games in any season. Until last year. The Indians still qualified for the playoffs, bowing out in the opening round of the Class 6A playoffs with a loss to Chatham Glenwood. But the Indians finished the season with a record of 5-5, which simply didn’t meet the standard that the team has established for itself. So what has to happen to get Lemont back into the mix as one of Class 6A’s elite teams? “We think it’s the little things,” Kooi said. “We think last year was a situation where we were knocking on the door, but we did a couple of little things not the way they should be done. And it could have made a

difference.” Offensively, it appears that Lemont could have a potent squad. The Indians will likely be led offensively by wide receiver Anthony Sambucci, who recently made a committment to continue his football career at Western Michigan after graduation. “We’re not used to being knocked out in the first round of the playoffs,” Sambucci said. “We have a legacy going on here, and we are just looking to prove that we’re not done yet and that Lemont can still be on top.” Jack Brady will take the reins of the offense at quarterback, while the group of running backs will be led by Alex Tagler. On the defensive side of the ball, the Indians still are trying to figure some things out and might need to draw some depth from a talented core of underclassmen.

Inside the Indians Coach: Bret Kooi (48-11 in five seasons at Lemont) 2018 record: 5-5, 5-1 South Suburban Blue Conference Classification enrollment: 1,382.50 (Class 6A)

Schedule AUGUST 30: at St. Charles East, 7:30 p.m. SEPTEMBER 6: vs. Rich Central, 7 p.m. 13: at T.F. South, 7 p.m. 20: vs. Oak Forest, 7 p.m. 27: at T.F. North, 7 p.m. OCTOBER 4: vs. Tinley Park, 7 p.m. 11: vs. Shepard, 7 p.m. 18: vs. Hillcrest, 7 p.m. 25: at Bremen, 7 p.m.

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to go it alone By STEVE SOUCIE

ssoucie@shawmedia.com The Dwight football program will undergo a bit of a change this season. The Trojans had been in a cooperative agreement with Gardner-South Wilmington for several seasons, but elected to go it alone this season. While the arrangement did help Dwight’s bottom line in regard to how many players were in the program, the arrangement did require that if the Trojans did make the postseason the combined student enrollments of the two schools would move Dwight up as much as two playoff classes. Last year, the Trojans pieced together a 6-3 record and bowed out in the opening round of the Class 3A playoffs with a loss to Lisle. If they are able to duplicate that feat this year and make the field, the new enrollment number would likely put Dwight in the Class 1A field. In order for them to do that, they’ll need to rely on a a cast of much younger players. The Trojans were senior dominated in that playoff qualifying run and have the taxing challenge of replacing wildly productive running back Logan Graham, who graduated in the spring. Much of that burden will likely be assumed by junior Carson Crouch, who will likely lead the ground attack. He could find himself under center as well as last year’s starter Colton Holm, also graduated. The young Trojans have a challenging schedule, opening with Class 1A powerhouse Ottawa Marquette before entering a Sangamon Valley Conference schedule that consists of mostly Class 2A and Class 3A squads.

Inside the Trojans Coach: Luke Standiford (6-4 in one season at Dwight) 2018 record: 6-4, 4-2 Sangamon Valley Conference Classification enrollment: 253.50 (Class 1A)

Schedule AUGUST 30: at Ottawa Marquette, 7 p.m. SEPTEMBER 6: vs. Reed-Custer, 7 p.m. 13: vs. Seneca, 7 p.m. 20: at Clifton Central, 7 p.m. 27: at Watseka, 7 p.m. OCTOBER 4: vs. Momence, 7 p.m. 11: at Iroquois West, 7 p.m. 18: at Hoopeston, 7 p.m. 25: vs. Paxton, 7 p.m.

PEOTONE

By STEVE SOUCIE

ssoucie@shawmedia.com If you were to place a motto on the Peotone football season in 2018, going with “Just missed” is appropriate in a number of ways. Not only did the Blue Devils just miss making the playoff field with a 4-5 record, they couldn’t help wonder what might have been had a pair of one-point losses to Tinley Park and Lisle gone the other way. A threepoint loss to Streator in Week 9 was only the capper on a unsatisfiying campaign. In all, four of Peotone’s five losses were by a total of nine points. It’s no secret that Peotone is a runheavy operation under head coach Apostolos Tsiamas and he feels as if his group is in the right place to make the step up he’s expecting. “I feel really good about this group,” Tsiamas said. “This isn’t a big rah rah group, they just show up

