Back At It Fall 2021
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This fall it’s ‘playoffs or bust’ for La Salle-Peru Cavaliers return solid core from 5-0 spring squad By Kevin Chlum Shaw Media After a playoff berth in 2019 and a 5-0 record in the spring 2021 season, the mentality of the La Salle-Peru football program has changed. “It’s a lot different than past years,” senior Sean Whitfield said. “In past years, it used to be win four games and we’re good. But it’s playoffs or bust at this point.” Even a playoff berth isn’t quite enough for the Cavaliers. “Our really big goals since we made the playoffs two years ago is a home playoff game, especially with the new turf,” senior Chris Swayne said. “It would be great to have a packed stadium (for a playoff game).” To accomplish that goal of a playoff game at Howard Fellows Stadium, which hasn’t happened since 2003, the Cavs will rely on the same formula of stingy defense and run-heavy offense. L-P returns several players who played key roles on last year’s defense that allowed 60.0 rushing yards, 113.4 passing yards and 10.4 points per game. “L-P has always been a great defensive program, and we don’t plan on changing that,” said Swayne, who re-
La Salle-Peru senior Sean Whitfield steps in at starting quarterback and returns for his third year starting at safety for the Cavaliers, who hope to earn a home playoff game for the first time since 2003. turns at linebacker. Also back in the linebacking corps are Antonio Rodriguez, Luke Mertes and Byron Verdun. Three-year starters Whitfield and Trevon Hunter return at safety, while Ethan Bell is back at cornerback. Caleb Burrell, Esteva Alfaro and
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Mason Lynch could also see time in the secondary. The only question on defense is on the line, where the Cavs lost all three starters, including NewsTribune Defensive Football Player of the Year Levi Reed. “That’s the type of kid we’re try-
ing to find and implement in our defense,” L-P coach Jose Medina said. Verdun could potentially see time at defensive end, as could Joey Shepard. Will Daugherty is the only returning defensive lineman with experience, while Carter Walters, Ray Miller, Warren Mrowicki and Gage Starkey
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make things happen with his feet and his arm. I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do with a whole year running this offense.” Senior Matt Carrico returns at fullback after recording three 100-yard games in the spring, while Swayne also will get carries at fullback. Corey Walker, who got a handful of carries toward the end of the spring season, and Joey Story will fill the slot back roles. “Matt has proven himself as a tough, hard-nosed runner,” Medina said. “Chris has a lower half that is strong. I think he’s a good addition to the backfield who can give Matt breaks. “Corey is one of those shifty guys who really gets after it and can make
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big plays. Story is a tough kid. He’s aggressive. That’s what we want out of the position. He’s going to be involved in the passing game too, and he’ll be our blocking back.” Hunter returns at receiver, while Ozzy Hernandez and Tyler Wrobleski also will see action at the position. “We have more deep threats than we had before, so we can throw more, and that’s really going to open it up for Matt,” Hunter said. Up front, Aidan VanDuzer returns at center, and Daugherty is back at right tackle. Nik Belski, Josue Bustos and Creed McCormick will also play on the line. “Our offense is looking pretty good
this year,” Whitfield said. “Our offensive line is pretty strong. We have some good things going. We have good chemistry and good flow. We’re definitely taking steps in the right direction.” The Cavs are looking to keep the program going in the right direction. “It started with last year’s seniors,” Medina said. “They set a strong foundation. They left the program in a better place. That’s what we’ve emphasized to these seniors, it’s your time and now it’s your responsibility to leave the program in a better place. “The expectations are high, and these guys are motivated.”
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could contribute as well. “Defensively, we have a lot of returners,” Medina said. “We’re just missing a couple kids on the line. I think we’re going to be solid defensively. Maybe not as solid as last year, but they have fight in them, and they’re going to try to exceed our expectations.” The Cavs return a solid core on offense as well. After playing a running back/receiver role last season, Whitfield steps in as the starting quarterback. In one start last season, Whitfield threw for 55 yards and a touchdown and ran for 68 yards and a score to lead the Cavs to a 34-6 victory over Ottawa. “Sean is a heck of a passer,” Medina said. “He’s a scrambler. He can
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Hall brings battle-earned experience into fall season “We’ve got a lot to look forward to this year” By Clark Teuscher For Shaw Media
lot. It’s still a really young team, but coming into this season, that experience is going to be huge for us.” The Red Devils return their entire starting offensive backfield, consisting of senior quarterback Gabe Lucas, senior fullback Dominic Guerrini, senior wingback Caleb Savitch and junior wingback Mac Resetich. Guerrini and Resetich both earned Second Team All-Three Rivers Conference Mississippi Division honors in the spring. Dominic Guerrini scored four of Hall’s nine touchdowns during the spring season, while Lucas passed for three scores and ran for another. Resetich proved to be a big-play threat with a 59-yard TD reception in a 56-31 loss to Rockridge and a 72-yard run in a 27-6 setback against St. Bede. Resetich also had an 83-yard kickoff return
Hall football coach Nick Guerrini sees a great deal of opportunity in the upcoming season. Guerrini’s first year in charge of the Red Devils was a unique one as he steered the team through a five-game schedule in March and April. Hall went just 1-4, but a young team gained important experience still fresh in the players’ minds as preseason camp began. “The team responded great,” Guerrini said. “For what we asked them to do, with the short notice and conditions that we had, our guys did a fantastic job. “We had a lot of younger guys who got a lot of playing time that otherwise might not have seen the field a whole
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touchdown called back because of a penalty in a 42-14 loss to Kewanee. Lucas, Dominic Guerrini and Savitch each scored touchdowns in Nick Guerrini’s first victory as coach, a 26-7 win over Bureau Valley. “We’re mixing it up a little bit,” Nick Guerrini said of Hall’s offensive scheme, which has long operated out of the wing-T formation. “We didn’t have much time last year to put new stuff in, so we’re trying to tailor things a little more to our personnel this season.” Dominic Guerrini also led a defense that forced seven total turnovers in
the spring, accumulating nearly 70 tackles prior to claiming First-Team All-TRC honors at linebacker. Resetich, meanwhile, earned Second-Team All-TRC honors and returns as a starter at safety. Savitch also returns as a veteran presence at cornerback. “We didn’t lose a whole lot from our defense,” Nick Guerrini said. “We’ve got a lot of youth, and we’re still trying to figure out who’s fitting where. Joe Schrader started on defense for us as a sophomore, so we’re looking for big things from him, and Gianni Guerrini started as a freshman at cornerback. See Hall page 21
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Ottawa looking to turn ‘close’ into wins in fall of 2021 Pirates return young but experienced squad to hopefully get over hump By Brian Hoxsey Shaw Media
Ryder Miller (13) is among last year’s key contributors back for this season’s Ottawa Pirates. nior Tanner Coglianses with the lone spot left after four-year starter Matt Ahearn graduated. With the spring’s top receivers, Bryar Naggs and Jacob Serby, graduating after making a combined 47 catches for 671 yards and four scores, Miller will have new go-to targets in senior Ryan DeMoss (nine receptions for 100 yards and one TD in the spring), juniors Conner Price, Levi Sheehan, Dylan Quatrano and sophomore Ryder Miller (five catches for 57 yards from the running back position.) “In our conference with how tough, physical and competitive it is, you never want to be forced to play young kids, but that was what we had to do in the spring season,” said Gross, who returns players from 14 of 22 starting spots. “That being said, many of our kids, I felt, held their own and gained a ton of experience even in just the five games we played.
