Roberts ready for record-breaking year
Jordan Roberts' history-making career is coming to a close this fall at Aurora Christian, but not before the senior quarterback takes aim at every major passing record in the IHSA record books.
Roberts, who has started at quarterback since the first game of his freshman season for coach Don Beebe, stands 1,179 yards and 14 touchdowns from becoming the state's all-time leader in both categories. Roberts is poised to break several other Illinois records.
Roberts spent his summer at junior days at several Division I programs, including Illinois, Northwestern, Louisville and Notre Dame. He doesn't have an offer yet, but a record-breaking senior season, coupled with another long playoff run for the Eagles, could change that. Aurora Christian went 12-1 last year and reached the Class 3A semifinals before losing to eventual state champion Plano.
The road is more difficult this year. Aurora Christian has been bumped up to Class 4A, home of 7-time defending state champion and future fellow Suburban Christian Conference member Driscoll.
Beebe has a veteran team ready to make an immediate impact in 4A, with what he calls his "best defense yet" to go with Roberts and the high-powered offense.
"The mantra all summer has been 6 points," Beebe said of the 14-8 loss to Plano. "That's all they have been talking about. It certainly stuck with them and they haven't forgot that. They know they are extremely close. They started lifting Monday after the state championship game. They are very motivated."
Junior wide receiver Matt Morse figures to be Roberts' favorite target. Beebe is thrilled with the progress by wideout David Zielke.
"He's made the biggest transition from junior to senior year since I've been here," Beebe said. "He has come into his own. I can't believe how much he's grown and matured and confidence wise. He wasn't on radar as a starter, and now he's starting at corner too."
The offensive line figures to be a strength, opening up holes for either Donald Patterson, a transfer from Waubonsie Valley, or Dan Earwood. Fullback Lewis Gaddis also will get some carries as the Eagles replace talented runners John Smith and Sean O'Boyle.
Center Andru Ubert, who only played in the opener against Immaculate Conception last year before suffering a season-ending injury, is healthy. He'll be joined by Braxton Warner, Dean Griffing, David Benson and Matt Wilger.
"I think we'll be really strong," Beebe said. "Overall the kids will be a good unit that works well together."
Beebe is even more impressed with a senior-dominated defense that returns 10 starters.
"This is best defense we've had," Beebe said. "There is so much talent and depth on defense. They've been in the fire, played in some big playoff games. They are very mature, they play an aggressive style of defense."
Senior Pete Kariotis, like Roberts a four-year player, anchors the defensive line. He'll get help from Ubert and Oswego East transfer Derrick Nantz. Linebacker Ryan Perik, already the Eagles' career leader in tackles, will add to that total.
"We don't have a weakness on defense," Beebe said.
It all points to an exciting final season for Roberts, who likely will leave Aurora Christian as the state's all-time best. He also could leave his job to someone in his family, as the starting quarterback on the Eagles' JV team is freshman Grayson Roberts, Jordan's younger brother.