DuPage County all-area football team

Nick Adamle, Wheaton North

An imposing presence at left guard, Adamle excelled as the Falcons' main pull blocker. Great feet, great technique and mental toughness allowed the Northwestern-bound senior to earn two all-DuPage Valley Conference selections. "He's had two great years," coach Matt Foster said, "but his best is still ahead of him."

Joe Baginski, Glenbard West

The inspirational, blue-collar leader of one of the county's top defenses, "J.T." was named all-conference in the West Suburban Silver and was Glenbard West's defensive MVP. A three-year starting linebacker who called the defensive adjustments, his instincts and form tackling produced 14 tackles against Lyons Twp. Hilltoppers coach Chad Hetlet called him "our defensive quarterback."

Bryan Bailin, Naperville North

Last year he started for an injured teammate, earned player of the week honors his first game and never looked back. The senior linebacker had a nose for the ball and a rugged attitude as the team's leading tackler. "He's probably the most underrated linebacker in the state," coach Larry McKeon said.

Scott Baum, Naperville Central

Twice a unanimous all-DuPage Valley Conference pick, everyone respected the senior left guard with a 4.1 grade-point average and 400-pound bench press. The offense struggled when Baum missed two games due to injury but soared upon his return. "He was a solid, heady lineman," coach Mike Stine said.

Vince Beachem, Addison Trail

This three-year starter had known defensive ability as a returning All-Area defensive back. He added game-breaking offensive skills as a senior. With 1,200 all-purpose yards Beachem was solid as a running back and receiver. "He excelled on both sides of the ball for us," coach Paul Parpet said.

David Bollweg, Neuqua Valley

Hail the Yalie! An all-Upstate Eight Conference pick whose teammates voted him as Neuqua's best lineman the past two years, Bollweg presents intelligence, agility, strength, footwork, technical skill, tenacity, obvious size and guts, which he showed by returning a week early from a sprained knee for the playoff game against Lyons Twp. Coach Bryan Wells said, "I think Yale is getting a Big Ten lineman."

Johnny Borsellino, Montini

"We call him Johnny Stats," Montini coach Chris Andriano said of the senior three-year starter. He racked up honors, too. Class 5A all-state, Suburban Catholic Conference co-offensive MVP, Broncos MVP. His 76 catches tied him for 24th all-time. He played offense and defense, returned kicks and punts and even threw a touchdown pass. Andriano put it simply, "He affects the game."

Greg Calabrese, Glenbard South

Leading the Raiders in tackles two straight years, Calabrese averaged more than 10 per game from his inside linebacker spot. That included 66 solos on the season. The senior's sideline-to-sideline speed made a tremendous impact. "He has a great heart and mind for the game," coach Dan Starkey said.

Nick Capristo, Waubonsie Valley

A three-year starter, Capristo was indeed the center of the Warriors' offensive line. He was named all-Upstate Eight Conference and honorable-mention Class 8A all-state. Capristo made the Warriors' line calls, and with his tenacity and a wrestler's knowledge of leverage he handled nose tackles without much need for a double-team. Coach Paul Murphy said it plainly, "He was a leader."

Pat Clegg, Hinsdale Central

Coaches unanimously praised this junior, a two-year starter named all-West Suburban Silver this season. His quick feet and brute strength put him atop Red Devils' sack leaders from his nose tackle spot, with 3 alone against Lyons Twp. No wonder teams started double- and triple-teaming this team leader. "He's like a shark," coach Mike DiMatteo said. "He's always in constant motion."

Milton Colbert, Willowbrook

The 6-foot-4 receiver gave the Warriors potent balance in a run-dominated offense. Stretching the field with a big-play mentality, Colbert averaged nearly 22 yards a catch in his second season playing football and his first as a starter. "He changed the way teams defended us," coach Mark Olson said.

Jared Culver, Downers South

The player of the year in the West Suburban Gold, Culver is the only four-year starter in program history. Strength and quickness allowed him to dominate at linebacker. Four sacks and 8 tackles for loss highlighted a stellar senior season. "He has such great knowledge of the game," coach John Belskis said.

Harrison Daniels, Naperville Central

A three-sport athlete with tremendous ability behind center, Daniels powered the offense at quarterback. The senior completed 61 percent of his passes for 2,184 yards and only 4 interceptions in 235 attempts. He was also a deceptive runner. "He's as good a quarterback as we've had," coach Mike Stine said.