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“My hope is that translates into more confidence for them going into this season and more success for us as a team on the field. On the defensive side of the ball, Ryder Miller — spring’s leading tackler with 49 (17 solo) — will be at linebacker, with Price (all-conference, 15 tackles, three interceptions), Braiden Miller, Quatrano (16 tackles against Rochelle) and Sheehan (All-Interstate Eight) all holding down the secondary. “We did lose a few really solid players to graduation,” said Gross. “But I also think we are fortunate to have a bunch of kids returning, many who are going to be asked and have a chance to take on more roles ... more time on the other side of the ball than
they had in the spring.” The Pirates open the season Aug. 27 on the road against Sandwich. They then have back-to-back rivalry games. They’ll host Streator in a resumption of the state’s third-oldest rivalry (Ottawa leads 58–37–1) that begun in 1894, but hasn’t been played since 2013 in Week 2. The following week Ottawa travels west on Route 6 to visit La Salle-Peru for the annual tilt that began in 1898, with the Cavs holding a 66–50–5 edge, including wins in each meeting since 2014. In the final six weeks, Ottawa will host Sycamore (Week 4), Woodstock (Week 6), Kaneland (Week 8) and Plano (Week 9), while hitting the road against Woodstock North (W5) and Morris (W7).
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This past spring in a shortened season, the then-youthful Ottawa football team improved by leaps and bounds from the prior season and found itself in a number of close games. However, it was unable to get over the hump to secure a victory in six tries. Pirates’ fourth-year head coach Chad Gross is hoping the experience that the now nearly three dozen seniors and juniors gained, plus a solid summer workout program, will translate into his squad finding ways to come out on the winning side. Ottawa was in striking distance at the break against against Plano, Kaneland and Sycamore, as well as leading Rochelle late before falling in overtime. “I don’t think there is one thing you can point to,” said Gross of the second-half struggles. “Those were good teams that made adjustments at halftime or during the second half, but I also think our depth hurt us as well. I feel we were wore out and ran out of gas in the second half of games, so that was a big focus for us over the summer. “We put together a great program for the kids, and they worked very hard on conditioning and in the weight room. We had great attendance, and hopefully that will all pay off in the fall. We were right there in every game except against La Salle-Peru, but the fact is you have to find ways to finish. “I’m confident we’ll find that way.” Ottawa, now a member of the Kishwaukee River/Interstate 8 White Division, returns senior all-conference quarterback Braiden Miller (72-of-140 for 900 yards and five touchdowns), classmate Javarius Whitfield at running back and four of five starting linemen in seniors Ethen Swords, Jaxson Decker, Kameron Page and ju-
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After 0-5 spring, Streator Bulldogs eager to prove doubters wrong Blocking, tackling focuses for improvement, wins this fall
By J.T. Pedelty Shaw Media There is no magic formula for turning around a football program such as the one at Streator High School, which has five total playoff appearances (the last in 2017) and one postseason win (2008) in school history and is coming off a 2-7 fall 2019 season and 0-5 spring 2021 campaign. Second-year Bulldogs head football coach Kyle Tutt isn’t looking for one. Instead, he’s spent the offseason preaching love for the game, better blocking and more fundamentally sound tackling. “It’s just fundamentals, and we spent a lot of time in the offseason working on those,” said Tutt. “We feel like if we can make improvements there, the offensive and defensive schemes and strategies just kind of work themselves out. ... “The numbers have improved, the kids are excited about the game of football, and we were able to give them some new things (out of the playbook),” said Tutt. “I think when you’re excited about the game and you feel a certain way about yourself, you begin to feel empowered, and I think our guys are starting to feel that way. “We hope we’re able to transfer that to the football field.” While there are plenty of intriguing, speedy and talented options in the skill positions, as the spring pointed out the Bulldogs will need to improve on team defense and blocking up front to find the win column this fall. The good news when it comes to the lines is the Bulldogs bring back more experience and depth than they had a year ago in the trenches. That starts with three proven commodities — senior and The Times Spring 2021 All-Area Second Team pick Walker McClellan, junior Sabby Nieto coming off an especially impressive summer and sophomore Anthony Dominic. Seniors Ben Pond, Brant Freese, Landen Long and Zander Middleton as well as juniors Austin Taylor, Jett Austin and Manny Villalobos will be competing for time on a line Tutt expects will be much-improved and better-rested due to quality depth at the position than in the spring. If the O-line can provide the open field and the D-line the pressure, the Bulldogs have a number of explosive weapons to take advantage. Spring starting quarterback Tyler Luckey in the offseason asked to move to more of a hybrid receiver/running back position, with Tutt’s blessing. The senior promises to be deadly in the open field, while sophomore Christian Benning — a Times All-Area
First Teamer — takes over behind center. “I think Ty is still a go-to guy,” Tutt said of the senior who appeared on multiple Illinois Central Eight Conference coaches’ and the Friday Night Drive lists of players to watch this season. “We just have to get him the ball in different ways this year with him moving over to a wide receiver-like spot ... and that allows our young quarterback, Christian, to come in. He’ll have a lot riding on his shoulders, but he’ll have the opportunities to be a big playmaker, and I think he loves that opportunity.” Playing a similar role as Tyler Luckey will be fellow The Times Spring 2021 All-Area Second Team pick Cade Stevens, a A quartet of Streator Bulldogs stretch out before the start of the opening day of official practice at the SHS Athletic smooth contributor who may be Fields. Lisle, are back home against Manteno number of five wins to become playoff start more plays split out wide or in the slot than in in Week 5, visit Peotone and then host eligible, a quick start will be key. “We’re taking each game week by the backfield as he did last season. Reed-Custer on Oct. 8. The last two There are a number of other poten- will be challenging to say the least — week,” Tutt said. “We’re going to line tially potent weapons for Benning — at Wilmington and at Coal City — so up, give it our best and see what hapwho showed flashes of playmaking if Streator hopes to reach the magic pens.” ability in limited action at QB in the spring — too, a field that includes RBs Darryl Gullens and Seth Miles as well as WRs Trevon McKinnie, Alex Ward, Jeremiah Brown, Ryan Smith, Isaiah Dembo, Sergio Brown, Jenson Ketcham, Carlos Portuges, Jake Luckey, Jesse Porter, Collin Jeffries and the lightning-quick Aneefy Ford. Those same names will be filling the defensive backfield and linebacking corps, while soccer standout Parker Phillis will serve as placekicker against a schedule that opens Aug. 27 at home against East Peoria and continues with a Week 2 visit to Ottawa in the resumption of the state’s third-oldest high school rivalry, dating back to 1894.
