DuPage Co. all-area football team

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Austin Baker DriscollA Division I prospect at receiver or tight end, the 6-foot-5 senior caught 44 passes for 710 yards and 11 touchdowns. Strong, elusive, able to go up for a catch and hard to bring down afterward, Baker excelled in big games. "He really stepped up his game in the playoffs," coach Brandon New said. "From Montini on he dominated every time he touched the ball."

Jake Baratz Naperville NorthCommitting to the University of Arizona before the season, Baratz capped a resounding comeback from an injury-riddled junior year. With superior foot work, the all-DuPage Valley Conference senior left tackle especially excelled at pass blocking on the Huskies' line. "He really dedicated himself in the off-season," coach Larry McKeon said.

Pat Bassett Naperville NorthBassett went from barely playing as a junior to leading the area in interceptions this season with seven. The unanimous all-DuPage Valley Conference senior safety flashed tremendous anticipation to the ball, allowing Bassett to be fifth on the Huskies' defense with 50 tackles, including 26 solos. "He had a great nose for the ball," coach Larry McKeon said.

Stan Bobowski St. FrancisA two-year starting fullback and three-year starting linebacker, the all-Suburban Catholic Conference senior finished the season with seven straight games of at least 100 yards rushing. Bobowski finished with 1,325 yards rushing and 16 touchdowns, and 82 tackles. Coach Greg Purnell said, "He's a great Wing-T fullback. Makes quick cuts, very durable."

Tyler Castro Waubonsie ValleyThe three-year starting quarterback saved the best for his senior season. Team MVP and a Class 8A honorable-mention all-stater, Castro's 165 completions, 274 attempts and 23 touchdown passes set school records. He threw for 2,002 yards, only 4 interceptions, and twice threw 4 TD passes in a game. "He responded terrifically," coach Paul Murphy said.

Pat Clegg Hinsdale CentralThe bruising senior nose tackle smashed double- and triple-teams in relentless pursuit of the ball. The West Suburban Silver's co-defensive player of the year and a Coaches Association Class 8A all-state pick, Clegg recorded 45 solo tackles and 18 assists with 2 of his 5 tackles for loss in the 8A title game. "His motor doesn't quit," coach Mike DiMatteo said.

Robert Cook Glenbard WestHalf of Glenbard West's dual-threat ground game, the elusive senior running back used both power and speed to explode for 1,375 yards and 13 touchdowns, averaging 10 yards a carry. Also a punter, the all-West Suburban Silver pick was 6-for-6 converting fake punts for first downs. "A lot of what we did revolved around what he did," coach Chad Hetlet said.

Pat Dansdill WW SouthIn a long line of great Tigers linebackers, Dansdill graduates as one of the best. Leading the team with 106 tackles, the senior was a deserving defensive player of the year in the DuPage Valley Conference. Dansdill snared 5 interceptions, two he returned for touchdowns. "He's the one everyone rallied around," coach Ron Muhitch said.

Jack DeAno Wheaton NorthDeAno's interception numbers didn't match last year, but the senior cornerback still made a major impact as an unanimous all-DuPage Valley Conference pick. Two interceptions were bolstered by 11 pass knockdowns and 48 tackles. He'll play baseball at Vanderbilt. "He was head and shoulders the best athlete on the team," coach Joe Wardynski said.

Tom DiCristina MontiniClass 5A all-state, two-time all-Suburban Catholic Conference and its MVP as a senior, 20-3 as a starting quarterback. In 2008 he threw for 2,201 yards and 23 touchdowns and ran for 761 yards and 17 TDs. At or near the top in all Montini passing records, including 48 TD throws. "He's probably the most dangerous player I've ever coached," coach Chris Andriano said.

Tyler Doll Glenbard NorthA true workhorse, Doll graduates as the program's career rushing leader with 3,145 yards. This senior season the running back averaged 25 carries per game for 1,345 yards and 18 touchdowns. The unanimous all-DuPage Valley Conference pick grew stronger as the game grinded by. "He shows what perseverance can do," coach Ryan Wilkens said.