Neal Deiters, York

The two-time all-area left tackle, a Northwestern recruit, put in the work in the off-season and was rewarded as the West Suburban Silver's top offensive lineman and York's offensive MVP. Playing in the upcoming O-D All-American Bowl, Deiters combines size, strength and agility. "He's not only the biggest offensive lineman I've coached," York's Bill Lech said, "he's one of the best."

Tyler Doll, Glenbard North

It wasn't unusual to see Doll carry the ball 35 times in a game this season -- durability was a definite strong point for this junior running back. The workhorse rushed for 563 playoff yards leading up to the Class 8A title game. "It was great to see the success he had on the ground," coach Ryan Wilkens said.

Ben Domyancic, Naperville North

A main reason why the Huskies averaged 270 rushing yards, their senior right tackle kept the double-wing offense plowing. A two-year starter with quickness and a strong first step, Domyancic's attitude was valued as much as his skill level. "He works hard and he's always smiling," coach Larry McKeon said.

Sean Fancher, Downers South

An underrated senior playmaker, Fancher soared after a switch from safety to outside linebacker. A first-year starter who rose from the freshman B team ranks, each of his 10 tackles for loss seemed to be huge. The hard hitter had 4.5 sacks and a punt block. "He took us to a different level," coach John Belskis said.

Tim Franken, Driscoll

The Suburban Catholic Conference's co-offensive player of the year, the tailback was a Class 4A all-state selection. Bringing vision, explosiveness and good hands out of the backfield, he also knows how to finish a run. Franken enters the title game with more than 2,800 career rushing yards. "He has the ability to take it to the house at any given time," coach Mike Burzawa said.

Kevin Garbis, Waubonsie Valley

From kickoff and punt coverage to the 6 fumbles he caused, this play-maker played as he practiced: full-go. Garbis won a team award for effort and mental toughness. A two-time all-Upstate Eight Conference linebacker, In one game he had a tackle for loss, a quarterback sack, 2 hurries and both caused and recovered a fumble. Said coach Paul Murphy, "He was like a heat-seeking missile."

Garrett Goebel, Montini

This Class 5A all-state two-way tackle, a repeat all-area pick, chose Ohio State from many big-time offers. Rated No. 2 overall in Illinois and No. 5 nationally at defensive tackle by Rivals.com. The Suburban Catholic Conference defensive player of the year brings it all from the snap to the whistle -- power, size, mobility, agility, desire. "He's a coach's dream," coach Chris Andriano said.

Bob Hauschildt, Lake Park

A two-year starter on the Lancers' offensive line, Hauschildt won Class 8A all-state honors and four different team awards, including one for desire. Has tackle size and driving power but his mobility on bootlegs, traps and sweeps had him at guard. Academic all-state, this leader has an Ivy League future. "Seriously," coach Andy Livingston said, "he could tell the receivers what to do."

Dex Jones, Montini

The 4.6 speedster took up football in high school; he'll continue at Wisconsin. At linebacker and running back the three-year starter was Montini's co-MVP and all-Suburban Catholic Conference. Jones dominated defensively at Marian Central and had a 90-yard touchdown run against Sycamore. Great power, size, athleticism. Coach Chris Andriano said, "His best days are still coming."

T.J. Jordan, Neuqua Valley

Moving to defensive end from safety, the explosive senior was Neuqua's first defensive lineman to lead the team in tackles. He also led in sacks, tackles for loss and forced fumbles and was voted the Upstate Eight Conference's fourth-best defensive player. He hit playoff foe Lyons Twp. with 3 sacks. "He was a huge reason why Lyons was 0-for-18 passing in the second half," coach Bryan Wells said.

Mark LaBelle, WW South

Top-ranked academically in his senior class, LaBelle took football smarts to a whole different level. The emotional leader made all the front seven and secondary calls from his inside linebacker spot and led the Tigers in tackles. "He's the hardest-working kid on defense," coach Ron Muhitch said.

Kyle Lackner, Naperville North

The defensive lineman of the year in the DuPage Valley Conference and an all-state pick, Lackner thrived when moved from linebacker. A three-year starter committed to Western Michigan, the senior was one of the state's most disruptive defensive players. "He was born to be a football player," coach Larry McKeon said.