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In Princeton, Tigers aim to keep great thing going After semifinal appearance in 2019 and a 6-0 spring, Princeton football looking for more success By Kevin Chlum Shaw Media With a talented and experienced roster returning after reaching the Class 3A semifinals in 2019, the Princeton football team had state title aspirations in the fall of 2020. Then the season was postponed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the spring 2021 season was shortened and did not include a postseason. With another strong nucleus back after a 6-0 spring, the Tigers are excited to once again have a shot at a deep playoff run. “Everybody is looking forward to it,” senior captain Drew Harp said. “Everybody is super excited we get to have a normal season this year and get to show we’re still a team that can compete at a high level.” The Tigers look to continue their reign in the Three Rivers Conference Mississippi Division while adding to their total of four playoff wins in the last two postseasons. “We’re three-time conference champions. Obviously, we want to make it four in a row,” fifth-year coach Ryan Pearson said. “We’re not satisfied with going to the playoffs. We want to do some damage once we get there. I think those are certainly obtainable goals for our kids.” After losing Bureau County’s alltime leading rusher Ronde Worrels, who is now playing at Northern Illinois University, the Tigers are changing their offense. Princeton will open up the offense to take advantage of dual-threat Teegan Davis taking over at quarterback along with speedy weapons at running back and receiver. “The strength of our team this year is our athleticism,” senior captain Logan Glancy said. “Our receivers are very explosive. Our running backs are athletic and can make moves on a dime. Our quarterback, Teegan Davis,
Princeton’s Teegan Davis (2) sprints for the end zone during a game last season. After playing receiver in the spring, Davis will take over at quarterback. is going to be a huge addition to the team as a starter. Our offensive line is going to block very well. “I think overall, we’re going to be an explosive offense.” Davis started at quarterback on the freshman/sophomore team as a freshman then served as the backup quarterback in the spring while also starting at receiver. He completed 2-of-3 passes for 16 yards, ran for 250 yards and three
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touchdowns and caught 11 passes for 222 yards and four scores. “I think he’s made the transition extremely well,” Pearson said. “Obviously, we know Teegan can throw the ball. He has some great targets to throw it to, but I think what makes Teegan dangerous is the fact he can really hurt you with his running ability.” Davis’ top targets include returning starters Bennett Sierens (340 yards, two TDs in spring), Matt Lucas and Danny Cihocki along with Ean Compton — who played as a sophomore but not in the spring season — Carson Etheridge and Ethan Wallace.
Replacing Worrels is a group of three running backs who all got carries last season in Glancy (17 carries, 98 yards), Auggie Christiansen (37 carries, 212 yards, four TDs) and C.J. Hickey (four carries, six yards). “Obviously, anytime you’re replacing the school’s all-time leading rusher, that’s a big hit,” Pearson said. “But I think we have a very good stable of running backs. I think they each bring an added dimension. We all know Ronde was a big, physical kid and was going to be a downhill runner. These kids are more scat-back type players. Not only can we use them to run the football, but we can
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think once we’re all on the same page, we’re going to work very well. Everyone is going to go to the ball. I think everyone is going to be very aggressive. Our physicality is what’s going to make the difference.” Up front, Wicaryus, Miller, Aley, Peacock and Jesse Wright will see time. Harp, the team’s second-leading tackler in the spring, is back at middle linebacker, while Cihocki is back at an inside linebacker spot, and Etheridge takes over for Worrels at another inside spot. Glancy and Christiansen are back at outside linebacker. In the secondary, Sierens returns
at cornerback, and Davis is back at safety. Compton and Brady Byers will see time at the other cornerback spot. “I think our defense is going to be good,” Harp said. “We’ve always been
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use them in the passing game. “I really think we can put those kids in spots where we can succeed as opposed to asking them to do something they don’t do well.” On the offensive line, Jacob Aley returns at left tackle, Matt Peacock is at left guard after starting one game in the spring, Walker Menzel takes over at center, Harp moves from fullback to right guard, and J.J. Wicaryus, a transfer from Amboy, and Payne Miller are competing for time at right tackle. While the Tigers will change up their offensive scheme, they will remain with the 3-3 stack on defense. “I think this is going to be one of our best defensive teams,” Glancy said. “We play like a brotherhood. I
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Youthful Fieldcrest Knights hoping to continue winning ways in HOIC
Knights return just one starter from perfect spring , but youngsters are ahead of pace By Brian Hoxsey Shaw Media The Fieldcrest football coaching staff, including second-year head coach Mike Freeman, and the program itself is in a unique situation from anytime in the recent past. The Knights, who finished a perfect 4-0 in the spring after a 12-1 mark in 2019 that included a Class 2A semifinal playoff appearance (the sixth postseason berth in eight seasons) come into the 2021 fall campaign looking to replace the entire starting 11 on offense and all but one on defense. However, even with a younger, inexperienced roster made up of six seniors, eight juniors, six sophomores and 11 freshmen, Freeman feels the group is ahead of where he thought they might be. “Every team in the eight years I’ve been with the program, we’ve always had at least three to five solid starters on each side of the ball,” said Freeman. “The coaching staff has been so impressed with how much the younger kids have learned so quickly. Now that being said, we’ve had to water down our offense from the past few seasons to get things started, but we are already starting to add back in some of that stuff, which is exciting. It also helped with the quick turnaround from the spring for the kids that were on the team ... they
didn’t have the downtime or time to forget the things we do. “We have 31 kids on the roster, and 18 haven’t played a snap of high school football. I’m lucky to have seven outstanding assistant coaches that are working so hard with the kids to get them ready to go. We’ve come a long way in the last four weeks.” Freeman said with so many starting spots to fill, the competition has been as good as it gets. Senior linebacker/fullback Ethan Stoeger is the lone returning starter, and Freeman hopes he can be a player who provides leadership on both sides of the ball. Sophomore Brady Ruestman was the backup quarterback this spring and has been splitting reps equally with classmate Koltin Kearfott and freshman Jackson Hakes. “I’m being as open as possible when I say we have no idea who is going to be our quarterback for our first game,” said Freeman. “I may not know who it is until right before kickoff. But I do know whichever of them fill the role, they are going to do the best they can.” Senior Logan Halley, who went to grade school at Fieldcrest but is a transfer back from Normal Community, along with freshman Eddie Lorton will see time in the backfield, with Stoeger penciled in at fullback. Freeman said there are eight players
working towards five spots for starting offensive and defensive live, including juniors Carter Stimpert, Aiden Harsted, Coltin Perry and sophomore Aydin Stimpert. On the defensive side, Freeman said other than Stoeger at LB, nothing is settled as of yet. Rounding out the roster for the Knights will be: seniors Toby Chromchak (WR/ LB), Dylan Crank (OL/DL), Elliott Rowland (OL/DL); juniors Dylan Baker (OL/ DL), Carson Mahan (RB/DB), Landon Modro (WR/LB), Dalton Mrazek (OL/ LB), Trenton Topolski (WR/DB); sophomores Loren Gensler (FB/LB), Jozia Johnson (WR/DB), Auden Meierhofer (OL/DL); and freshmen Jordan Carey (OL/DL), Levi Harlan (OL/DL), Cooper Haugens (OL/DL), Ejay Johnson (RB/ LB), Kade Kearfott (RB/LB), Maddux Modro (WR/DB), Brenden Pita (OL/DL), Kameron Widmer (WR/DB) and Landin Wright (WR/DB). Fieldcrest — which has won 10 consecutive Heart of Illinois Conference games — just late last week added a Week 1 opponent, visiting Aurora Christian in Week 1 and then El Paso-Gridley on September 3. The Knights host Fisher in the home opener and Eureka the following week, then go to LeRoy in Week 5. The next three weeks are home games against Tri-Valley, Stockton and Dee-Mack before a Week 9 trip to Tremont. “We are no different than any other
Fieldcrest High School second-year head football coach Mike Freeman watches over drills during football camp this past summer. coaching staff in the sense we’ve looked at our schedule in the past seasons, and no disrespect to anyone, but we’ve said to ourselves, ‘OK, these are games we should win, these are some borderline games, and these are going to be really hard.’ “This season isn’t really that way. We are just going to try and put our best team on the field every week. We are just concentrating on ourselves, that is all that matters right now.”