Louis Erkins Glenbard SouthSuperior athleticism drove Erkins to a second straight all-Western Sun Conference selection. The senior linebacker led the Raiders with 110 tackles, including 54 solos. Erkins was valuable in the passing game as well, snaring the game-winning catch in a playoff win over Hubbard. "He was a tackling machine for us," coach Dan Starkey said.

James Eshleman WW SouthWhat a gem the Tigers received when Eshleman transferred from Sterling. The senior linebacker filled a big hole in the defense and finished with 96 tackles, including 69 solos. A notorious hard hitter, Eshleman earned all-DuPage Valley Conference honors. "Just a real physical player," coach Ron Muhitch said. "A pleasant, pleasant surprise."

Curtis Ford Glenbard SouthPlaying sparingly on defense as a junior, Ford switched to running back and finished this season among the area's leading rushers. The all-Western Sun Conference senior ran for 1,133 yards and scored 14 touchdowns, many tallied by blasting through anything in his path. "He really came on," coach Dan Starkey said. "His best football is ahead of him."

Alex Helms Naperville NorthThe offensive lineman of the year in the DuPage Valley Conference, many of the Huskies' 3,000 rushing yards went behind Helms at left guard. Fifty-seven pancake blocks proved his dominance, a fierce mindset that powered Helms to 36 tackles during part-time duty at linebacker. "He was just a tenacious blocker," coach Larry McKeon said.

Mark Hilgers Waubonsie ValleyThe senior co-captain's 58 catches fell two short of Waubonsie Valley's season record, but his 9 catches against Neuqua Valley, for 182 yards, were a record. Hilgers' precise routes and great hands produced 788 yards with 8 touchdowns. "He was a young man you could always count on," coach Paul Murphy said. "He caught everything you threw at him."

Mark Kachmer St. FrancisThe Suburban Catholic Conference's offensive MVP and a Class 5A coaches all-state pick. The senior ran for 1,988 yards - including 412 against DeKalb - and 32 touchdowns. Added 51 tackles at linebacker. Kachmer scored 210 points for the state champs and ran for 3,237 yards over three varsity seasons. "A tremendous team leader," coach Greg Purnell said.

Pat Keeley Neuqua ValleyVoted one of the top four defensive players in the Upstate Eight Conference, the academic all-state middle linebacker made a program-record 98 solo tackles and 132 total tackles despite constant shoulder pain. The senior had 15 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, blocked 3 kicks. Coach Bryan Wells said, "He had an uncanny ability to not be blocked."

Tony Kisla LisleThe agile 6-foot-7, 300-pound all-Interstate Eight Conference selection played offensive guard and defensive end or tackle depending on what Lisle needed. Kisla made a team-high 36 solo tackles and was second on the team with 67 total, plus 4 for loss. "He's such a load," Lions coach Dan Sanko said, "something we're not going to see here at Lisle in a long time."

Mike Kraft Naperville CentralIt's hard to say what kind of defensive stats Kraft might have had if not for a midseason ankle injury. As it was, the senior all-DuPage Valley Conference defensive tackle had 67 tackles, including 9 sacks. Deceptive speed and quickness were Kraft's secret weapons. "He's always coming at you," coach Mike Stine said. "He's just a high energy guy."

Kyle Krumwiede Glenbard WestShutting down the bubble screen, keeping a back from bouncing off-tackle, this senior outside linebacker forced the action inside. Team co-captain and all-West Suburban Silver, the two-year starter made 97 tackles with 8 sacks, 4 interceptions and 2 fumble recoveries. "He had a big game every game," coach Chad Hetlet said. "He didn't have a down game."

Scott Kuehn Waubonsie ValleyThe junior receiver's 61 receptions set a Warriors record, his 3 touchdown grabs against Bloom tied a program mark. He compiled 687 yards and averaged 11.3 yards a catch but was more than a possession receiver with 9 touchdown catches. Also kicked a 29-yard field goal. "He gave us great yards after a catch," Warriors coach Paul Murphy said.

Jason Lombardi St. FrancisStarting three years on the offensive line and two years on the defensive line, the quick-footed center changed blocking assignments to help the Class 5A champions run for 3,864 yards and 55 touchdowns. At defensive end the Suburban Catholic all-conference pick made 67 tackles. Coach Greg Purnell said, "He was the ringleader of our line."

