Lisle Lions bring experience on the field

By the end of last season, Lisle staggered to the finish line with 14 healthy football players.

There's much greater strength in numbers this year.

The Lions enter the campaign with a roster of 31. More important than the numbers, though, is the experience.

After having only six seniors on last year's team, half this team boasts significant varsity playing time. Success in the rugged Interstate Eight Conference still depends on health, but the Lions are in much better shape to make it through the grind.

"It's like night and day compared to last season," said Lions coach Paul Parpet Sr. "We've got kids coming back who are committed and have a great work ethic. It's a great starting point for us."

Despite the stronger numbers depth remains an issue. Most of the veterans, including all-IEC running back and defensive back Mark McGrath, will play extensively on both sides of the ball.

Quarterback Alec Van Volkenburg also returns as an all-IEC performer. He and McGrath were two of the few players to make it through last season healthy.

Running backs Nick Massura and Michael Metoyer missed time, as did tight ends Christian Grego and Mark Pivek, defensive back Zach Temmerman and two-way lineman Isaac Wilk. The rash of injuries decimated the Lions' ability to compete as they lost eight straight games to end the season.

Lisle still managed to move the ball and put points on the board, but the Lions struggled defensively while allowing at least 34 points six times, including the final four games of the season.

Even while playing heavyweights like defending Class 3A champion Wilmington, Lisle should be vastly improved on both sides of the ball.

"I'm not saying we're going to go 9-0," Parpet said, "but we've got an opportunity to be a lot better if we can stay healthy."

The breakdown

Coach: Paul Parpet Sr. (second year, 1-8; 31st year overall, 159-130).

2014 record: 1-8, 0-5, sixth in Interstate Eight Small.

Top players: Mark McGrath (RB-DB, 6-2, 190, jr.); Grant Haen (RB-LB, 5-10, 175, jr.); Alec Van Volkenburg (QB, 5-10, 170, sr.); Nick Massura (RB, 5-11, 155, sr.); Michael Metoyer (RB-DB, 5-7, 160, sr.); Alexander Lange (DL-OL, 5-11, 180, sr.); Isaac Wilk (OL-DL, 5-11, 165, jr.); John Eckard (OL-DL, 6-4, 180, sr.); Christian Grego (TE-DB, 6-0, 162, sr.); Drew English (WR-DB, 5-8, 155, sr.); Zach Temmerman (DB, 5-10, 145, sr.); Mark Pivek (TE-LB, 6-0, 170, jr.).

- Kevin Schmit

Schedule

Lisle

Fri, 8/28 Peotone at Lisle, 7 pm

Fri, 9/4 Lisle at Aurora Central Catholic, 7:15 pm

Fri, 9/11 Lisle at Wilmington, 7 pm

Fri, 9/18 Westmont at Lisle, 7 pm

Fri, 9/25 Lisle at Seneca 7 pm

Fri, 10/2 Reed-Custer at Lisle, 7 pm

Fri, 10/9 Herscher at Lisle, 7 pm

Fri, 10/16 Lisle at Coal City, 7 pm

Fri, 10/23 Plano at Lisle, 7 pm