Experience, athleticism benefitting Lakes

Five years ago this month, Luke Mertens was assigned the task of creating a football team from scratch at brand new Lakes High School.

It wasn't easy.

The first year, Lakes didn't even have seniors.

But each year, it got a little easier. And now, with players in his program who have known nothing but his program since their very first day of high school, Mertens says that the Eagles are ready to soar to the next level.

"Things are just clicking faster for the kids," Mertens said. "It's like night and day compared to where we used to be. We have that continuity now."

Lakes also has 12 returning starters, most in the North Suburban Prairie Division. That also should make getting to that next level a lot easier.

"Obviously, that's really great, too," Mertens said of his long list of returners. "And I like that we've got a lot of athleticism in that group. Our athleticism is our strength."

According to Mertens, rushing the ball will have to be a strength, too.

In the past, Lakes hasn't shied from passing the ball in its signature spread offense. This year, expect to see far more running plays.

"It's just the nature of our conference," Mertens said. "Every team we play is a good running football team. We need to be able to run the ball to keep it out of their hands. If we have short, three-and-out drives, we're not going to be successful."

Mertens will look to returners Andrew Tubek and Ryan Noon to keep the chains moving.

Just 5-foot-6, Tubek will start in the backfield while Noon could start anywhere, running back, wide receiver, even quarterback. Both have great speed and are difficult to tackle.

"Andrew is tough as nails," Mertens said. "He's not big in stature, but he's one of the strongest kids in our program. And he's got breakaway speed.

"And Ryan is just our Mr. Everything. He's going to be playing a lot of different positions. He's got great physical skills and he's very intelligent. He knows the game and our offense as well as I do."

Noon, who got some time at quarterback last season, will be a great mentor for Nick Hibbing, a 6-foot-4 junior who has earned the starting position.

Hibbing also has the luxury of ducking behind a line that includes two sizeable standouts: Bill Brinser (6-3, 265 pounds) and Dan Pawlak, a sophomore who already checks in at 6-foot-4, 215 pounds.

"Every year, we've had a lineman get a scholarship to play football in college," Mertens said. "With those two I think that (trend) will continue."

Defensively, Lakes will be led by senior middle linebacker John Androus, the starting point guard for the basketball team. Standout defensive back John Werba also returns.

LAKES EAGLES

Coach: Luke Mertens (5th season)

2008 record: 3-6

2008 playoffs: Did not qualify