Todd Lorenzini WW SouthSenior leadership took on extra importance for Lorenzini. The left guard was surrounded by juniors as the lone returning starter on the offensive line. With a 5.6 GPA Lorenzini made all the line calls and was unanimously named to the all-DuPage Valley Conference team. "He brought everyone together on the line," coach Ron Muhitch said.

Nick Mlady Naperville NorthThe program's all-time rushing leader with 2,569 yards, Mlady led the Huskies with 1,295 yards this season and was the team's leading receiver. The senior running back garnered offensive player of the year honors in the DuPage Valley Conference after scoring 18 touchdowns. "The greatest kid you could possibly have on a team," coach Larry McKeon said.

Theo Odom Glenbard WestAfter flashes of greatness as a junior, as a senior defensive end Odom terrorized. Combining 4.6 speed with a 415-pound bench press and 530 squat the two-year starter made 84 tackles, a school-record 23 sacks plus 3 fumble recoveries. Class 7A all-state, West Suburban Silver co-defensive player of the year. "Just an unbelievable pass rusher," coach Chad Hetlet said.

Riley O'Toole Naperville CentralCritical in all phases, O'Toole rarely left the field. Unanimous all-DuPage Valley Conference as a receiver, the senior caught 28 passes for 537 yards and 6 touchdowns. As a linebacker, many of his 44 tackles came before injuries slowed him in the season's second half. He averaged 34 yards on punts. "He was such a hard worker," coach Mike Stine said.

Matt Purdom Immaculate ConceptionThe intelligent 6-foot-5, 250-pound offensive tackle is a two-time all-Suburban Catholic Conference choice, the 2008 SCC lineman of the year and a Class 2A Coaches All-State pick. The state champ made 47 pancake blocks, 21 touchdown blocks and allowed no sacks. Of IC's offensive player of the year, coach Bill Schmidt said, "He's the goods."

Garrett Richards Glenbard WestA key to the Hilltoppers' dominant run defense, the two-year starting linebacker used 4.5 speed to make 124 tackles, 11 sacks and 3 interceptions. Team co-captain, all-West Suburban Silver, the senior made 235 tackles in two years. Filled inside, contained outside, finished on the blitz. Coach Chad Hetlet said, "He reminds me of a cheetah running down its prey."

John Sambo Wheaton NorthHow dominant was Sambo at linebacker? His 125 tackles, including 91 solos, were twice as many as the team's second-leading tackler. Unanimously chosen to the all-DuPage Valley Conference team, the senior also received the program's Coach Rexilius Leadership Award. "When he got his hands on someone, they went down," coach Joe Wardynski said.

Josh Schaffer Neuqua ValleyRecruited to play at Western Michigan before his senior season, the 6-foot-2 receiver used strength, size, hands and ad-lib ability to grab 32 passes for 558 yards, a 17.4-yard average, with 9 touchdowns. All-Upstate Eight Conference, he had 4 touchdown catches against St. Charles East. "At times he was impossible to defend," Wildcats coach Bryan Wells said.

Steven Schwabe DriscollAll-Suburban Catholic Conference, the senior quarterback completed 60 percent of his passes for 2,264 yards and 21 touchdowns. The field general got Driscoll rolling in an opening 42-0 rout over Morris and put his teammates in places to succeed. "At any time," coach Brandon New said, "he was probably the smartest kid out on that football field."

Dan Sheppard Downers Grove NorthThis senior ironman meant more than a team-high 67 tackles and 569 yards rushing. Team MVP and all-West Suburban Silver, the third-year linebacker had the guts and tenacity his coach sought to lead the option. At quarterback and middle linebacker Sheppard led a Class 7A quarterfinal run. His main intangible? "To not want to lose," coach John Wander said.

Charleston Soko Glenbard NorthA fiery leader of the defense, Soko's nonstop motor drove him to a spot on the all-DuPage Valley Conference team. The senior defensive tackle had 67 tackles including 17 for loss and 5 sacks. Undersized but powerful, Soko proved tough to block. "He has a knack for getting in the backfield," coach Ryan Wilkens said. "He plays 100 miles an hour."

