Look for Gators to pass vs. Carmel

On its way to the 2003 state championship, Carmel defeated Crystal Lake South in the second round, 55-7.

Not that that means much, though, in tonight's Class 7A rematch in Mundelein between the 10th-seeded Gators (7-2) and No. 7 Carmel (7-2), other than for the sake of trivia.

Not only is Crystal Lake South stocked with completely different players, but, according to Carmel coach Andy Bitto, the coaches there are running a much different scheme now than they did back then.

"They're throwing quite a bit more than usual," Bitto said of the Gators. "Usually, they're this Wing-T team that kind of just runs it right down your throat. Now, they spread it out a lot more and pass a lot more."

Crystal Lake South's passing attack is led by quarterback Ian Ormseth, who has thrown for 7 touchdowns and has rolled up 1,079 passing yards.

"We have to complete passes and make something happen in the passing game," Crystal Lake South coach Jim Stuglis said. "Especially if we can't get our power running game going against their defense."

The Gators' running game features sophomore running back Colin Masterson and junior fullback Derek Mortensen. Masterson has rolled up 757 yards and 3 touchdowns and Mortensen is at 449 yards and 8 touchdowns.

"They've got a nice offense, but I think they're almost better on defense than on offense," Bitto said.

Carmel's coach says the Gators, led by standout middle linebacker Casey Macko, are scrappy opportunists who will always be swiping at the ball.

"In the two games that I've watched them on film, they caused a ton of turnovers and got at least 5 interceptions," Bitto said. "We're going to have to take care of the ball."

For Carmel, the ball is always in good hands when quarterback David Venegoni is hanging on to it. He leads the same tricky triple option offense that big brother Mark directed when he quarterbacked Carmel to the 2003 title.

Venegoni has rushed for 840 yards and 17 touchdowns. He averages 5.9 yards per carry. Running back Geoffery Fields has also put up some nice numbers. He's rolled up 622 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns

Defensively, the Corsairs are led by safeties Ryan Williams (90 tackles) and Chris Salvi (77 tackles).

"They block real well, they run and they tackle, " Stuglis noted. "Combine those three things and you've got a good program, a good tradition, too.

"This is going to be a dogfight. We'll have to play our best game of the year to win."