Northwest suburban all-area football team

.inStory300 {display:none;}

Ryan Andrews Conant Conant's last line of defense turned out to be one of its best as Andrews provided tremendous run support. The senior safety had a team-high 62 solo tackles as the Cougars just missed making the playoffs. "He's one of the guys who really changed our defense," said coach Bill Modelski. "He really grew up a lot and his maturity was pretty evident from the start."

Michael Barton Wheeling Barton was usually right there when Wheeling needed a big play. "He just was able to do anything we asked him to do," said coach Dave Dunbar. The numbers support that as the Mid-Suburban East co-defensive player of the year had 5 interceptions, 79 tackles, 8 pass breakups, 3 forced fumbles, 5 tackles for losses and touchdowns on punt and kickoff returns. "He's a great athlete and real versatile," Dunbar said.

Alan Baxter Buffalo Grove The Mid-Suburban East co-defensive player of the year drew plenty of attention from frequent double teams to Northern Illinois after seeing Baxter play offensive tackle and fullback. "He was such a force - opposing offenses always had to account for where Alan was," said coach Jim Farrell. "He's such a great athlete and could do so much on the football field." Baxter had 73 tackles, 13 tackles for losses, 10 quarterback hurries and 5 sacks.

Peter Bonahoom Prospect It didn't take long for Bonahoom to bloom into one of the most explosive players in the Mid-Suburban League. The biggest impact by the sophomore two-way player was on offense where he caught 25 passes for 656 yards and 6 TDs and rushed for 137 yards. "He was a playmaker," said coach Brent Pearlman. "From a success standpoint we haven't had a sophomore like him."

Alex Coglianese Schaumburg The three-year starter became the main cog in the Saxons' defense with his move from safety to linebacker. Coglianese had 113 tackles, 4 tackles for loss and 4 sacks for the 8A quarterfinalist. "To make the move he did is an indication of how unselfish he is," said coach Mark Stilling. "As a leader he was superb and he was tireless in terms of his effort."

Andrew Corso FremdCorso had a knack for twisting and turning his torso to make amazing catches look routine. The top-ranked student in the senior class had 55 receptions for 869 yards and 5 TDs. "Andrew brought stability to our team as far as intelligence and character," said coach Mike Donatucci. "He always kept things in perspective and was always about improving himself for the team."

Ryan Cortez PalatineCortez didn't play like someone who could hardly practice with back trouble. The middle linebacker was a repeat All-Area pick with 88 tackles, 3 sacks and 3 interceptions and a school-record 191 career tackles. "He's just a heck of a player and tough beyond words," said coach Tyler Donnelly. "When guys (play hurt) and those are your stars it motivates everyone else to practice and play hard."

Jonathan Diegel FremdA shoulder injury to All-Area receiver Andrew Corso last year kept Diegel on defense. It worked out well for Fremd as Diegel was the Mid-Suburban West defensive player of the year with 92 tackles, 131/2 tackles for losses and 4 sacks. "He was the brains of the outfit," said coach Mike Donatucci. "He was a stalwart guy for us with his understanding and intelligence."

Cam Good BarringtonHow good was Good's senior year? The linebacker led the Broncos in tackles (95), tackles for losses (16), sacks (8), quarterback hurries (8) and forced fumbles (4) as the 8A quarterfinalist returned to the playoffs after a one-year hiatus. "For the last two years he's really been the heart and energy of our defense" said coach Joe Sanchez. "That's what's going to be missed about him."

Gus Handler BarringtonHandler handled plenty of defenders as Barrington had one of the area's most prolific offenses en route to the 8A quarterfinals. The senior offensive tackle is approaching double figures in Division I offers and is a big power threat in baseball. "The best way to describe Gus is relentless," said coach Joe Sanchez. "And what a leader he became for us. His best football is in front of him."

Anthony Iannotti SchaumburgIannotti had an eye for knowing when to throw it and when to hold it and run to have the most prolific season of a quarterback in school history. Iannotti completed 70 percent of his passes for 2,441 yards with 26 TDs and only 4 interceptions and rushed for 953 yards and 9 TDs. "The last several weeks it was pretty apparent we were going to go the way he went," said coach Mark Stilling.

James Kurtz WheelingDefensive attention increased but productivity didn't as Kurtz was a repeat All-Area pick. The senior's size and leaping ability gave him the ability to spoil even the best schemes as he caught 48 passes for 768 yards and 11 touchdowns. "A real competitor," said coach Dave Dunbar. "When the ball is being thrown up in the air he feels it's his ball and he's going to come down with it."

