Football: Northwest all-area team

Carsten Andersen PalatineAndersen was a two-year starter that anchored an offensive line that averaged nearly 29 points and produced an offense that rushed for 2,700 yards and passed for another 1,600. "Leadership and work ethic are strong characteristic for Carsten on and off the field," Palatine coach Rick Splitt said. "Carsten is a talented lineman that will continue on and play college football next year and we look forward to watching him."

Odell Andrews ConantAndrews led the Cougars defense despite being just a junior. A starter last year, Andrews had 37 solo tackles, 27 assists, 5 QB sacks and 6 other tackles for a loss this year. He also played running back at times. "He was certainly our best defensive player," Conant coach Bill Modelski said. "Teams would try to run away from him."

Antonio Atencio Rolling MeadowsBecame the main cog in the backfield this year for the Mustangs. Atencio was the third-leading rusher in the area with 832 yards and 5.1 yards per carry. He also scored 9 touchdowns, including one receiving score. "Antonio was a workhorse for us all year," Rolling Meadows coach Matt Mishler said. "He got better and better as the game went on and would punish defenders in the fourth quarter."

Mark Bornhofen BarringtonIf teams overlooked Bornhofen at linebacker, the three-year starter usually made them pay for it. He had 63 total tackles with 4 for a loss, including 1 sack. He also was credited with 5 hurries. "Every year he improved as a player and really helped solidify the middle of our defense," Barrington coach Joe Sanchez said. "He is a big reason why we have had so much success, especially the last two years."

Sal Cannella St. ViatorAt 6-foot-5, Cannella was a huge mismatch for most defenses as a receiver and a blocker on the outside. He had 31 receptions for 521 yards and scored 7 touchdowns. Also plays basketball and is excelling. "Sal is the best blocking wide receiver I have seen at the high school level," St. Viator coach Brandon new said. "He physically dominated opponents. He will be a great college receiver because I believe his best days are still ahead of him."

Dante Cleveland Hoffman EstatesCleveland was a beast on both sides of the ball for the Hawks. Could catch the ball as a tight end and then become a lead blocker as an H-back. "Playing both ways at defensive end and tight end, Dante never left the field," Hoffman Estates coach Mike Donatucci said. "He is a big, athletic, tough kid who plays the same way. He clearly was our best defensive lineman and a constant offensive threat as a receiver and blocker."

Joe Caputo Hersey

Had another great season at linebacker for the Huskies with 40 tackles, 29 assists, 11 TFL, 3 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. Also played quarterback and running back where he rushed for 425 yards. "Joe has been a tremendous leader of our program both on and off the field," Hersey coach Joe Pardun said. "He is a complete football player who was able, and more importantly willing, to play anywhere the team needed him most."

Jake Coon BarringtonThe leader of the Broncos defense, his toughness and playing ability made opposing coaches make sure they always knew where he was on the field. A three-year starter and the MSL West co-defensive player of the year, Coon led the team with 119 total tackles, including 8 for a loss. He also had 3 sacks, 2 interceptions, 3 forced fumbles and 2 fumble recoveries. "He was the heart and soul of our defense," Barrington coach Joe Sanchez said. "He earned the nickname 'Coach' from his teammates due his high football IQ and his preparation and film study for games. His ability to communicate this information to his teammates and coaches is what made him so special."

Cameron Cornelius PalatineA huge key to the Pirates' success this season, Cornelius was named offensive player of the year in the MSL West. Cornelius, who was the area's fourth-leading rusher in 2013, became the leading rusher in the area this season with 1,275 yards. He also had 185 receiving yards while totaling 18 touchdowns, including a kick return. He did all that, despite missing a game due to an injury. "Cam is a great player that made big plays for us throughout the season," Palatine coach Rick Splitt said. "His big play ability was a spark for this team and definitely was a huge factor in several games."

David Danhauer BarringtonBruising up front, Danhauer had 106 total tackles, including 18 for a loss and 7½ sacks. He was credited with 10 hurries and 3 pass break-ups. He also forced 2 fumbles and recovered one. "He is a great success story of hard work and perseverance and truly what high school football is all about," Barrington coach Joe Sanchez said. "David went from being a B-team player as a freshman to becoming one of the most disruptive defensive linemen in school history."