and do what they are supposed to do. Inside the Blue Devils Junior Ben Balmer likely will be the lead dog in Peotone’s running atCoach: Apostolos Tsiamas (20-18 in tack, after missing most of last seafour seasons at Peotone) son with injury. He likely won’t be 2018 record: 4-5, 2-2 Interstate Eight alone as quarterback Max Gesswein and fullback Alan Sunday will al- Small Conference Classification enrollment: 511.50 (Class most certainly contribute. 3A or 4A) Sam Biedron will be an anchor for the defensive unit as will threeyear varsity starter Logan Heflin Schedule will anchor the Peotone defense. And Tsiamas also has high hopes for deAUGUST fensive lineman Drake Sorensen, yet 30: at Peoria Manual, 7 p.m. another Blue Devil that lost the enSEPTEMBER tire season to injury last year. 6: vs. Tinley Park, 7 p.m. Heatlh is also something Tsiamas is hoping his team is granted with 13: vs. Reed-Custer, 7 p.m. this season. 20: at Coal City, 7 p.m. “I know everyone has injuries, 27: at Herscher, 7 p.m. but every week it felt like we had a OCTOBER guy go down for us and most of the 4: vs. Streator, 7 p.m. time it was like a two-way starter for 11: at Manteno, 7 p.m. us,” Tsiamas said. “We started the 18: vs. Lisle, 7 p.m. season with 34 kids and finished with 22.” 25: at Wilmington, 7 p.m.

REED-CUSTER

Comets preparing for challenge By STEVE SOUCIE

ssoucie@shawmedia.com BRAIDWOOD – On paper it looks as if very little has changed for the teams that left the Interstate Eight Conference for the “new” Illinois Central Eight. There are no new teams in the league, as all eight teams were members of the former I-8, only a few departures. But unfortunately for ReedCuster, some of those four programs were the ones the Comets have had some success against in recent seasons, and now the Comets are left to try to rebuild against a number of programs that have been the power programs in the league. Reed-Custer went 2-7 last year, collecting only one win over a team in the new league. But more importantly, it was very competitive

in most of its games, a trend head Inside the Comets coach Gavin Johnston hopes he can continue with a roster that has a lot Coach: Gavin Johnston (4-14 in two seaof vacancies to fill. sons at Reed-Custer) “We are replacing nine starters 2018 record: 2-7, 0-4 Interstate Eight on offense and five on defense,” Small Conference Johnston said. “So we will be Classification enrollment: 474 (Class 3A) young, but we do have some size up front.” The Comets have to figure out a Schedule way to replace the productive tandem of quarterback Josh Loomis AUGUST and receiver A.J. Cherry, both of 30: vs. Fieldcrest, 7 p.m. whom graduated last season. SEPTEMBER Blake Foster is a likely candi6: at Dwight, 7 p.m. date to fill some of that void at wide 13: at Peotone, 7 p.m. receiver while Noah Curl should be 20: vs. Streator, 7 p.m. an anchor for Reed-Custer on the 27: at Manteno, 7 p.m. offensive line. OCTOBER Johnston also has hopes that 4: vs. Lisle, 7 p.m. varsity newcomers Colten Berg and Vander Dransfeldt will be able to 11: at Wilmington, 7 p.m. put some things together to help the 18: vs. Herscher, 7 p.m. 25: at Coal City, 7 p.m. cause.

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Fighting Irish hope to return to playoff fray By BILL LIDINSKY

Shaw Media correspondent SENECA – Seneca’s been tantalizingly close to the playoffs recently, but has not been able to break through. Last year was another example of close, but not quite as the Fighting Irish finished 4-5 overall and 2-3 in their first year in the Sangamon Valley Conference. It marked the third time in the past five seasons the Fighting Irish missed the playoffs by one win. Head coach Ted O’Boyle, 31-35 in eight seasons at the helm at Seneca, knows it is time for his program to get back in the ring as playoff participants. “Last year there was a game where we really should have won but maybe one that we should have lost,” O’Boyle said. “Give or take a couple of games over the past five seasons, the bottom line is we’ve got to get back into the playoffs. I know numbers are down all over the place, but we’re still close to 50 as a program. The kids are still excited and have put forth great efforts so far this year in practice. It’s just time to turn the card a bit and get this thing back to where we need to be and that’s winning football games and making the postseason.” It’s no secret O’Boyle likes to run the ball on offense, but he will have to replace better than 1,700 yards of rushing that was lost when Logan Bruss (1,182 yards) and Brody Baudino (569 yards) graduated last spring. He will turn to a stable of running backs led by junior Cole Underhill (210 yards) and senior Myles Mitchell (131 yards), who besides Bruss and Baudino saw the most playing time in the 2018 backfield.

Inside the Fighting Irish Coach: Ted O’Boyle (31-35 in seven seasons at Seneca) 2018 record: 4-5, 3-3 Sangamon Valley Conference Classification enrollment: 440 (Class 3A)

Schedule AUGUST 31: vs. Shelbyville, 2 p.m. SEPTEMBER 6: vs. Ottawa Marquette, 7 p.m. 13: at Dwight, 7 p.m. 20: at Paxton, 7 p.m. 27: vs. Clifton Central, 7 p.m. OCTOBER 5: vs. Iroquois West, 1 p.m. 11: at Watseka, 7 p.m. 18: at Momence, 7 p.m. 25: vs. Bismarck-Henning, 7 p.m.

27 TOUCHDOWN 2019 The Herald-News/TheHerald-News.com • Thursday, August 29, 2019

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The Herald-News/TheHerald-News.com • Thursday, August 29, 2019

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