Andrew Sorgatz Wheaton NorthVoted the team's offensive MVP, the all-DuPage Valley Conference senior left tackle showed his defensive value the last two weeks of the season. In addition to being the team's top-graded offensive lineman every week, Sorgatz had 3 sacks against Glenbard West. "When he's on the field he has a real mean streak," coach Joe Wardynski said.

Brendan Sullivan Hinsdale CentralThe mentally strong spiritual leader and co-captain of the Red Devils' defense made 101 tackles, 11 for loss, with 2 fumble recoveries and 4 pass breakups. Alert in pass coverage using good lateral movement, the senior middle linebacker was an all-West Suburban Silver pick. Coach Mike DiMatteo said, "He is nothing but 100 percent football player."

Antonio Taylor Immaculate ConceptionThe Suburban Catholic Conference defensive player of the year, the senior linebacker was also a Class 2A Coaches All-State pick. The three-year starter's lateral quickness and high energy earned 110 tackles, 21 for loss and 4 forced fumbles. Gained 339 yards, 3 touchdowns at tight end. Coach Bill Schmidt said, "He's been a special football player for us."

Austin Teitsma Glenbard SouthA junior giant in the Raiders' defense, Teitsma was a devastating force on both sides of the ball. Already a two-time all-Western Sun Conference honoree, Teitsma had 71 tackles at defensive end and linebacker. On offense the tight end's crushing blocks bolstered the run game. "He's by far our most physical player," coach Dan Starkey said.

Bryant Venson Glenbard WestA three-year starter and two-time all-West Suburban Silver choice, the senior back benches 280 and runs a 4.5 40. It translated to 1,187 yards rushing and 18 touchdowns, 359 yards receiving and scores on 83- and 87-yard kickoff returns. Averaged 12.2 yards each play. "He was our all-around athlete," coach Chad Hetlet said. "He could do it all."

Trace Wanless Glenbard SouthStarting the last eight games at quarterback, Wanless didn't lose a game until the quarterfinals. A receiver and safety at the start of the year, the junior all-Western Sun Conference selection threw for 1,191 yards and 19 touchdowns against 6 interceptions while rushing for 712 yards and 6 scores. "He really sparked the team," coach Dan Starkey said.

Collin Watkins Hinsdale CentralNo question remained about the all-West Suburban Silver senior lineman's toughness or work ethic after playing most of 2007 with a broken wrist. A great pass blocker at right tackle to protect a lefty quarterback, Watkins' technique helped the Red Devils average nearly 7 yards a carry. "He's very quiet," coach Mike DiMatteo said, "but he'll lay a hit on you."

Chris Watt Glenbard WestIllinois' top recruit, the Notre Dame-bound offensive lineman is captain of the 2008 Daily Herald All-Area Football Team. Helping amass 3,886 yards rushing, the West Suburban Silver MVP is a two-time Coaches Association All-State pick and was named to two All-America squads. Coach Chad Hetlet said, "He's the heart and soul of our team."

Tim Weidenbacher Naperville NorthThe lone starter back from last year's state championship defense, Weidenbacher was named the DuPage Valley Conference's defensive lineman of the year. The senior end twice switched from linebacker, allowing the entire unit to benefit. Among 64 tackles were 12 sacks. "He sacrificed for the team and made the most out it," coach Larry McKeon said.

Erik Westerberg YorkThis linebacker has led the Dukes in tackles the past two years and is still just a junior. A two-time All-West Suburban Silver pick, Westerberg made 72 tackles, including 7 sacks and 9 other tackles for loss. The top strength of York's defensive MVP is finding the football. "When he's in position to make plays, he makes them," coach Bill Lech said.

John Whitelaw Hinsdale CentralTwice an all-West Suburban Silver pick, the tenacious junior was named the Silver offensive player of the year. The honorable-mention Coaches All-State quarterback passed for 2,249 yards, ran for 1,316 yards and accounted for 40 touchdowns to lead his team to the 8A title game. Coach Mike DiMatteo said, "You catch yourself just watching him."

Chandler Whitmer Downers Grove SouthA two-year starter as a junior quarterback, Whitmer was named the West Suburban Gold's offensive player of the year. While Whitmer's 1,430 passing yards stand impressive on their own, he also had 13 touchdowns with only 3 interceptions to give him a two-year ratio of 31 to 6. "He's a football gym rat," coach John Belskis said.

