Saxons are in the running

Mid-Suburban West coaches won't have any more nightmares about Mick Trimarco running wild.

But opposing defenses may not be wild about stopping the multitude of threats the Saxons can run on the field.

Running backs Shepard Little, Warren Brewer and Perrish Bell and receiver Diante Hackler are expected to provide their share of headaches.

"I don't think any one kid can do what Mick did," said Schaumburg coach Mark Stilling. "But those four collectively can be extremely valuable to us offensively. The challenge is finding ways to keep them all involved."

Also getting more involved in the offense is senior quarterback Anthony Iannotti, who took snaps in 3 games last year and played receiver.

"Being on the field and understanding the offense is going to help him, too," Stilling said. "The key with Anthony is we need him to be consistent. He's extremely intelligent."

Iannotti should have time to find targets that include 6-foot-6 Josh Spandiary. John Mejia, Mario Echevaria, Craig Cruz and Mike Scolire are all returning starters up front.

"I expect the offensive line to be a strength for us," Stilling said. "(Mejia) is actually smaller but he's about as tough as it gets and is an extremely enthusiastic leader."

Bell and Spandiary also bring versatility on defense. Defensive end Matt Hutchison and safeties Mike Valenti and Alex Coglianese are vital parts to stopping opponents.

"They're very aggressive and kids feed off their leadership," Stilling said. "Coglianese plays so hard and so intense it's contagious."

And Stilling hopes paying more consistent attention to detail pays off for a team that last year was in the playoff picture going into Week 9.

"I feel like we're going to be a lot better," Stilling said. "We've got a chance to be a lot better."