Flanagan-Cornell/Woodland stronger, more experienced heading into I8FA season Falcons enter the fall returning almost everybody from spring campaign
By J.T. Pedelty Shaw Media Up until just over a week before kickoff, the Flanagan-Cornell/Woodland Falcons weren’t sure if they would have a Week 1 opponent. In an 11th-hour scheduling find, fellow Illinois 8-Man Football Association program West Central — an I8FA powerhouse — will be visiting FCW in Flanagan Aug. 27 ... and as good as it is, West Central will be contending with what looks likely to be a tough, experienced flock of Falcons. “The most exciting thing is returning as many guys as we are, and adding some new faces too,” said FCW head coach Todd Reed. “After we lost (2019 I8FA All-State lineman) Kyle Uhl with some health issues after Week 2 (during the COVID-delayed 2020-21 school year season last spring), we have every starter returning on both sides of the ball. And not only that, we have added depth with the new faces, which will be huge for us. ... “The No. 1 goal, the thing we talk about, that’s the playoffs. You have to be in that top 16 (in the 8-man standings) to make the playoffs this year, and I feel really confident with what we’ve got, the way camp went with our numbers and the weight room. The buy-in is back. “That was the No. 1 thing when I took over — I didn’t want to see this program die. … What we have coming back and with the added faces we have in the pro-
gram, we’ve got some good things going.” Among those good things is the aforementioned eight returning starters on both offense and defense as well as some other contributors from the spring who are now upperclassmen. That includes names such as QB Dallas Hamilton; RB/LBs JD Ruddy, Chris Stasko, Will Weber and Jesse Simpson; WR/DBs Sam Jones (an I8FA All-State and Times All-Area selection), Keegan Boldt, Tyler Pfaff, Jacob Gamblin and Ethan Kane; TE/DEs Phoenix Cooper and Ethan Schumm; and OL/DLs Nolan Deats, Shawn Brinkmeyer, Michael Gamble, Jase Torres and Joey Jones. Reed seems especially excited about his dual tight ends — both outstanding athletes — working out of a double-tight set; his “Bash Brothers” Stasko and Weber at linebacker for the third straight season; the development of the lines with more experience and lots of work in the weight room; the sheer talent in the wide receiver corps led by Sam Jones, Boldt and Pfaff; the running-back rotation bringing in plays and keeping fresh legs; and, of course, Hamilton back behind center with all those weapons with which to to work. In addition to playing a JV schedule, something the Falcons were unable to do in the spring, a few underclassmen will be asked to contribute quite heavily on Friday nights as well. A trio of linemen — freshman Ayden Raske and sophomores Drew Novotney and Kesler Collins, a TE/
FCW ballcarrier Jesse Simpson (20) tries to fight through a pair of Lowpoint-Washburn/ Henry-Senachwine tacklers last spring. DE — look early on to be in line for featured roles. As for those lines, Reed said the team’s offseason dedication in the weight room has been a game-changer. “There are a lot of questions (as to who will play on the O- and D-lines), but if they can be physical, they will get some time,” Reed said. “About every day, we talk about “the days of us getting displaced are over.” It’s our turn to displace teams. We’ve got
some strength now and some confidence … and to me, the best thing to hear from an opposing coach is, ‘Man, you guys are physical.’ That’s our goal right there.” After the visit from West Central, the Falcons visit Peoria Heights and then South Beloit, host Milford-Cissna Park Sept. 17 in Flanagan and Polo Sept. 24 at Woodland, take the trip to Martinsville, host Hiawatha in rural Streator Oct. 8, visit Pawnee in Week 8 and St. Thomas More in Week 9.
