St. Charles turns into football hotbed during memorable fall

Prior to the start of the 2016 football season, St. Charles East coach Bryce Farquhar felt his team was ready to improve upon back-to-back losing campaigns.

Calling the Saints' 4-5 record from a year ago "unacceptable," Farquhar felt his team had finally figured out how to execute its triple option offense in year two of the system.

"Our kids are comfortable with the system," Farquhar said this past August.

That comfort, coupled with a stingy, ball-hawking defense, enabled the Saints to enjoy one of their best seasons ever this fall.

Led by senior quarterback Zach Mitchell, running backs Justin Jett, Nick Garlisch and Dante Macaluso, and a senior-dominated offensive line that included Max Schumann, Logan Waxman and Nicolas Kane, the Saints tied a school record (1998) with 11 victories and reached the state quarterfinals for the third time (1998, 2005).

While the season ended during Saturday's 10-6 Class 8A quarterfinal loss to Palatine, the Saints (11-1) checked off a number of accomplishment boxes and created plenty of long-lasting memories.

"At the beginning of the season, not many people believed in or respected us," said junior defensive end Pat Griffin. "Our coaches trusted us and we believed. As the season went along, more and more people bought in.

"Looking back, it was something special. The chemistry between the seniors and us was so awesome. We were family. It's the closest team that I've been a part of."

Griffin, a 6-foot, 175-pounder, epitomized the Saints' play-fast defensive style.

Despite giving up more than 100 pounds to several opposing offensive linemen, Griffin, junior teammate Nico Piaskowy and senior Jack Zylke pressured opposing quarterbacks and helped anchor a defensive unit that allowed just 10 points per game (125 points in 12 games).

"Speed - that's our motto," said Griffin, who led the team with 9 sacks. "We knew we couldn't overpower anyone so we had to utilize our speed. The coaches came up with the recipe for success. We could just fly around to the ball."

Griffin began the season at linebacker before moving to safety and finally finding a home at defensive end.

"If you had told me at the beginning of the season that I would be at defensive end, I would've said you were crazy," said Griffin. "I loved it."

Seniors Sam Grohe, Malik Hatch, Matt Bertke and DeAndre Allen, and juniors Yalon Rogers, Clayton Isbell, Abe Swanson and Garlisch also made huge contributions on defense.

"We weren't the biggest or strongest so we had to play as a team," said Griffin. "We trusted every guy playing next to us."

St. Charles East dethroned 5-time defending Upstate Eight Conference River Division champion Batavia, ending the Bulldogs' 34-game conference winning streak with a 28-7 come-from-behind victory on Sept. 23 at Norris Stadium.

"That was the biggest game of the regular season," said Griffin. "That team has (state) trophies."

Across the river, another St. Charles team enjoyed a banner season on the gridiron.

St. Charles North (9-2) reached the state playoffs for the third time in as many seasons under the direction of head coach Rob Pomazak.

Led by senior quarterback Zach Mettetal (2,153 yards passing), tailbacks Eric Lins and Lucas Segobiano, and senior receivers Griffin Hammer, Adam Durocher and Nathan Dehut, the North Stars set a single-season school record for victories (9) during their classic 31-24 double-overtime win over Carmel in the opening round of the Class 7A playoffs.

"It was just a great group of kids - they fought and fought," said Pomazak. "I'm just thankful that I had the opportunity to coach these seniors. This was my first freshman group.

"They won the most games in school history. They're all character kids and I'm really proud of them."

The North Stars' record-breaking season ended with a down-to-the-wire, 27-21 second-round loss at Rockford Auburn earlier this month.

Colorado State-bound Hammer did his part, catching 12 passes for a season-high 206 yards and 2 touchdowns.

"I'm more upset for the guys who don't ever get to play again," said Hammer, who is planning to graduate early and head to Fort Collins in January. "I'll get to step on the football field next year.

"I just tried to give them everything I had. I wasn't doing this for myself - I was in it for them."

Along the way, St. Charles North posted its first win over Batavia (42-35) since 2010 and defeated Geneva (30-3) for the first time since 2012.

Together, the St. Charles teams finished with a 20-3 record.

I can't wait for the 2017 season - opening night is August 25.

You can reach Craig Brueske at csb4k@hotmail.com