Ricardo Lee, Lisle

This tailback was often the fastest player on the field. Lisle's offensive MVP, an all-Interstate Eight Conference pick, Lee had games of 178, 164 and 166 yards. Inside-outside versatility and vision, ability to shift gears and avoid tackles produced the best junior year of any back in coach Dan Sanko's 11 years. "He made yardage when yardage wasn't there," Sanko said, "and that's the sign of a good back."

Will Matte, WW South

A three-year starter, two-time all-state honoree and twice named offensive lineman of the year in the DuPage Valley Conference, Matte will bring his left tackle skills to Indiana University with deceptive athleticism in a big man's body. "For three years he was the best lineman in the program," coach Ron Muhitch said.

Mike McNulty, York

The senior tailback ran for the third-most yards in Dukes history and topped 2,000 for his career. Added 24 receptions for 408 yards this fall. A leader by voice and by example, the slippery McNulty was the West Suburban Silver player of the year and York's MVP. He could hit the hole quick or take it outside. Great work ethic. "Mike does everything full speed," coach Bill Lech said.

Spencer Merritt, Waubonsie Valley

Owning closing speed and a nose for the ball, the two-year starter went from outside to middle linebacker to claim Upstate Eight Conference defensive MVP and Class 8A all-state honors. A leader with much college interest, against Hinsdale Central Merritt made 11 tackles, 3 for loss, with a sack and forced fumble. Warriors coach Paul Murphy: "He can get there in a hurry and close it off."

Nick Mlady, Naperville North

A well-rounded running back with immense skill, Mlady fit right into the double-wing scheme as a junior. Rushing for 1,267 yards and 10 touchdowns, he proved to be a go-to guy in the normally balanced ground game. "He surprised people with how he does everything well," coach Larry McKeon said.

Matt Ng, Glenbard North

A player who rarely left the field, Ng was invaluable in the Panthers' drive to the Class 8A title game. A receiver, defensive back and dangerous return man, the senior did it all. His 11th touchdown gave his team a 28-21 semifinal win over Mt. Carmel. "He's not afraid of a challenge," coach Ryan Wilkens said.

Mike Oratowski, Glenbard South

A two-year, two-way starter, Oratowski proved he could play anywhere. An injury moved the senior linebacker to running back early in the season, electrifying the offense. The team's third-leading tackler rushed for 892 yards and 19 touchdowns. "He played well everywhere," coach Dan Starkey said.

Taylor Overman, West Chicago

A terror who switched from end to linebacker this season, you never could have guessed Overman played the entire season with two broken ribs. The Wildcats' leading tackler took full advantage of a 6-foot-4 inch frame and huge wingspan. "His game preparation set him apart," coach John Walters said.

Kevin Palermo, Driscoll

A vicious hitter with 4.6 speed, this repeat all-area linebacker was all-conference in the Suburban Catholic and honorable-mention Class 4A all-state. Also a blocking fullback and a tight end with good hands. Palermo diagnosed opposing offenses and sprinted sideline to sideline to make resounding tackles. "If he hits you," coach Mike Burzawa said, "you're going to feel it for at least a week."

Mike Piatkowski, WW South

Certainly not the biggest quarterback, Piatkowski might be the toughest. With no superstars on the offense, the senior was the play-maker who provided perfect balance to the running game while completing 62 percent of his passes. "He takes the hits, but he hangs in there," coach Ron Muhitch said.

Chuck Porcelli, Montini

An all-Suburban Catholic Conference tackle in his third year as a starter, this dedicated Northwestern recruit's pass-blocking ability fit right in with Montini's move to a spread offense. Improved footwork, technique and strength merged with the smarts to call out blocking assignments on the line. "He was just a big kid last year," Chris Andriano said. "This year he was big, dominating kid."

Dave Salutric, Naperville North

First an offensive lineman and then a fullback, Salutric found a home on defense. But when he moved from end to linebacker this season, he really shined. Leading the Huskies with 18 tackles for loss, the senior showed how quick he could be. "He reads everything so well," coach Larry McKeon said.

