Doll's defensive scheme has Elk Grove excited

Brian Doll knows there is a natural surge of energy any time someone new takes over a football program.

But Doll is also hoping to see some negative energy in his first year at Elk Grove. Doll is bringing an aggressive 3-4 defense from New Trier, which set a school record for sacks last year with 51.

"We're a high-pressure defense with a lot of blitzing, stunts and twists and that's exciting for high school kids," Doll said. "We go after people and that's what our defense is predicated on.

"I feel in high school, if you can get pressure on the quarterback, there are going to be some bad decisions made."

Doll said the strength of this defense will be at linebacker where Kyle Pfister leads the way.

"In 10 years of coaching he's one of the quickest I've seen at picking things up," Doll said.

And Joey Bishoff is part of a junior class that is providing the Grens with an infusion of talent and success.

"He's a real exciting kid," Doll said. "He has a natural knack for tackling and understands spacing on the field. He's one of those kids who loves being on the field."

Junior Nick Meyer not only returns at quarterback but at strong safety and senior Matt McEnery is the free safety. Those spots are used more for pass support in Doll's scheme.

"It's a young squad but fast," Doll said.

And the offense should be running efficiently rather quickly with Meyer back at quarterback.

"His speed is disgusting," Doll laughed of the Grens' second-fastest player. "A lot of times he looks like a running back playing quarterback."

Junior running back Mike Wary had a huge season with the sophomores and classmate Peter Ioakimidis (6-foot-5, 275) anchors the line. Pfister will be at tight end and McEnery and Bishoff are part of a deep receiving corps.

And Doll likes how the senior and junior classes have meshed to try and put the Grens back in the playoffs for the first time since 2004.

"I feel we're in a good spot right now and the energy is outstanding," Doll said. "Kids get excited and feel they have a new opportunity because the coach doesn't know them. It's fun right now and that's what it needs to be."