Shepard Little SchaumburgLittle did anyone know Schaumburg had one of the most dangerous running backs in the Mid-Suburban League at its disposal. The sophomore rushed for 1,610 yards and 16 TDs for the Class 8A quarterfinalist. "What surprises people is how powerful he is for his size," said coach Mark Stilling. "The way he finishes runs is not what you'd expect for a kid his size."

Christian Lombard FremdThe big-time Division I prospect had to grow up in a hurry in his second varsity season. Lombard became one of the Vikings' most experienced offensive linemen and helped them average 331 yards a game. "His levelheadedness in being a high-profile kid - he's done it the right way so far," said coach Mike Donatucci. "That's rare nowadays."

Jake Meyer Elk GroveFor three years "tackle by Meyer" was heard the most of any Elk Grove player. This year the middle linebacker had 112 tackles, 8 stops for losses and 2 sacks and he rushed for 355 yards and 2 TDs. "For three years he's been the anchor and really the quarterback of our defense," said coach Tom Whalen. "And he was really the heart and soul of our offense as well."

Jose Munoz PalatinePutting in the offseason time paid off as Munoz went from a junior backup to the Pirates' top receiver with 57 catches for 915 yards and 8 touchdowns. "He just really came on and developed better work habits," said coach Tyler Donnelly. "It's amazing to everyone how well he catches the deep ball because he doesn't drop those. He had a great, great season and was a huge success story."

Sam Ojuri BarringtonIt's scary to consider the damage Ojuri could have done if not for an ankle injury that nagged him all season and forced him to miss a game. The senior still had 1,428 yards rushing, 1,852 all-purpose yards and 21 TDs. "What stands out about Sam is the way he competes and just doesn't like to lose," said coach Joe Sanchez. "He's willing to give whatever it takes for the team to be successful."

Miles Osei ProspectOsei rebounded from a rough sophomore year better than almost anyone could have imagined. The Division I prospect put up unreal numbers by completing 64 percent of his passes for 2,238 yards, 22 TDs and 2 interceptions and rushing for 1,195 yards and 18 TDs. "He's a perfectionist," said coach Brent Pearlman. "He's one of the mentally strongest people I've ever been around."

Ben Perna FremdBig Ben roaring off the edge was a frequent sight the last three years despite two shoulder surgeries and a hamstring injury. Perna had 17 tackles for losses and 5 sacks this year even though he lost 3 games to injury. "People don't realize how mentally tough he was," said coach Mike Donatucci. "If you look at the last 10-15 years he'd have to be in the top five defensive linemen (in the MSL)."

Mike Przespolewski ProspectAbility was never a question with Przespolewski. What he did as a senior went beyond rushing for 745 yards and 8 TDs on just 75 carries, catching 34 passes for 478 yards and 5 TDs and picking off 3 passes. "Mike is one of the seniors I'm most proud of this year," said coach Brent Pearlman, "because we challenged him to be a tougher player and he really came through."

Matt Rossi PalatineRossi grew as the Pirates did from 2 wins his sophomore year to consecutive playoff berths and a share of the Mid-Suburban West title this fall. The West offensive player of the year threw for 2,213 yards and 17 TDs and rushed for 367 yards and 6 TDs and is No. 2 in school history with 4,613 career passing yards. "He's a heck of a talent," said coach Tyler Donnelly. "He had a very impressive senior year and he'll certainly be missed."

Cody Seeger BarringtonA year of experience made a big difference as Seeger hit 66 percent of his passes for 1,748 yards and 12 TDs and rushed for 579 yards and 8 TDs to lead Barrington to the 8A quarterfinals. "He's just a leader," said coach Joe Sanchez. "This year he really grew into that role and took charge and understood where everyone needed to be. He's a tough kid and willing to do whatever it takes."

Jamey Silveira PalatineSilveira scored big points off the field with a 36 ACT and on it as he overcame a slow start from a broken toe to catch 32 passes for 480 yards and 5 TDs, rushed for 295 yards and a TD and became a major defensive contributor. "He's another example of a tough kid who is very athletic and very explosive," said coach Tyler Donnelly. "He's shifty and made some unbelievable plays."