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Experienced but young Crusaders will be learning on the job Marquette returns speed, size from successful finish to short 2021 spring season By Charlie Ellerbrock Shaw Media For the first two games of the pandemic-shortened 2021 spring season, the Marquette Academy football team looked exactly like the club it should have, one that graduated most of its veteran starters from a successful year before and replaced them with inexperienced ones. Only two starters returned from the 2019 squad that went 7-2 and made the playoffs for the eighth straight season before falling to traditional powerhouse Forreston. However, by the third game of the season the Crusaders learned, improved and kept improving, eventually finishing with a solid 4-2 mark against some historically tough programs. Now, the hope of head coach Tom Jobst is that his young, hard-working club can keep that momentum going. “A lot of the guys who played very well in the spring did not start as juniors, but things just started clicking for us,” said Jobst, who enters his 12th year at MA with an 82-32 record there. “I credit the guys for that. They came out, kept working hard and just had fun playing ball against some pretty good opponents. This year we’re in the same boat, and hopefully we can keep a little of that magic going. “This year’s team had some good role models last year and finished on a high, feeling good, and now they want to keep that going.” One of the biggest keys to that turnaround was junior quarterback Alex Graham. As the sophomore starter, Graham struggled with one TD and six interceptions in the first two games, but turned his season – and the Crusaders’ – around with five scores and no picks the last four. He finished 28-of-51 for 514 yards. Oddly enough, Graham is also the top returning rusher with just 84 yards, albeit with five touchdowns. Thus, there are many unknown but talented quantities at running back. Junior Vinnie Battestelli takes over the key position of fullback in Jobst’s winged-T attack, but its possible others may run plays there. Juniors Tom Durdan and Jurnee Reed have the
The play of Marquette Academy quarterback Alex Graham, shown trying to avoid Stark County’s Christian Brady last spring, will be a key to the Crusaders’ season. edge, but sophomore Pete McGrath and promising freshmen Julian Alexander and Payton Gutierrez should all see time. “Like always, we have to be able to run the ball,” Jobst said. “We have a good quarterback who can throw it, but for us we have to run the ball to make everything work.” Graham’s targets in the passing game will be junior ends Caden Eller and Griffin Walker, along with junior tight end Ethan Price and sophomore Charlie Mullen, the younger brother of last year’s leading receiver, Victor Mullen, now playing at the University of Louisville. They will function behind a line anchored at guard by twins Beau Ewers (6-2, 230) and Brady Ewers (6-3, 220). Juniors Aiden Thompson (6-3, 225) and Noah Barth (6-1, 250) will man the tackles, with varsity newcomer Stephan Swords (5-11, 210) stepping in to handle center. Vying for time in the trenches will be sophs Will Carlson (5-11, 220) and Andrew Hamm (5-7, 185) and freshman Tommy Walsh (5-11, 230). On defense, the same group will handle things up front, while the linebackers will likely be senior Maverick McAlpine, along with Mullen, Battestelli, Reed and Alexander. In the defensive backfield will be Pete McGrath, Eller and Durdan, as
well as soph Jacob Smith. The kicking chores fall to freshmen Sam Mitre and Xavier Julia. With just 25 varsity players, the Cru’s depth will have to come come from versatility, starting with the opener at home Aug. 28 with Dakota, one of the toughest foes on an independent schedule that will continue with three straight road games at Chicago Christian, Deer Creek-Mackinaw in Week 3 and Heyworth before three straight at home against Chicago Hope in Week 5, LeRoy and Walther Christian in Week 7. Games at Chicago Christ the King and home against the Fisher Bunnies will close the regular season.
“We don’t have a lot of guys, but we have enough versatility that we can move a guy here or a guy there to deal with an injury,” said Jobst. “We’re working on everybody knowing more than one position. “On paper, we look pretty young, but most of our juniors played quite a bit last year, so we’re in pretty good shape there. We’re young but experienced. We have, for us, more speed than usual. Size-wise, we don’t have gigantic guys like we used to, but across the board, we’re solid. … “These guys are hard-working, pay attention and are very coachable. It’s really a fun group to work with.”
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Fighting Irish bring back only three starters, but feature talented sophomore class
By Brian Hoxsey Shaw Media The Seneca football team has a new coach, but when it comes to X’s and O’s, not much has changed. The Fighting Irish — which finished 2-3 in the spring campaign — will again have opponents trying to devise ways to slow down the power-T offense while also looking for openings with a 4-4 defense. First-year head coach Terry Maxwell, who worked as an assistant under former skipper Ted O’Boyle for nine years, will have a roster of 32, including nine seniors, nine juniors and 14 sophomores. Many of the 10th-graders were part of a 5-0 junior varsity season this past spring, but the squad lost many key positions to graduation. “Things have gone really well, I feel, between summer camp and the first practices,” said Maxwell. “The biggest hurdle for us will be inexperience, but that only comes from us continuing to teach the kids and practice, and then when games start, learning from the good and bad. We lost a number of seniors from the spring, many of which were fantastic leaders. We’ve also talked a lot about how important leadership is
and holding teammates accountable. “We’ve had great energy at workouts and the first couple of weeks of official practices. I feel we have a group that is eager to step up, shine a little bit and show what they can do this season.” Seneca sophomore quarterback Nathan Grant will be back at the controls after a solid rookie slate. According to Maxwell, Grant has greatly improved his all-around game in just the past few months. “The best way to describe Nathan is that he is just a football player with a great football IQ and a kid that understands the game so well,” said Maxwell. “In the offense we run, if you can get a quarterback who can stretch the edge on the keep play, it makes the power and trap plays so much more effective. He also carries out his fakes so well, which is a key to the power-T. He is a threat for sure for defenses to have to game plan for. “He has also come a long way with his ability to throw the ball and put a lot of work into that this summer,” said Maxwell. “We may be able to hurt people a little more this year with the passing game than we did last season, because he is more accurate after a year under his belt.” There will be three new backs be-
Seneca quarterback Nathan Grant (7) jumps over a block against Watseka this past spring. Grant returns after a solid freshman season to lead the Fighting Irish under new coach Terry Maxwell. hind Grant this season, and Max- willing to block for each other just as well feels three guys — juniors Collin hard,” said Maxwell. “They all three Wright and Braden Ellis, as well as also have the ability to catch the ball, sophomore Asher Hamby — have so they are all going to be solid weapons for us.” taken the lead for those spots. Leading the offensive line play is “They are all explosive guys that can run the ball well but are also See Seneca page 23
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16 Despite new coach, expect more of the same from Seneca football in ’21
By Ty Reynolds Shaw Media Amboy-LaMoille is moving to 8-man football this season, but it won’t be completely new to the Clippers. There will be some varsity players with 8-man experience, as Amboy-LaMoille played an 8-man schedule at the junior varsity level in the spring. “I was on that JV team last year, and it was a pretty easy switch, actually,” quarterback Tucker Lindenmeyer said. “It wasn’t much different than 11-man. A lot of the plays are the same, it’s just less people on the field. That’s about it. “You’ve got to be aggressive. You can’t take plays off with this style of football.” It will be the first “regular” season for second-year head coach Scott Payne. The 1997 Amboy graduate took over last summer for Hall of Fame coach Gary “Tank” Jones but saw his first season moved to the spring and shortened because of the COVID-19 pandemic. He’s done his homework, however, contacting some eight-man coaches in Iowa to pick their brains about the different style of play. “I think there will be a little bit of adjustment; 8-man seems like it’s more of a speed game. But as far as of-
fense and defense goes, we’re going to do the same thing,” Payne said. “Last winter, I started talking to a couple of coaches from Iowa, and they said whatever you’re good at, just stay with that and don’t try to switch everything. We’re Amboy, so we’re going to stay in the I [formation], and we’re going to run the ball. That’s what we want to do.” The speed of the game is something the Amboy players are looking forward to. “I think it’s going to be a really fast game, and I think it’s going to really fit our team,” Joe Quest said. “We’re more of a ground-and-pound team. And with only one layer of defense behind the line, I think we’re going to be able to score some touchdowns this year. We’ve got a few running backs that can step in at the 2-back this year, and they’re pretty quick, so I think it’s really going to fit well in eight-man.” Jordan Gulley is one of the players in the mix to replace graduated all-conference running back Sean Fitzpatrick, and he’s excited to see what the Clippers can do on both sides of the ball. “We’re in a new league and playing a new style, but I think we’re going to have a pretty decent season,” Gulley said. “It’s supposed to be a really high-scoring style, so it should be fun. I think I’ll be the starting 2-back, so I’m excited for that, and we’re just
GAME ON! BEST OF LUCK
Amboy-LaMoille’s Jordan Gulley and teammates run through drills at the school. going to stick to Amboy power football, with a couple pass plays here and there. It’s going to be pretty much the same. “And defensively, coach has been telling us every day that we need to be the best tackling team in the state, and we’re working hard at that every day.” Along with the power-I offense, a hard-nosed defense has been Amboy’s calling card over the years. Payne and the Clippers see that continuing, and they’ve put in a lot of work on oneon-one tackling in the open field and man-to-man coverage down the field. But with more numbers in the first season of 8-man than the final year if 11-man – there are 10 more players in the program now than at the end of
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last spring – the Clippers hope to be able to rotate more players into the lineup and have fewer of them play both ways, leaving them fresher for the fourth quarter. And with more 8-man experience than some of their opponents because of last year’s JV schedule, it should be full steam ahead for the Clippers. “I’m pretty excited. Hopefully we’ll be able to step up another notch in the 8-man game and do really well this season, and I think we’re going to be pretty good,” senior Caden Wittenauer said. “We’re kind of picking up from the JV coaches on a few things here and there. … and once we get farther into the season, we’ll watch more film and pick some more things up and just keep getting better.”