Kyle Sanders, Driscoll

A three-year starter at right tackle and the leader of an offensive line that is perhaps Driscoll's best ever, Sanders earned Suburban Catholic all-conference honors this season. A bear in the weight room who plays till the whistle blows, his footwork and pulling ability are superb. "Kyle creates movement at the point of attack like no tackle we've ever had," coach Mike Burzawa said.

Peter Schimeck, Benet

A three-year starter and Benet's defensive MVP, Schimeck was an all-conference pick in the East Suburban Catholic Conference. Playing end, his wealth of experience and 100 percent effort made him a serious disrupter against both the run and the pass. The tougher the foe, the better he played. Coach Gary Goforth said, "He knew what the guy on the other side of him was doing."

Mike Schmitz, Naperville Central

Breakaway speed made Schmitz an automatic threat on kick returns, but the senior returning starter saved his best play for wide receiver. Catching 46 passes for 871 yards and 7 touchdowns, Schmitz was dangerous every time he touched the ball. "He was a game-breaker for us," coach Mike Stine said.

David Schwabe, Driscoll

An all-area safety whose 25 interceptions are 3 shy of the state record, 12 days before the 2007 opener he was named quarterback without any prior experience. He's completed 67 percent of his passes for 2,076 yards, 24 touchdowns plus 766 yards rushing, 10 TDs. Class 4A all-state, Suburban Catholic Conference MVP. "The ultimate team player," coach Mike Burzawa said.

Chris Schweighardt, WW South

Another talented Schweighardt in WW South's football program, Chris' skill level was topped only by his vacuum cleaner hands. The senior receiver led the Tigers with 10 touchdown catches and saved his best play for the clutch situations. "He makes catching look easy," coach Ron Muhitch said.

Jordan Tassio, Naperville North

The Daily Herald All-Area 2007 football captain, Tassio carried his team in his third varsity season. An all-state pick and the offensive player of the year in the DuPage Valley Conference, the senior quarterback threw, ran and even kicked and punted the Huskies to success. "He can do it all," coach Larry McKeon said.

Mike Trumpy, Wheaton North

No one anticipated the impact Trumpy would have in his first full varsity season. The junior running back led the area with 1,664 yards with great vision and cutting ability. His power and speed combination proved tough to contain. "He's as good as anyone I've been around," coach Matt Foster said.

Justin Wahrman, Glenbard North

This three-year starter developed into a ball magnet in the defensive backfield. He takes 9 interceptions into the Class 8A title game, including one for a touchdown against Wheaton North and one in the semifinals against Mt. Carmel. "He made important plays at important times," coach Ryan Wilkens said.

Pat Walker, Glenbard East

A four-year starter who led the Rams in tackles all four years at linebacker, Walker also spent this senior season playing fullback. The defensive player of the year in the DuPage Valley Conference averaged 90 snaps a game. "He put Glenbard East football before anything else," coach Dennis Lueck said.

Chris Watt, Glenbard West

Northwestern has offered and others show interest in this Class 7A all-state junior lineman. Watt, all-West Suburban Silver and a two-year starter, allowed no sacks while playing three positions on the line. He also shined on defense. Smart and physical, he sent a message with each block he finished. "Every coach we played said he was a special kid," coach Chad Hetlet said.

John Whitelaw, Hinsdale Central

A sophomore quarterback, he had to learn a lot quickly. Whitelaw did to become the West Suburban Silver's "Newcomer of the Year." A humble athlete, he led the Red Devils with 964 yards rushing and passed for 1,284 yards with 14 touchdowns to just 4 interceptions. "The numbers belie the fact that he's a great player and more importantly an outstanding leader," coach Mike DiMatteo said.

Anton Wilkins, Neuqua Valley

A three-year starting tailback, Wilkins is a two-time all-Upstate Eight Conference pick and this season he's a Class 8A all-state choice. Using power, speed and vision, Wilkins owns or shares 18 program records, including most rushing yards in a game, season and career. Coach Bryan Wells said, "He can make everybody on the field miss at least once, and sometimes he'd make a guy miss twice."

Nate Williams, WW South

Williams showed his mettle in last year's title game victory when he came off the bench to start at center despite never playing the position. This season the senior three-sport athlete excelled at right tackle in both pass and run blocking. "He has the toughness and a great mind," coach Ron Muhitch said.