Chris Wild Downers Grove SouthThe offensive lineman of the year in the West Suburban Gold, Wild's true worth glared when he missed limited time with an ankle injury. Crucial run plays almost always went behind the senior left tackle, even when he pulled to the right. Leadership to a young line was just as important. "I wish we'd had five of him," coach John Belskis said.

Scottie Williams Downers Grove SouthWhen healthy, few running backs were better than this senior three-year starter. The player of the year in the West Suburban Gold, a speed and strength combo plowed the way to 1,315 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns. In three years Williams never lost a sprint in practice. "He's as tough a player as you'll find," coach John Belskis said.

Rich Zajeski Hinsdale CentralRunning a 4.53-second 40, only a high-ankle sprain could slow the senior tailback. His first carry after missing nearly four full games went 67 yards for a touchdown. All-West Suburban Silver, he ran for 912 yards with 377 receiving and 225 on returns for 13 touchdowns. "He can take the ball the distance at any point in time," coach Mike DiMatteo said.

Andrew Zika Glenbard NorthA unanimous pick for the all-DuPage Valley Conference team, Zika thrived at left tackle as the Panthers' lone returning starter to the offensive line. Making all the line calls for a young unit, Zika was a student of the game who excelled at pulling and trapping in a dominant ground game. "All year long he was a great leader for us," coach Ryan Wilkens said.

Honorable mention

Jordan Brooks (sr., RB-LB, Glenbard North); Chris Buonavolanto (sr., LB, Lake Park), Nick Campanella (jr., RB, Driscoll), Mike Carev (jr., WR, Glenbard North); Ben Coleman (sr., DL, Lake Park), Jessie Condie (sr., WR, Glenbard West), Garrett Cook (sr., DB, WW South); Mick Culligan (sr., RB, Hinsdale Central), Mike D'Ambrose (sr., RB, Addison Trail); Casey Domek (sr., DL, Naperville North); Mike Dylla (sr., RB, West Chicago); Mitch Ewald (sr., K-P, Waubonsie Valley), Ryan Ferguson (sr., LB, St. Francis), Rob Folkerts (sr., WR, Hinsdale South); Joe Furco (sr., QB, WW South); Grant Goebel (sr., WR-LB, Montini), Antwon Harris (sr., WR, Naperville Central); Jon Holland (sr., WR, Glenbard South); Paul Hornstra (sr., RB-DB, Immaculate Conception), Nick Immekus (jr., OL-K, WW South); Peter Jarrett (sr., RB, WW South); Jermal Jones (sr., RB, Downers North), Tom Judge (sr., QB, York), Mike Kane (sr., DB-WR, Willowbrook); Mark Kaseeska (sr., DL, Montini), Nick Kukuc (sr., RB, Naperville Central); Nick Lifka (so., LB, Naperville North); Alex Lincoln (sr., QB, Neuqua Valley), Nick Linne (jr., QB, Naperville Central); Pat Loveless (sr., DL, Glenbard West), Wes Manzer (sr., WR, Downers Grove South); Ryan McKean (sr., DB, Glenbard South); Marco Medina (sr., OL-DL, Immaculate Conception), Jack Merrithey (jr., QB, Glenbard East); Ryan O'Donnell (sr., LB-WR, St. Francis), Sean O'Grady (sr., LB, Hinsdale Central), Mike Olp (sr., RB, WW South); Brian Pell (jr., QB, Wheaton Academy), Anthony Ritchie (jr., TE-DE, Wheaton Academy), Brett Robinson (sr., WR-DB, St. Francis), Carlos Rodriguez (jr., RB-DB, Immaculate Conception), Victor Sadauskas (sr., DL, Benet), Brandon Salemi (jr., DB, Glenbard North); Joe Santiago (sr., TE, York), Sherrod Stancil (sr., DL, Waubonsie Valley), Tyler Triplett (sr., OL-DL, Lisle), Mike Trumpy (sr., RB, Wheaton North); Pat Waite (sr., RB, Naperville North); Evan Watkins (sr., QB, Glenbard North); Conner Yearian (sr., WR, Neuqua Valley).