Matt Darling St. ViatorA three-year starter, Darling, who was all-area last year, had another great season, despite being injured for part of it. He had 41 receptions for 470 yards and 9 touchdowns. "Matt is one of the purest wide receivers I have ever coached," St. Viator coach Brandon New said. "His ability to see coverage and adjust his routes, and what he can do once he has the ball, are unmatched. He is a coach on the field who knows every position's responsibilities."

Johnny Davidson Barrington

When he arrived on the scene this year, barely anyone knew his name. By the time the season had completed, it was on the lips of nearly everyone. Davidson made the Broncos offense purr, completing 75 percent of his passes for 2,463 for 23 TDs while throwing just 5 interceptions. Davidson also had 450 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns. "He is a real student of the game," Barrington coach Joe Sanchez said. "His off-the-field preparation combined with his skill set is what helped our offense really excel this year. He is always looking to improve and we are very glad he has another year left in the program."

Amani Dennis WheelingDennis was a terror at quarterback for the Wildcats due to his elusiveness. He rushed for 953 yards while averaging nearly 6 yards per carry. He also threw for 1,104 yards, bringing his total offense for the year up to a staggering 2,057 yards. Also played defensive back the last four games of the year. "I have had the good fortune to coach a lot of great players, and he sure is one of them," Wheeling coach Brent Pearlman said. "But when it comes to fighting, willingness to sacrifice, and pure courage Amani stands in a very small and elite group."

Ben Dickey St. ViatorDickey was a three-year starter on both sides of the ball for the Lions and was dominant in his play. He led the area with 70 receptions for 1,263 yards and 13 touchdowns and finished with career totals of 3,077 yards and 32 touchdowns. Dickey also had 66 tackles. He will attend Northwestern next year on a baseball scholarship. "Our most dynamic player the past three years," St. Viator coach Brandon New said. "What separates Ben from most high school kids is his competitiveness. No one wants to win more than Ben. He is a kid that you cannot replace."

James Ford ProspectFord was a three-year starter on defense, and went both ways on the line for Prospect over the last two years. He anchored an offensive line enabled over 1,700 yards total this year. Ford also had 3 sacks and 37 tackles from the nose tackle position. "A young man that helped to keep this team together and on the right path through the season," Prospect coach Mike Sebestyen said. "That leadership helped us to a 3-game winning streak at the end of the year."

Palmer Graham ConantA two-year starter as a junior, Graham locked down the opposing team's best wide receiver all season and had 33 tackles and returned an interception for a touchdown. On offense, he was a huge threat, catching 33 passes for 464 yards. "Palmer was a big-play threat on offense and an excellent cover corner on defense," Conant coach Bill Modelski said. "We look forward to having him next season."

Jason Harris BarringtonHarris became a dominant player this season after coming back from an injury last year. He had 72 total tackles. 6 of which went for a loss. He also added 7 sacks, 8 hurries forced a fumble and recovered a fumble as well. Had an interception that went for a touchdown against Glenbard West in the state quarterfinals. "Jason's best football is still in front of him," Barrington coach Joe Sanchez said. "He missed his junior year due to a knee injury but then came back this year with a determination and desire to help this team play at a high level. He improved every week and at the end of the season against the best teams in 8A was playing his best football. I am excited to see how he continues to develop."

Tyler Johnston St. ViatorJohnston stepped into the St. Viator lineup as a quarterback this year and the Lions barely missed a beat. He led the team to their first playoff appearance in two years with an offense that averaged 30 points. Johnston was one of the leading passers in the state with 189 completions for 2,821 yards and 25 TDs. "Can you say Moxie?" St. Viator coach Brandon New said. "Tyler is everything you want in a QB. He can throw, run, and is a tremendous leader."

Dominic Lombard FremdA two-year starter, Lombard made a name for himself with his string, aggressive play. He has offers from Western Illinois and South Dakota State thus far. "Dominic was one of the most improved players I have seen a quite a while," Fremd coach Lou Sponsel said. "He turned out to be a dominant force up front his senior year. He has many years of good football left in him."