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Amboy-LaMoille ready to make move to 8-man football
Shaw Media | August, 2021 | FOOTBALL PREVIEW
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‘This is our year’: Mendota looking for turnaround
After decade of struggles, Trojans have experienced roster eager to win now By Kevin Chlum Shaw Media
gallanes said. “We have a lot more variation within it and new formations in there. It’s going to open everything up completely. If they can’t stop the run, then they’re going to load the box and we’re going to have more opportunity to pass. And vice versa. If they drop a lot of people into coverage, it should be easier to run. “I feel like we have a lot more weapons and a lot more versatility in the pass and the run.” In three games in the spring, Landgraf threw for 358 yards and three touchdowns to five interceptions while running for 228 yards and three scores. He even caught a TD pass. “(We expect him to be) raising the level of everybody around him, being dependable and being a calming influence for people around him,” Hill said. “In the past, it was us keeping him calm. Now, he can help us do that. We’re looking for that level of leadership along with running the ball, throwing the ball and understanding where the ball needs to go. That’s all stuff he’s capable of, and I’m excited to see him do it.” Magallanes is a threat to run and catch the ball as he racked up 298 yards and scored four touchdowns in the spring. He also tossed a touchdown pass. Uzi Angulo and Tony Childs also will get carries at running back, Emilio Perez returns at receiver, while Isaac Smith, Ryne Strouss, Garret Zinke and Johnnie Gonzalez also will see time there. Up front, Andy Rivera, Omar Gonzalez and Christian Tellez are threeyear starters. Landon Kreiser, Jordan Coney, Sean Figueroa, Neal Linden, Parker Guelde and Jose Rocha also
The last decade has been a struggle for the Mendota football program. After a string of seven consecutive years advancing to the second round of the playoffs or deeper, the Trojans have won just 16 games in the last 10 seasons and have won one game or less in each of the last six seasons. Now, with coach Keegan Hill entering his fourth season, an experienced roster that features seven three-year starters and a move to the Three Rivers Conference, Mendota is hoping to finally turn its fortunes around. “I definitely think this is the year it’s going to happen,” said senior Damien Magallanes, a three-year starter at running back and defensive back. “We have worked so hard for this since freshman year. This is the year.” The Trojans are hoping to record a winning record and a playoff appearance. “We’re going to play our best football every single Friday,” Hill said. “After Week 1, we’re going to play better Week 2. We’re going to play better Week 3. We expect to improve. “If we get better every week, all that stuff is on the table. Everybody talks about results and what our record is going to be and all that stuff. That is not in our control. What is in our control is playing hard, caring about each other and being trustworthy. The results are a byproduct of all those things.” With three-year starter Ted Landgraf at quarterback, the Trojans will expand the playbook this fall. “We have a lot more plays,” Ma-
Mendota’s Ted Landgraf scores a touchdown against Oregon in a game last spring. Landgraf is one of seven three-year starters for the Trojans, who are looking for a turnaround after winning 16 games in the last decade.
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we’ve ever been on that side,” Hill said. “We have multiple kids playing on the defensive line. We have multiple kids playing linebacker. Ever year we’ve been better at taking the ball away. We have multiple threeyear starters on defense like Christian Tellez, Uzi Angulo, Omar Gonzalez and Damien Magallanes. That’s a calming influence.” The Trojans are hoping opened-up offense and experienced defense is a winning formula. “I really think this is our year,” Strouss said. “We know we can win. We want to win badly just to prove to everyone we can do it. “We have to do it for the seniors. We know we have the talent. We just have to put it all together.”
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will see action in the trenches. Johnnie Gonzalez, Abel Rodriguez, Tellez and Kreiser will see snaps at tight end. “We have potential to run the ball and throw the ball and not be one-dimensional,” Hill said. “Our skill kids can play a lot of spots. We have offensive line depth.” The Trojans also have depth and experience on the defensive side. Angulo, Omar Gonzalez, Aaron Avila, J.P Belmonte, Linden, Coney and Rocha will see time on the line. At linebacker, Childs, Tellez, Rodriguez and Johnnie Gonzalez will play key roles. Landgraf, Magallanes, Strouss, Perez and Smith will play in the secondary. “Defensively, we’re as versatile as
Returning core has St. Bede thinking about playoff bid
Letterwinners make Bruins strong contender in Three Rivers Conference By Charlie Ellerbrock Shaw Media
This fall, it’s all about the banner for the St. Bede Bruins. The decoration in question marks playoff appearances in football and, as head coach Jim Eustice points out, there aren’t very many listing that accomplishment for two consecutive seasons. However, winning five games — the standard to become playoff eligible in a normal IHSA campaign — in their six attempts in the pandemic-shortened spring has the program counting that as the first step toward that honor, and this year they’re going for the second leg and a spot on the wall in Abbott Vincent Gymnasium. Head coach Jim Eustice is confident they can do it. The “thunder and lightning” backfield of speedy Tyreke Fortney and burly Ethan Sramek and the performance of a veteran line will go a long way to making SBA a threat to contend for the postseason against Three Rivers East powers like Princeton and Newman.