2007 DuPage County roster

Nick Adamle, Wheaton North, 6-4, 295, OL, Sr., Committed to Northwestern

Joe Baginski, Glenbard West, 6-0, 220, LB, Sr., 109 tackles, 11 for loss, 6 sacks

Bryan Bailin, Naperville North, 6-2, 212, LB, Sr., Underrated part of great unit

Scott Baum, Naperville Central, 6-2, 270, OL, Sr., Twice unanimous all-DVC

Vince Beachem, Addison Trail, 5-11, 185, WR/DB, Sr., 1,200 all-purpose yards, 8 TDs

David Bollweg, Neuqua Valley, 6-5, 278, OL, Sr., First Ivy League Wildcat (Yale)

Johnny Borsellino, Montini, 5-8, 165, RB/DB, Sr., 76 catches, 759 yards; 6 INTs

Greg Calabrese, Glenbard South, 5-10, 185, LB, Sr., Two-time team tackle leader

Nick Capristo, Waubonsie Valley, 5-10, 230, OL, Sr., 3-year starter a rock at center

Pat Clegg, Hinsdale Central, 6-0, 230, DL, Jr., 40 tackles, 6 sacks at nose

Milton Colbert, Willowbrook, 6-4, 210, WR, Sr., 21.4 yards per catch, 6 TDs

Jared Culver, Downers South, 6-1, 227, LB, Sr., WSC Gold's player of the year

Harrison Daniels, Naperville Central, 6-2, 190, QB, Sr., 2,184 passing yards, 17 TDs

Neal Deiters, York, 6-8, 320, OL, Sr., Northwestern-bound, 4.1 GPA

Tyler Doll, Glenbard North, 5-10, 165, RB, Jr., 1,667 rushing yards, 12 TDs

Ben Domyancic, Naperville North, 6-2, 225, OL, Sr., Kept double wing churning

Sean Fancher, Downers South, 6-0, 195, LB, Sr., 57 tackles, 10 for loss

Tim Franken, Driscoll, 6-0, 192, RB, Sr., 1,623 yards and 28 TDs rushing

Kevin , Waubonsie Valley, 5-10, 170, LB, Sr., 111 tackles, 12 for loss

Garrett Goebel, Montini, 6-5, 270, OL/DL, Sr., 68 tackles, 22 for loss, 8 sacks

Bob Hauschildt, Lake Park, 6-6, 285, OL, Sr., All-state guard No. 5 in his class

Dex Jones, Montini, 6-2, 220, RB/LB, Sr., 868 yards rushing; 50 tackles

T.J. Jordan, Neuqua Valley, 6-2, 192, DL, Sr., 106 tackles, 13 sacks

Mark , WW South, 6-1, 197, LB, Sr., Academically No. 1 in class

Kyle Lackner, Naperville North, 6-3, 230, DL, Sr., Headed to Western Michigan

Ricardo Lee, Lisle, 5-10, 175, RB, Jr., 1,104 yards rushing, 11 TDs

Will Matte, WW South, 6-3, 271, OL, Sr., Indiana-bound 3-year starter

Mike McNulty, York, 6-0, 175, RB, Sr., 1,249 yards rushing, 18 TDs

Spencer Merritt, Waubonsie Valley, 6-2, 175, LB, Sr., 122 tackles, 12 for loss

Nick Mlady, Naperville North, 6-1, 190, RB, Jr., 1,267 rushing yards, 10 TDs

Matt Ng, Glenbard North, 6-1, 180, WR/DB , Sr., 56 catches, 775 yards, 11 TDs

Mike Oratowski, Glenbard South, 5-11, 190, RB/LB, Sr., Scored 19 TDs; 63 tackles

Taylor Overman, West Chicago, 6-4, 230, LB, Sr., 64 tackles, 5 for loss, 4 sacks

Kevin Palermo, Driscoll, 6-2, 225, LB/TE, Sr., 80 tackles, 3 fumble recoveries

Mike Piatkowski, WW South, 6-1, 155, QB, Sr., 1,998 passing yards, 22 TDs

Chuck Porcelli, Montini, 6-8, 285, OL/DL, Sr., Big boy bound for Northwestern

Dave Salutric, Naperville North, 6-5, 220, LB, Sr., Mr. Tackle For Loss has 18

Kyle Sanders, Driscoll, 6-2, 239, OL, Sr., 3-year starter heads a great line

Pete Schimeck, Benet, 6-1, 215, DL, Sr., 67 tackles, 5 sacks

Mike Schmitz, Naperville Central, 6-0, 200, WR, Sr., 46 catches, 871 yards, 7 TDs

