Buffalo Grove looking ahead to following Farrell
Jim Farrell feels like the kid given the keys to a brand new car.
And the first-year Buffalo Grove coach believes he has the horsepower to get rolling toward ending a four-year playoff drought that is the longest in program history.
"We're taking the windshield approach," said Farrell, who is only the third coach in BG history after 100-game winners Grant Blaney and Rich Roberts. "We're not looking in the rear-view mirror. We're looking forward."
And Farrell expects his spread offense to keep moving forward with senior Josh Hampton, who rushed for 366 yards last year against Conant, and senior quarterback J.P. Kulick.
"One of the reasons we decided to go with J.P. is he has a strong arm and he's very mobile," Farrell said. "Him and Josh in the backfield is similar to a double-tailback set."
Kulick will have a speedy crew of receivers that includes senior Matt Stadler.
The athletic line is young but has already received a valuable education in practice against third-year starting varsity defensive line standouts Alan Baxter and John Pischak.
"Our offensive is going to feel very battle-tested," Farrell said, "going against one of the best defensive lines in our conference and a couple of the best defensive linemen."
Kyle Czarnecki also figures to be an impact player at outside linebacker. Farrell sees the secondary as a strength with sprinter Steve Miller at cornerback.
"I'm a really offensive-minded head coach but I'm excited about the personality of our defense," Farrell said. "Their mentality is very aggressive and they want to put pressure on the quarterback."
Which Farrell hopes is a postseason mentality for BG.
"I've ordered enough helmet stickers for 5 wins," Farrell said. "I think this team has enough skill and talent to be a playoff team again."
Bison at a glance
Coach: Jim Farrell (first year)
Last year: 4-5, 3-2 (3rd in East)
Probable starters
OFFENSE Pos. Name Ht./Wt. Yr.
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QB J.P. Kulick 5-10/170 Sr.
RB Josh Hampton 5-11/175 Sr.
LT Alex Ward 6-4/220 Sr.
LG Brian Oglesbee 5-7/190 Jr.
C Jamie Zabrin 5-7/170 Jr.
RG Sam Krupiarz 5-11/185 Sr.
RT Ryan Ellingsen 6-4/225 Sr.
WR Kevin Mulligan 5-11/175 Jr.
WR Andrew Hemmer 6-1/165 Sr.
WR Matt Stadler 5-11/175 Sr.
WR Mike Cornely 6-4/185 Jr.
DEFENSE Pos. Name Ht./Wt. Yr.
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DE John Pischak 6-4/230 Sr.
DT Kevin Alvarez 5-9/210 Sr.
DT Alan Baxter 6-1/240 Sr.
DE Mark Zdanewicz 6-1/175 Jr.
WLB Jake LeClair 5-11/165 Sr.
MLB Jeremy Salzman 5-10/180 Jr.
SLB Kyle Czarnecki 5-11/180 Sr.
CB Steve Miller 5-9/150 Sr.
CB James Blackmon 5-6/145 Sr.
S John Angotti 5-9/160 Jr.
S Dan Schmitz 6-3/195 Sr.