In ESCC, 'every week will be tough'
Last year the East Suburban Catholic Conference added another state football championship to its crowded trophy case.
It was no surprise to Benet coach Pat New, who expects nothing less of the ESCC again this season.
"It's a tough deal," New said. "Nazareth was such a great team last year, and they'll be very good again. But everyone's good. It's one of those deals where you know every week will be tough."
Benet was one of six playoff qualifiers from the 10-team league a year ago, despite losing three of four games near the end of the season to Marist, Nazareth and Joliet Catholic. The grind is eerily similar this year, but the Redwings are ready.
Two starters return on either side of the ball for Benet, supplemented by a tremendous junior class that went 9-0 as sophomores with quarterback Jack Sznajder up on varsity. Sznajder threw for 1,234 yards and 6 touchdowns while linebacker Charlie Weidenbach and lineman Trent Kramer return to a defense that should be much more effective.
Given the offensive talent throughout the ESCC, the defense needs to be better than that four-game stretch last year when the Redwings allowed an average of 26 points and went 1-3.
Defending ESCC and Class 6A champion Nazareth, with Notre Dame-bound running back and defensive back Julian Love, loads up for another run at both titles. The Roadrunners also return quarterback Carson Bartels.
They'll be pushed by perennial power Joliet Catholic, which will be especially strong on both its lines led by Ken Aguirre. Michael Johnson is one of the many options in the ground game for the Hilltoppers, who also bring back third-year starting quarterback Cade Earl.
Carmel's vaunted ground game looks better than ever with quarterback Zavier Barnes, a running back last year, 1,400-yard rusher Rondel Jamison and Minnesota-bound lineman Sean Foster. St. Viator not only boasts a giant offensive line, the Lions also have 6-foot-5, 230-pound tight end Cole Kmet, who holds Notre Dame, Ohio State and numerous other scholarship offers.
While Marian Central also seeks a return to the playoffs, Marist and Notre Dame want to make up for last year's matching 4-5 records.
The Dons return quarterback Tyler Tsagalis, a Western Illinois recruit, among many others. Marist and running back Darshon McCullough aim to bring the RedHawks back to the playoffs after missing out for the first time since 2007.
With the ESCC again brimming with talent - St. Patrick and Marian Catholic also seek improvement - it's enough to make a coach's head spin from week to week. New, however, is confident Benet will fit right in.
"It's Nazareth's championship to lose, but there are a lot of teams that are going to be right up there," he said. "I think we'll be ready for those tough stretches this year."
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