The slate begins with Sherrard at home on Aug. 27. “This group really wants to get into the playoffs and get up there on that banner for both their junior and senior years,” said Eustice. “We’ve lost quite a bit, but our juniors and sophomores got a lot of experience, and that’s a pretty good group. “We return four of the five offensive linemen, and of course Tyreke is a dynamic player, and Ethan, though he got hurt in Week 2 last year, he was a load for the first game and three quarters. … Because of injuries, other guys had to grow up and step up for us, and now hopefully we’ll reap the rewards of that experience.” Any discussion of the Bruins starts with Fortney. His 202 rush yards with five TDs and his 20 catches for 437 yards and five scores in six spring games earned him a spot on the statewide Friday Night Drive Second Team. This year for the first time, he will also play in the defensive backfield. A 6-2, 215-pound senior, Sramek is a physical, fast workhorse who also returns for his third year at inside linebacker. Senior Anton Cain as well as juniors John Brady and Callan Hueneburg also figure to see plenty of time on offense, as will senior Auggie Weisbrock and junior Tom Makransky. This year will mark the fourth time in Eustice’s years at St. Bede that it has to replace a two-year starter at quarter-
Your talent determines what you can do. Your motivation determines how much you are willing to do. Your attitude determines how well you do it
St. Bede’s Ethan Sramek (45) runs past Monmouth-Roseville’s Logan Bratcher during a Three Rivers Conference game last spring. back. Gone this time are Brayden Damerall and his 721 passi yards, 355 rush yards and combined 11 TDs. This fall, there’s competition for that spot — juniors Ryan Brady and Calym Setser, with the winner starting out initially as a sort of game manager until his abilities make the job his own. Whoever is at QB, he will have bigger targets in tall juniors, 6-2 Ben Wallace and 6-1 Landon Jackson, and 6-0 sophomore Evan Entrican. The Bruins attack is secure up front with seniors Jayce Ladzinski (5-8, 185) and Rylan Heersink (6-2, 260) on the right side and juniors Ben Burke (5-10, 195) and Ryan Migliorini (6-1, 220) on the left. Stepping in at center will be sophomore Joe Bima (6-0, 265). On defense, Ladzinski returns at inside linebacker, where he posted 38 total tackles in earning All-TRAC First Team honors. He’ll be joined inside by Sramek and outside by Cain, John Brady and senior Jake Jackson.
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The offensive linemen will handle double duty on defense, along with senior Matt Pozzi and sophomore Gavin Hahn. Fortney, Hueneburg, junior Ryan Brady lead the backfield, with seniors Stephen Shaver and Ben Koyak, junior Nate Lough and sophs Seth Ferrari and Hunter Savage vying for time. “As a group, I’d say we’re above average in speed and in strength due to their consistent use of the weight room,” said Eustice, whose program boasts 47, only six sophomores but with 17 freshmen. “But this is also a very close group. This is my 31st year of coaching football, and this group is right up there among the closest I’ve been involved with. We have really good leaders, and they’ve done an excellent job with those freshmen, bringing them along and they’re one cohesive unit now. “I’m very proud of that and excited about what they can do. … I’m just real pleased with where everything is right now.”
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We’re looking for him to come up big. “There are several freshmen and sophomores who are probably going to get a lot of playing time for us, but our level of experience is really good. Numbers-wise, we’re better than where we left off. We’ve got a lot to look forward to this year.” Despite the current of optimism running through the entire program as the season draws closer, Coach Guerrini has been careful to keep his charges focused on taking one step at a time. “We want to play a full schedule, to start,” he said. “We want to play our nine games and see a full season. There’s some excitement about possibilities with playoffs at the end of the season, but I don’t want them thinking too far ahead. We’re going to work through the season game by game.” The Red Devils open the season by hosting Orion on Aug. 27 at Nesti Stadium.
FOOTBALL PREVIEW | August 2021 | Shaw Media
FROM PAGE 4
Hall’s Mac Resetich (4) runs the ball against Princeton last season. Resetich is one of several key offensive starters back for the Red Devils this fall.
Sandwich looking forward to new conference despite low numbers
Indians will move to new Kishwaukee River/Interstate Eight Blue
By Bill Lidinsky For Shaw Media Throughout the ever-changing landscape of high school football in Illinois, the Sandwich High School Indians have faced many challenges just like almost every team that has competed since the COVID-19 pandemic started. Last spring, the Indians struggled through a delayed and abbreviated 0-4 campaign, their last two games cancelled due to the pandemic. Now back on course with everyone else this fall, SHS will face new challenges and opportunities with COVID still lurking as a possible impediment toward regaining football normalcy. “Dealing with the pandemic has become the new normal now, and our job as coaches is to keep our young men focused on playing football,” said Sandwich coach Kris Cassie (4th season, 8-14). “We know only one case can shut your program down, so we’re very aware that we just have to concentrate on controlling what we can control, and that’s playing football. “We’re very excited about this season competing in a new conference.” That new league combines the Interstate Eight with the Kishwaukee River to form a pair of eight-team groups assembled by similar enrollment. Sandwich will join with fellow I-8 competitors Plano and Rochelle along with KRC members Harvard, Johnsburg, Marengo and Richard-Burton to make up the Kishwaukee River/Interstate Eight Blue Division. “There’s a lot of travel, but there are schools our size, which we like, and we completely respect all the teams in this
new conference,” Cassie said. “These are Class 4A playoff teams year-in, year-out. Every week we’ll be tested and know we need to play our best game each time.” To do that, the Indians will rely on a small varsity group of just 25 (13 seniors, 12 juniors) despite a healthy 62 within the program (37 junior varsity). Nine starters return from the spring, where on offense SHS will run its traditional wing-T ground attack led by 5-10, 175-pound junior fullback Seven Tornga. He earned I-8 All-Conference First Team honors with 249 yards and four touchdowns earlier in the year as a sophomore captain. Tornga will be a captain again this fall along with four others, forming a backfield with senior halfback Christian Sommers (captain, 6-3, 150) as well as wingbacks Cainan Haick (Sr., 6-0, 200) and Doug Taxis (Jr., 5-5, 135). At quarterback both senior Austin Sinetos (6-1, 160) and junior Evan Gottlieb (5-10, 150) will compete behind an offensive line consisting of senior center Damien Daniels (5-7, 170), junior guards Bryce Decker (5-10, 185) and Dan Reedy (captain, 5-11, 215), and senior tackles Kaiden Gustafson (captain, 6-0, 200) and Casey Olson (6-5, 250). Tight ends figure to be senior Johnny Rizzuto (captain, 6-2, 160) and junior Owen Sheley (6-5, 190), who will help block for Tornga as the Indians most potent threat. “I feel like when I get the ball I can break first contact, and I always strive for at least six yards a carry,” Tornga said. “At fullback you’ve got to run as hard as you can and keep the legs and feet pumping.” Defensively, the Indians will go with a 4-2-5 alignment that will see many two-
Running back Seven Tornga takes a handoff from quarterback Dylan Young during July football camp at Sandwich High School. way competitors from the offensive side. On the line, Reedy along with bulky senior transfer Theo Arnold (6-5, 285) will man the tackle spots along with senior Connor Holly (5-9, 215), while Decker and Sheley should patrol the ends. Tornga and Gustafson will be the keys at run control playing at the inside linebacker positions, with Haick and senior Joey Rizzuto (6-0, 160) on the outside. Sommers, Johnny Rizzuto and Taxis will compete at cornerback, while junior Dylan Young (6-2, 160) will be crucial at
safety. Senior Alex Alfaro (6-1, 195) will handle the kicking duties along with playing on the school’s soccer team. “On defense I think we have some great chemistry, and I believe we can do some very special things this year,” Gustafson said. “I know we don’t have many numbers on our varsity team this year, but I really believe in this group.” Sandwich will be looking to qualify for the playoffs for the first time since 2013 and will open up at home versus Ottawa on Friday, Aug. 27, on its home turf at 7 p.m.