Josh Mackie PalatineA 3-year starter, Mackie had 65 tackles, two of which went for a loss. He also forced 2 fumbles and had 3 interceptions. Returned punts as well for the Pirates. "Josh had a fantastic career as a varsity starter," palatine coach Rick Splitt said. "He has great instincts for the football and played very well in the open field."

Justice Macneal-Smith SchaumburgThe bulk of the Schaumburg offense went through Macneal-Smith. Even though defenses knew he was going to get the ball, Macneal-Smith still was the second-leading ball carrier in the area, gaining 1,003 yards and averaging 5.1 yards per carry. He also gained nearly 1,000 yards last season as a junior. "Justice was a load," said Schaumburg coach Mark Stilling. "I don't think many looked forward to dealing with him on Friday nights."

John Maddox Buffalo GroveStrong on both sides of the ball, Maddox did it all for the Bison while helping them to their best record in five years. He had 72 tackles, 3 forced fumbles and an interception on defense. He also stepped in at quarterback after an injury and rushed for 761 yards and 6 touchdowns while passing for 160 yards and 2 more scores. Also averaged 42 yards punt. "Hands down, one of the best players on the field," Buffalo Grove coach Mike DiMatteo said. "And he was the most important asset on our team."

Jeff Mayes Hoffman EstatesMayes, who was a two-year starter, helped lead the Hawks to their best season in 14 years. He was the fourth-leading passer in the area, throwing for 1,353 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also rushed for 479 yards. "Jeff Mayes is a winner," Hoffman Estates coach Mike Donatucci said. "His decision-making ability, character and leadership have helped move our program to respectability. He has been a fearless competitor for us and his big-play ability is well documented."

Matt McCabe FremdThe co-defensive player of the year in the MSL West as a junior, McCabe is drawing huge interest from Division I programs, as his quickness and strength helped him to lead the Vikings' defensive charge all season. "Matt is impressive, especially as a junior," Fremd coach Lou Sponsel said. "He is big, fast, physical, but more importantly he has tremendous football instincts."

Scotty Miller BarringtonMiller was dangerous in every facet of the game. Scored 17 touchdowns from a combination of receiving, rushing, kick returns and interception returns, and finished with 1,361 all-purpose yards. A speedy runner, Miller was third in the state last year in the 100-meter dash. Miller has committed to Bowling Green. "Scotty is one of the best athletes I ever coached," Barrington coach Joe Sanchez said. "He is a winner in everything he does."

Cole Monckton HerseyMonckton was a star on both sides of the ball for the Huskies. He was named MSL East co-Offensive Player of the Year with 36 receptions for 647 yards. He also had 28 tackles, 6 assists and 5 interceptions. "Cole is one of the best competitors I have ever coached," Hersey coach Joe Pardun said. "Cole always welcomed the challenge of playing against the best players on both sides of the ball. He played the game with a contagious energy that made everyone around him better."

Jack O'Neill Rolling MeadowsO'Neill was hazardous to opponents every time he touched the ball for the Mustangs. He racked up 1,109 all-purpose yards, which included a 99-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. He had 286 yards rushing and 616 yards receiving while scoring 6 TDs. "Jack was one of the best receivers I've had the privilege of coaching," Rolling Meadows coach Matt Mishler said. "He has unbelievable hands and is a great route-runner. Jack was the catalyst of our offense this year."

Nick Orlando PalatineOrlando was the spark that directed the Pirates offense the past two seasons. In his senior year, he threw for 1,664 yards and 10 touchdowns while rushing for 414 yards rushing and 6 touchdowns. He also played safety for the Pirates. "Nick's athletic ability was a great strength to the Pirate offense," Palatine coach Rick Splitt said. "The dual run/pass threat complemented our offense. Nick's leadership skill and competitiveness was instrumental for us."

Tom Pajor LeydenPajor became the leading passer in Leyden history after starting for two seasons. He threw this season for 1,210 yards, completing 55 percent of his passes with 12 of them going for touchdowns. "Tom's knowledge of the game is outstanding," Leyden coach Tom Cerasani said. "He called many plays on the line. He was an outstanding leader on and off the field."

