Preview: Driscoll

First-year Driscoll coach Brandon New has a goal, and it's not necessarily an eighth straight state championship.

"My No. 1 goal is for the kids to enjoy themselves. This is something they'll remember for the rest of their lives," said New, who after two years as defensive coordinator and a decade in the program succeeded Mike Burzawa, now at Evanston.

Driscoll has the offensive potential to reel off more enjoyable memories.

College prospect Austin Baker, who caught 34 passes for 555 yards a year ago, heads a solid receiver corps. It includes fellow returning starters Joey Calabrese and Clay Cooper, plus an outstanding player from last year's sophomore team, Nick Campanella.

If Steven Schwabe - a more natural quarterback than his graduated, all-state brother David and operating behind a line that averages 240 pounds - can find his usually wide-open receivers; and if back Ricky Divito can add a reliable ground game, fireworks are inevitable.

There are no locks, not even with Driscoll. The Highlanders seek leadership. The defense returns as starters only linemen Trace Jenkins and Frank Barcal, defensive backs Calabrese and Divito.

Recall that last year Driscoll returned just seven starting positions and outscored opponents 559-184.

Classes come and go. New is the third head coach in five seasons. Pressure to add to the streak is intense.

No matter. As respectful rival Montini coach Chris Andriano says of the Highlanders, "They know exactly what they want and they go after it."