Josh Spandiary Schaumburg"Handy Spandy" became the go-to guy for Anthony Iannotti in the Saxons' prolific passing attack. Spandiary caught 92 passes for more than 1,000 yards and 13 TDs for the 8A quarterfinalist and never missed the mark as a long snapper. "He is one of the smartest football players we've had," said coach Mark Stilling. "His intellect for the game is extremely impressive."

Mike Swedlund Hoffman EstatesHoffman wasn't backed into a corner when an opening-game injury forced Swedlund to step in at cornerback. The senior took on the opponent's top receiver, finished with 38 tackles and 3 pass breakups, caught 28 passes for 386 yards and played all special teams. "He was always there," said coach Bill Helzer. "He worked hard and never complained and never doubted his abilities."

Mike Tauchman FremdTauchman saw his main responsibilities go from stopping and catching passes to throwing them. The Bradley baseball recruit responded by passing for 1,596 yards and a 10 TDs, rushing for 685 yards and 6 TDs, punting for a 36.5-yard average and intercepting 4 passes. "His growth at quarterback from day one to the second round (of the playoffs) was phenomenal," said coach Mike Donatucci.

Mick Viken Rolling MeadowsOne of the state's best pole vaulters helped vault the Mustangs from a 2-4 start to a sixth straight playoff trip. Viken caught 36 passes for 604 yards and 5 TDs and was a playmaker at cornerback. "He was never satisfied without having a great game on both sides of the ball," said coach Doug Millsaps. "He really pushed people through his own effort to make them better than they probably were."

Mike Zimmer WheelingOne time coach Dave Dunbar mentioned he needed a guard and Zimmer volunteered. "That was his attitude," Dunbar said. "We really could use him at any position because he was so versatile and could do it all." He caught 30 passes for 368 yards and 6 TDs and rushed for 136 yards, punted for a 35-yard average, returned a punt for a TD and the hard-hitting safety had 69 tackles, 4 tackles for losses.

Special mention

Ryan Amundson (Conant, Sr., WR-S), Matt Babicz (Prospect, Sr., OL-DL), Cody Bobbit (Palatine, So., WR), Jason Bromm (Barrington, Sr., LB), Jeff Cascella (Leyden, Jr., DE), Tom Davidson (Rolling Meadows, Sr., LB-C), Dan Faerber (St. Viator, Sr., DB), Mike Gyetvay (Fremd, Sr., RB), Jack Hansen (Palatine, Sr., RB-DB), Matt Holmes (Wheeling, Sr., QB), Brendan Joyce (Maine West, Sr., DT), Chris Kirkpatrick (Elk Grove, Sr., OL-DL), Trevor Laue (Barrington, Sr., OL), Andy Mack (Elk Grove, Sr., OL-DL), Angel Maldonado (Leyden, Jr., RB), John Mejia (Schaumburg, Sr., OL), Ryan Murach (Barrington, Sr., K-P), Steve Nelson (Hersey, Jr., QB-DB), Jimmy Norris (Fremd, Sr., OL), Steve Orchell (Rolling Meadows, Sr., WR-DB), Austin Sobey (Prospect, Sr., WR-DB), Matt Stadler (Buffalo Grove, Sr., P-WR), Jordan Stephani (Wheeling, Sr., LB), Brock Tenca (Palatine, Sr., DT)

Honorable mention

Jeff Bobek (Fremd, Sr., OT-DL), Mike Cardamone (Maine West, So., LB), Mike Cornely (Buffalo Grove, Jr., WR), Kyle Czarnecki (Buffalo Grove, Sr., LB-FB), Craig Davies (Conant, Sr., C), Dane Keelan (Fremd, Sr., DE), Joey Koziol (Hersey, Sr., LB-WR), Jimmy Garoppolo (Rolling Meadows, Jr., QB), Mike Greene (Maine West, DE, Sr.), Tim Herff (Rolling Meadows, Sr., LB), Frank Hess (Maine West, Sr., QB), Jimmy LaCapra (Palatine, Sr., DB-WR), Kendall Lane (Conant, Sr., RB), Richard McLoughlin (St. Viator, Jr., WR), Chris Norman (Palatine, Sr., LB), John Sawicki (Prospect, Sr., OL-DL), Brent Schroeder (Prospect, Sr., LB), Julian Sipiora (St. Viator, Jr., QB), Sean Smith (Conant, Sr., QB), Tom Supplitt (St. Viator, Sr., DL), Mike Valenti (Schaumburg, Sr., S), Dan Vargas (Wheeling, Sr., LB), Frank Wadas (Hoffman Estates, Sr., QB)