Grant looks to stand tall in NSC Prairie

In most years, seemingly, it's difficult finding Grant's quarterback.

The Johnny Giers, Ricky Howells and Frank Giannosas, after all, were small enough that an average-sized person might have been able to smuggle them into games.

But while short in physical stature, Gier, Howell and Giannosa possessed moxie and athleticism to effectively run the Bulldogs' option and produce victories.

Pavel Zurkowski seemingly has the same characteristics. A pip-squeak he's not, however.

Zurkowski stands 6 feet 3 and weighs 200 pounds.

Hello, Mr. Quarterback.

"No more midgets," Grant coach Kurt Rous joked.

Zurkowski will make his first varsity start tonight when Grant opens its 2007 season against Johnsburg in Fox Lake. The senior rushed for a touchdown in the Bulldogs' first-round playoff loss to Geneva last year.

If Zurkowski puts together a solid season, and if the defense lives up to its potential, Grant's entire team could be standing tall in the North Suburban Conference Prairie Division.

North Chicago won the title last fall, going 5-1. Grant, Lakes and Vernon Hills all went 4-2 to tie for second.

"I think we'll be in the division hunt," Rous said. "I think it'll be the usual suspects. Vernon Hills is well-coached, North Chicago (has) athletes, (and) Lakes, (coach Luke Mertens) is doing a good job there."

Rous returns eight starters on defense, including end Bobby Madlener and linebacker Izzy Montemayor, both of whom made all-conference as juniors. Linebacker Bud Staton also stars on defense, which was a strength of the Bulldogs last year.

The defending division champs also return a pair of all-NSC talents, and fullback/linebacker Jimon Hill and wide receiver/defensive back Marquise Miller are only juniors.

North Chicago coach Mike Grenda returns two other players who started as sophomores on varsity. Anthony Wells (6-2, 245) plays defensive end, while Wallace Arrington starts at free safety.

Also back for the Warhawks are senior two-way lineman Eric Alvarado, senior running back/defensive back Pat Arrington and senior quarterback Dominique Young, who played receiver and defensive back last year. Young is in a battle for the starting QB position with basketball-star DeShawn Chambliss, who's a junior.

"We're young," said Grenda, whose Warhawks host Chicago Brooks tonight.

"I look at having those sophomores on varsity last year as a positive. At times, our weakness (inexperience) seems our biggest strength. (The younger players) are going to make mistakes, but I got to remember that I've got the same group next year. This group of kids is very coachable. Yeah, they make mistakes, but they learn from them."

Only Alvarado returns on the offensive line, but Grenda has been impressed with senior left tackle Michael Caston, sophomore left guard Derrick Williams, junior center Ivan Acosta and junior right tackle Josh Wright.

The Warhawks' newcomers to watch include junior running back/defensive back Andre Thomas, senior wide receiver Patrick Terrell and junior running back/linebacker Cameron Scott.

Another team to watch?

Wauconda.

The Bulldogs took another stride under coach Glen Kozlowski last season, increasing their win total from three in 2005 to four. They could have another successful season this fall, especially considering they return all-area running back Brad Wisniewski.

Wisniewski put together a strong sophomore campaign, then busted out last season, rushing for 1,735 yards and 19 touchdowns, both school records.

"I see Wauconda breaking through a little bit, maybe finishing in the top three somewhere," Grenda said. "And it's always a battle for us with Vernon Hills and Grant for the No. 1 position."

Lakes could be strong again, too, after making the playoffs in just its second season as a varsity program. The Eagles boast Northern Illinois-bound Richard Hayes, a 6-3, 275-pound offensive lineman.

"I'm assuming it's going to be a battle (in the division)," Mertens said. "Obviously North Chicago, Vernon Hills and Grant are always good. Wauconda has a ton coming back, Antioch has a new (head) coach (Brian Glashagel) and there's new spirit and life over there."

Lakes is anxious to prove its success last year wasn't only because it fielded a senior-dominated team.

"We are every bit as excited this year as we were going into last year," Mertens said.

Vernon Hills is a perennial playoff contender, but coach Tony Monken's squad graduated most of its starters on both sides of the ball. Cougars to watch include junior quarterback P.J. Marsek, running back Larry Guerrero, safety Ryan Michel, defensive lineman Ian Sonnenberg and offensive lineman Bobby Kelly.