Coal City won't be awed facing Driscoll in semifinals

In these football playoff series, you've got to act like you've been there before.

Coal City has.

The Coalers faced Driscoll just two seasons ago in the Class 4A semifinals. Driscoll won 30-7.

In 2004 Coal City advanced to the Class 4A title game, losing 44-7 to Montini.

Unlike Chicago Christian, which No. 1 seed Driscoll (12-0) dispatched handily 47-8, No. 2 seed Coal City (12-0) is accustomed to life near the top of the playoff chain.

"We're very impressed with Coal City," said Driscoll coach Mike Burzawa, who believes the game will be decided in the fourth quarter rather than the first half.

"It all starts with their offense. They've got a great running back who we have to do a tremendous job of tackling him, because it's going to take more than one guy to bring him down," he said.

"He's definitely the real deal, one of the best backs we've seen all year."

Burzawa speaks of fullback Noah Roseland, who ran for 126 yards and 2 touchdowns in the first half of Coal City's 35-0 blowout of Harvard in the quarterfinals. On the year the 5-foot-8, 160-pound Roseland has run for 1,701 yards and 27 touchdowns.

Coal City offers greater balance than did Chicago Christian. Senior quarterback Justin Blaine, who started against Driscoll in 2005, has thrown for 1,263 yards and 12 touchdowns. His targets are Timm Kroeger, John Watters and tight end Ryan Verdun, who torched Harvard for a 68-yard touchdown on the second play and later added a 12-yard scoring catch.

"We don't really come in saying we're doing this and that. But we're a pro offense and we try to run the ball," said Coal City coach Lenny Onsen, who's reached the playoffs six of his eight years.

Chicago Christian came in throwing but was stymied by interceptions from Joey Calabrese, Nick Nitti and David Schwabe, the 25th of his career.

Driscoll's stiff run defense, headed by linebackers Kevin Palermo and Adam Davis, caused 3 fumbles last week.

Onsen said his experienced squad won't be intimidated coming into the Addison lair of the six-time state champion but is fully respectful.

"Eventually somebody's going to have to beat them sometime down the road," he said, "and we're going to try to do the very best we can. We'll prepare well and give them heck."