Redemption? Stevenson wants some

We saw the "Redeem Team" in China, winning Olympic gold in men's basketball.

Maybe we'll see the "Redeem Team" again. Only this time in the form of the Stevenson football team.

After all, redemption is definitely on the minds of the Patriots, who trudged through an atypical season last year. They finished the regular season with an unspectacular 5-4 record, squeezed into the playoffs and then lost in most frustrating fashion in the first round.

For the second straight year, Stevenson literally dropped the ball against Fremd in the postseason, squandering a potential victory in the final moments by fumbling away the football.

"We're not accustomed to losing five games," Stevenson coach Bill Mitz said. "We weren't happy about that. We weren't happy about the way the playoffs ended either. We've been getting ready for this season since right after we lost last year. It was a long (off) season. We've spent a lot of time together because there's a lot we want to do."

The Patriots should be able to do plenty, too.

One of the most experienced teams in Lake County, Stevenson returns a grand total of 15 starters, eight of whom are on defense.

All of the Patriots' linebackers are back and the secondary, led by standout Mike Bilton at corner, has just one new addition. And that new addition, Erick King, has great athletic potential. He's the son of former Chicago Bulls center Stacey King.

"I really think our linebackers are going to be a strength," Mitz said of Austin Self, Eric Chapman, Ryan Kaplan and Brion Wood. "They're experienced and they're fast. As a whole, I think we have very good team speed on defense."

Mitz said that chemistry should also be a strength with all of the returners from last year back in the mix.

Of course, some players have been playing together for far longer than one season. Quarterback Zach Wujcik and Bilton, also a receiver, grew up playing catch together. They connected for many big plays last year and expect their connection to be even stronger this year.

Wujcik, who threw for more than 1,000 yards last season, could break some Stevenson career records with another strong campaign.

In addition to Bilton, Wujcik has two other exciting options at wide receiver in newcomers Henry Wood and Nate Johnson.

When the Patriots run the ball, which should still be often, they'll turn to running back Matt Harris and fullback Mark Weisman, both returning starters.

"We're ready to play and get going," Mitz said. "We're excited to see what this group can do."