Bureau Valley will let the games take care of themselves Storm seek first win in three years By Kevin Hieronymus Shaw Media Bureau Valley entered the 2021 spring season on the heels of a winless 2019 fall campaign. While it was important to focus on winning that first game, third-year coach Mat Pistole thinks he may have stressed it too much, the Storm dropping all four games in the spring. He won’t make that mistake again as the Storm huddle up for the 2021 fall season. “In the spring, I think I put too much emphasis on getting that victory, and I think it affected us negatively and put unnecessary pressure on us,” Pistole said. “This year we are entirely focused on taking it one day at a time knowing that if we continue to make progress, the results will fall into place.” While depth remains a problem, the Storm return nine starters on offense and defense and gain the talents of two seniors who were unable to play this spring. This formula leads to optimism. “We are really excited to get going and have had a pretty good summer. Experience is going to be a great asset for us heading into the season. Plus getting two of our best seniors back after not being able to play in the spring is massive for us,” Pistole said. “Depth is going to be a concern for us as it is for a lot of teams, but in re- Bureau Valley’s Brock Foster runs the ball past St. Bede to score a touchdown during the Princeton 7-on-7 event at Princeton High gards to experience and knowing the School on Saturday, July 17, 2021. system, we feel as good as we have sophomore, picked up right where he game a little more this year after Nevin Bolin (TE/OLB). Pistole said since I have taken over about our left off this spring. He is the Storm’s Adam has had a tremendous offsea- both committed themselves over the team.” fastest player and “can score anytime son that is going to allow us to pass summer to better their game. The Storm’s experience lies both up the ball is in his hands,” Pistole said. “Logan has some versatility for the ball more than we did in the front and in the backfield. Adam Johnson is a senior return- spring. He also does a great job lead- us both on offense and defense, and Senior running back Layton Britt is ing starter at quarterback who Pistole ing the offense and getting guys in the we expect to line him up at different the Storm’s best offensive option and said improved drastically as the spring right spots,” Pistole said. spots wherever we need him and we “we are excited to get the ball more in season went on throwing the football. Receivers for the Storm include se- think he will play really well,” Pistole his hands this year,” Pistole said. “We are going to open up the pass niors Logan Johnson (WR/DB) and said. “No one had a better offseason Jaden Michlig, who didn’t play as a
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expected to be senior tight ends Carter Ellis and Brian Hooker, as well seniors Patrick Griffin and Wayne Tondini (returning starter), plus sophomore Matt Dillon. The defensive line will also feature Griffin, Tondini and Dillon, with help from junior Aiden Wood and a rotation at defensive end from Kyle Hamby (sr.), Brady Barla (jr.) and Lane Provance (so.). The linebacking core will be led by Wright, Carter Eills (the lone returning starter on defense), Hooker and senior Joe Hamilton. The secondary will see Asher Hamby at free safety, Braiden Ellis and Grant at the corners, with senior Jaden Casey also seeing some reps. “We’ve had a lot of competition in practice because of so many spots needing to be filled,” said Maxwell. “We have a ton of hungry kids who
are looking to contribute in any way they can.” Seneca, now part of the Vermilion Valley Conference North Division, opens the season with crossover games in the first four weeks, starting with a Week 1 home opener against Westville. From there the Irish will host Catlin Salt Fork (W3), Iroquois West (W5) and Clifton Central (W8), while hitting the road to Hoopeston Area (W2), Georgetown-Ridge Farm (W4), Watseka (W6), Momence (W7) and Dwight (W9). “We start the season off with a team in Westville that is on the rise and a veteran group,” said Maxwell. “They are somewhat at the opposite spectrum of where we are at, but it will be a good first test for us to see where we are.”
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Three sophomores and a freshman gained invaluable experience starting all four varsity games this spring - sophomores Connor Scott, an offensive guard/linebacker, who has “a knack for being at the ball and making tackles; Cameron Lillie (C/DT), who Pistole expects to take a good leap forward this fall; and Ayize Martin (T/DT), a “big, athletic kid, who has all the tools to be a great OT and DT”; and freshman Jon Dybek (T/ DT), a “big strong” lineman. Defensively, the the Storm return senior linebacker Eli Kruse, a second-team all-conference performer who was the Storm’s leading tackler this spring despite missing the last game with a broken wrist. “He is a tackling machine and has gotten even stronger/more athletic this offseason,” Pistole said. Britt will be moving to the “eagle” position that is very important in both the Storm’s pass game and run-game defense, Pistole said. Two junior newcomers the Storm will look to for contributions from are Isaac Attig (RB/DB), who will start at cornerback and get some carries at running back, and Sam Rouse (QB/ RB/LB), who sat out last spring due to health concerns. The Storm, who were moved to the Mississippi Division of the Three Rivers, will open the season at home Friday, Aug. 27 vs. Riverdale. One exciting addition to this year’s schedule is the addition of Princeton, who the Storm last played more than 20 years ago. “It’s always great to revitalize a rivalry, and I think the community is excited to have them on the schedule. Coach (Ryan) Pearson has built up a fantastic program, and they are exactly what we are trying to build back up at BV,” Pistole said.
FOOTBALL PREVIEW | August 2021 | Shaw Media
than Nevin has. He has gotten much stronger, faster and more athletic and has consistently made plays in 7-on7s this summer that shows the type of playmaker we are going to have.” The Storm offense will get a boost from the return of seniors Brock Foster (WR/DB) and Levi Hardy (RB/ LB), who did not play this spring. Both have ability to be all-conference performers on both sides of the ball, Pistole said. Pistole said Foster was going to be a staple for the Storm this spring, but broke his foot going into the first game. “Brock is tremendously sports smart, runs great routes, has great hands and has tremendous ball skills defensively. He showed this summer that he is a weapon on offense and defense in 7-on-7s. We will look to put him on team’s best receivers and also get the ball in his hands through the pass game,” Pistole said. “We are really excited to have Levi back for the fall. He is a big, tough fullback that we have been missing in our offense, and we are expecting him to carry the ball plenty between the tackles and utilize him as a blocker. He will also be a staple for us defensively at LB or DL.” The Storm have some horses upfront to get their offense and defense going. Pistole called senior guard Carter Haney his best offensive lineman. He will be moving back to his more natural position of DT in their 3-3 defense that fits his skills better. He was moved to linebacker out of necessity last year and played well, Pistole said, “but we are excited to get his athleticism with a hand down up front for us.” Senior Brodie Hansen (OG/NG) is the Storm’s “strongest” player and a returning two-way starter and will be counted on on both sides of the ball again.
24 Shaw Media | August, 2021 | FOOTBALL PREVIEW
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