Michael Parisi Elk GroveParisi was a terrific run-blocker who consistently rated in the 80-90 percent range this year. He was second on the team in pancake blocks, and with his 6-foot-4, 265-pound frame has the opportunity to play at the next level. He also played defensive tackle for the Grens. "His best football days are ahead of him," Elk Grove coach Larry Calhoun said. "He did a great job for us all season."

Mitchell Pfeiffer BarringtonPfeiffer, who is an outstanding baseball player, took last year off to concentrate on his diamond skill. He returned to the gridiron this season after missing the game and turned in a spectacular year with 35 catches for 873 yards and 9 TDs. "It was a great when Mitchell came back this season after taking his junior year to focus on baseball," Barrington coach Joe Sanchez said. "His return at wide receiver helped create on offense 4 true threats at receiver that you had to try and defend on every play. He helped to make our offense explosive."

Collin Rustay St. Viator\

Taking a season off didn't matter to Rustay, who came back to play this year with a vengeance. He was the leading tackler on the Lions defense with 83 tackles, including 8 for loss. "He was our most dominant front-seven defender," St. Viator coach Brandon New said. "Collin decided to rejoin football his senior year and we are blessed that he did. He always seemed to make the big play." Rustay has already accepted a lacrosse scholarship at Florida Southern.

Vince Serio PalatineSerio was the inspiration of a stout Palatine defense. His strip of a Barrington player turned the tide in the Pirates' victory over the Broncos. Serio finished with 75 tackles, 6 sacks, 5 tackles for loss, 1 forced fumble and 1 interception returned for TD, and was a two-year starter at middle linebacker. "His speed and ability to make big plays was a key part of Palatine's success," Palatine coach Rick Splitt said. "Vince was the heart and soul of the defense."

Francisco Trejo Rolling MeadowsTrejo was a two-year starter at center for the Mustangs. He allowed no sacks his senior year and was the anchor of an offensive line that paved the way for 245 yards rushing per game. "Francisco is a phenomenal young man," Rolling Meadows coach Matt Mishler said. "He was a stalwart for us up front. We averaged 245 yards on the ground this year and much of it can be attributed to Francisco's leadership and play up front."

Will Trossen HerseyThe MSL East Defensive Player of the Year, Trossen was an enforcer at the safety position for the Huskies. He had 63 tackles, 24 assists, 6 batted balls and 5 interceptions, and he intimidated receivers who dared to come over the middle. "Will was a model of toughness for our defense," Hersey coach Joe Pardun said. "His physical play often ignited our team. He is a talented football player who knew how to play the game the way it is supposed to be played."

Tyler Urban Wheeling

Urban had 3 interceptions and led the Wheeling defense in pass break-ups. Also played receiver and had 31 catches for 537 yards, an average of 17 yards. Played both ways and on every special team for entire year, and never came off the field. "Tyler plays the game the way it was meant to be played," Wheeling coach Brent Pearlman said. "Regardless of what position he was playing, he consistently led our team in battle, spirit, and production."

All-area roster

Player School Pos. Yr.

Carsten Andersen Palatine OL Sr.

Odell Andrews Conant LB/RB Jr.

Antonio Atencio Rolling Meadows RB Sr.

Mark Bornhofen Barrington LB Sr.

Sal Cannella St. Viator WR Sr.

Dante Cleveland Hoffman Estates TE/DE Jr.

Joe Caputo Hersey RB/LB Sr.

Jake Coon Barrington LB Sr.

Cameron Cornelius Palatine RB Sr.

David Danhauer Barrington DL Sr.

Matt Darling St. Viator WR Sr.

Johnny Davidson Barrington QB Jr.

Amani Dennis Wheeling QB Sr.

Ben Dickey St. Viator WR/DB Sr.

James Ford Prospect OL Sr.

Palmer Graham Conant DB/WR Jr.

Jason Harris Barrington DL Sr.

Tyler Johnston St. Viator QB Sr.

Dominic Lombard Fremd OL Sr.

Josh Mackie Palatine DB Sr.

Justice Macneal-Smith Schaumburg RB Sr.

John Maddox Buffalo Grove QB/DB Sr.

Jeff Mayes Hoffman Estates QB Sr.

Matt McCabe Fremd DL Jr.

*Scotty Miller Barrington WR/DB Sr.

