Reason(s) for optimism as football gears up at Lake Co. high schools

In some ways, the official start of the high school football season is a bit anticlimactic.

But that doesn't mean players and coaches all over the state don't still get a bit giddy when a certain special day rolls around on the calendar.

Wednesday marked the first official day of football practice in the state of Illinois. And that means there are less than 2 1/2 weeks before Opening Night.

"Years ago, it used to be a really big deal because this really was the first day of practice," Stevenson coach Bill Mitz said. "Now, we've already had 25 contact days (in pads) over the summer. We've already done a lot.

"But we're still excited. We're excited to get started and finally get this season going."

The Patriots, who boast the return of running back Mark Weisman, an Air Force recruit, aren't the only ones who are anxious to strut their stuff.

Several area teams bring back some of their very best players from last year.

Antioch, which put together its best season in school history in 2008, will be led by all-area fullback Steve Lorenzini. He'll try to help the Sequoits build on an undefeated regular season and a trip to the semifinals.

Antioch finished the season 12-1.

Two other exciting runners - Libertyville running back James Zotto and Warren running back Tom Lindal - as well as a versatile utility player - DaVaris Daniels of Vernon Hills - headline some of the other players to watch in the area.

Zotto helped Libertyville rebound after an 0-3 start to win five of its last six regular season games and Lindal, who was just a sophomore, guided Warren to one of its best seasons in recent memory.

The Blue Devils won the North Suburban Conference Lake Division with a perfect 6-0 mark in league play and finished up the year with a 9-2 record.

Meanwhile, Daniels, listed as a receiver, free safety, kick and punt returner, running back and quarterback, hurt opponents from every angle as Vernon Hills finished in second place behind Antioch in the North Suburban Prairie.

Lake County's other heavyweight, Carmel, is also champing at the bit to get the season started.

As usual, the Corsairs have a whole cast of talented players just waiting to roll up the wins. Last year, Carmel finished 10-2, placed second in the East Suburban Catholic Conference behind Joliet Catholic and advanced to the Class 7A quarterfinals.

"We're real excited," Carmel coach Andy Bitto said. "I think we're in a really good position. You kind of gauge it every summer how the kids have worked out and how the summer camps went, and 7 on 7's. I think people have really tapped into what we want to do, so I'm pretty excited about the season.

"Of course, we've got to stay healthy and stuff. But I think our defense might be one of the best we've had in a long time. We'll be young on offense, but eventually we're going to be pretty good. And I've got a punter and kicker that are pretty good. So we've kind of got a nice flow going. We're very optimistic - cautiously optimistic."