David Schwabe, Driscoll, 6-1, 188, QB, Sr., 2,842 yards of offense, 34 TDs

Chris Schweighardt, WW South, 5-11, 164, WR, Sr., 41 catches, 668 yards, 9 TDs

Jordan Tassio*, Naperville North, 6-0, 210, QB, Sr., 2,084 total yards, 31 TDs

Mike Trumpy, Wheaton North, 6-0, 195, RB, Jr., 1,664 rushing yards, 19 TDs

Justin Wahrman, Glenbard North, 5-10, 175, DB, Sr., Area-high 9 interceptions

Pat Walker, Glenbard East, 6-2, 230, LB/RB, Sr., DVC defensive player of year

Chris Watt, Glenbard West, 6-5, 270, OL/DL, Jr., All-state; 107 pancake blocks

John Whitelaw, Hinsdale Central, 6-0, 165, QB, So., 2,248 yards of offense, 24 TDs

Anton Wilkins, Neuqua Valley, 5-10, 190, RB, Sr., 1,485 yards rushing, 16 TDs

Nate Williams, WW South, 6-2, 260, OL, Sr., A rock at right tackle

* captain

Honorable mention

Francis Adarkwa (Wheaton Warrenville South, sr., RB), Ben Apland (Downers Grove South, sr., DL), Mike Balaskovits (Driscoll, sr., LB), Dustin Bles (York, sr., OL), Wayne Bolden (Willowbrook, sr., RB), Chris Buonavolanto (Lake Park, jr., LB), Sam Burke (Wheaton Warrenville South, sr., LB), Joey Calabrese (Driscoll, jr., WR/DB), Jason Callahan (Glenbard East, sr., WR), Anthony Campanella (Driscoll, sr., DL), Emmett Carrier (Benet, sr., WR/DB), Nick Chenier (Hinsdale Central, sr., DB/WR), Dan Conroy (Wheaton Warrenville South, sr., K/P), Tom Costantino (Naperville North, sr., RB), Pat Dansdill (Wheaton Warrenville South, jr., LB), Mike DeStefano (Addison Trail, sr., LB/RB), Tom DiCristina (Montini, jr., QB), Alex Dieckmann (Naperville North, sr., WR), Jonathon Ellis (Immaculate Conception, sr., RB/DB), Louis Erkins (Glenbard South, jr., LB), Ryan Gresko (Downers Grove North, sr., RB/LB), Dan Grimes (Montini, sr., LB), Steve Grybas (Downers Grove South, sr., OL), Art Gutzke (Downers Grove North, sr., WR/LB), Kenny Harrington (Waubonsie Valley, sr., RB), Dan Hess (Naperville North, sr., DB), John Holm (Naperville Central, sr., TE), Nick Iossi (Glenbard North, sr., OL), Peter Jarrett (Wheaton Warrenville South, jr., RB), Mark Kachmer (St. Francis, jr., RB/LB), Kane Keirnan (Glenbard West, sr., RB), Ben Kelsey (Naperville North, sr., DB), Josh Kruel (Wheaton Academy, sr., WR/DB), Brad Krumwiede (Glenbard West, sr., OL/DL), Adrian Leal (Glenbard North, sr., LB), A.J. Lindeman (Waubonsie Valley, sr., OL), Vinny Miceli (Driscoll, sr., OL), Theo Odom (Glenbard West, jr., DL), Riley O'Toole (Naperville Central, jr., WR/DB), Ricky Prignano (Fenton, jr., QB/DB), Jeff Radek (Neuqua Valley, sr., OL), Mike Sloboda (Wheaton Warrenville South, sr., WR), Sherrod Stancil (Waubonsie Valley, jr., DL), Danny Sufranski (St. Francis, sr., OL/DL), Antonio Taylor (Immaculate Conception, jr., LB), Phil Traynor (Wheaton Warrenville South, sr., DL), Bryant Venson (Glenbard West, jr., RB), Evan Watkins (Glenbard North, jr., QB), Kevin Whitt (Wheaton North, sr., DL), Chandler Whitmer (Downers Grove South, so., QB).