Leyden looking ahead to postseason

Ending a nine-year playoff drought had a big impact on Leyden.

"People want to be a part of a winner," Leyden coach Tom Cerasani smiled of player increases to 65 on varsity and 200 in the program.

And the Eagles want to keep on winning after playing Downers Grove South for the West Suburban Gold title in the season finale and perennial power Mount Carmel in the playoff opener.

"There is a sense of urgency with the kids," Cerasani said. "They see what happens around here when the football team is successful. People get excited."

And the Eagles are excited about their offense despite losing all-area pick Josh Serrano, who rushed for a single-season school record 1,412 yards.

Junior Angel Maldonado figures to see his total of nearly 700 yards increase. Cerasani expects right tackle Jerry Larsen to be one of the league's top linemen and Dan Kiebler should be a force at tight end.

"I feel we're solid up front," Cerasani said. "We have good size and they're pretty smart kids, too."

Junior David Rose is a solid passer and 6-foot-3 Kevin Lindahl is making a unique move from left tackle to receiver to take advantage of his 4.48 speed in the 40.

"We don't have a lot of speed like that," Cerasani said. "Lindahl will be able to do some things not a lot of kids can do."

Kiebler, Lindahl and all-conference inside linebacker Adam Schammert will lead the defensive front seven.

Junior outside linebacker Vito Martinelli has impressed Cerasani with his athletic ability and strong safety Vince Aiello adds leadership after missing most of last year with a neck problem.

"I feel like we have a decent two-deep," Cerasani said. "We're better. We can definitely weather a few injuries this year."

Especially with more players around to keep Leyden on the winning track.