Cole Monckton Hersey WR/DB Sr.

Jack O'Neill Rolling Meadows WR Sr.

Nick Orlando Palatine QB Sr.

Tom Pajor Leyden QB Sr.

Michael Parisi Elk Grove OL Sr.

Mitchell Pfeiffer Barrington WR Sr.

Collin Rustay St. Viator LB Sr.

Vince Serio Palatine LB Sr.

Francisco Trejo Rolling Meadows C Sr.

Will Trossen Hersey DB Sr.

Tyler Urban Wheeling DB Sr.

* All-area team captain

Honorable mentionJack Albrecht, Fremd, OL; Anthony Barra, Buffalo Grove, OL; Michael Baureis, Hoffman Estates, WR/DB; Chris Beck, Buffalo Grove, WR; Isaac Branch, Wheeling, RB; Darius Burchett, Fremd, RB; Trey Cervantes, Buffalo Grove, QB; Kyle Cook, Maine West, OL; Kevin Clark, Palatine, OL; Nick Devona, Rolling Meadows, DB; Matt Drew, Propsect, QB; Brady Eckert, OL, Prospect; Luke Fulton, St. Viator, DB; Jawan Gaines, Fremd, RB; Jeff Gill, Fremd, DB; Tommy Gillespie, Buffalo Grove, DL; Alex Horvat, Buffalo Grove, DL; Jordan Irwin, Palatine, LB; Mike Kleczynski, Buffalo Grove, WR/DB; Alex Lemon, Leyden, WR; RJ Mattucci, Rolling Meadows, QB; Brendan McKinney, Buffalo Grove, DL; Pat McMahon, DL, Fremd; Michael Meier, Conant, OL/DL; Noah Miller, Schaumburg, FB/LB; Seamus Moran, Barrington, WR; Sean Oldenberg, Elk Grove, LB; Brian Peters, St. Viator, DB; Jake Plantz, Fremd, OL; Eric Portenlanger, Hersey, QB; Alex Rezny, Rolling Meadows, DE; Jake Riportella, Maine West, RB/DB; Tommy Sobotka, Palatine, OL; Andrew Shafis, Prospect, RB; Ricky Strba, Buffalo Grove, OL; Greg Suarez, Prospect, RB; Joey Vogeney, Maine West, DE/TE; Matt Wary, Elk Grove, WR; Waylan Washington, Palatine, DL; Jovaun Woolford, Maine West

Special mentionAzeez Alabi, Elk Grove, RB; Johnny Asquini, Buffalo Grove, DB; Nick Bart, Barrington, OL; Chase Bandolik, Hersey, RB/LB; Dylan Bingham, Barrington, WR; Tyler, Biddle, Hoffman Estates, WR; Chady Bitre, Hoffman Estates, RB; Kyle Bradley, Conant, WB/DB; Nick Delporte, Rolling Meadows, LB; Jalen Dennis, Wheeling, RB; Peyton DeZonna, Rolling Meadows, DB; Cordell Finley, Fremd, QB; Ryan Haas, Fremd, DB; Jack Hansen, Fremd, LB; Steve Herigodt, Schaumburg, LB; Bobby Jarosz, Prospect, RB; Brad Kalish, Conant, OL; Brian Keegan, Elk Grove, LB; Anthony Kifkarkis, Elk Grove, OL; Ryan Kobus, Rolling Meadows, LB; Matt Lamm, Palatine, WR; Chase Lesniak, Barrington, K; Kyle Lewis, Fremd, WR; Jack Lunkes, Conant, LB; Connor McCreary, Hoffman Estates, RB; Terry McGovern, Barrington, DB; Dillon McHugh, Palatine, LB; Tommy McSorley, Buffalo Grove, WR; Cole Nelson, Palatine, DL; Greg Off, Rolling Meadows, OL; Cody Patenaude, Fremd, RB; Vlad Pavlenko, Hersey, DL; Josiah Pittman, Christian Liberty, DL; Marteen Robinson, Maine West, WR; Joey Roy, Palatine, WR; Alex Serrano, Barrington, OL; Jovone Stricker, Palatine, WR; Chaz Velasco, Maine West, OL; Michael Williams, Palatine, LB