How will Huntley handle jump up to Valley?

After a breakthrough 2008 season that resulted in a shared title in the Fox Division of the Fox Valley Conference and the school's first playoff berth since 2001, Huntley moves up the ladder a rung to play with the big boys.

The Red Raiders join the conference's Valley Division this season, setting up important games against the likes of traditional conference and state powers Cary-Grove and Crystal Lake South.

Whether Huntley, which finished 9-2 overall and reached the second round of the playoffs last year, can compete for a title in the large-school division of the FVC and qualify for the playoffs will depend on how well it is able to replace the vast majority of its starting linemen on both sides of the ball, choosing from a roster of 57 players. The only returning starting lineman on either side is senior guard Mike Zermeno (5-11, 270).

"When you talk about making the playoffs again, I think our good skill kids can carry us," fifth-year Huntley coach Steve Graves said. "When you're talking about winning a conference championship it comes down to whether you have offensive and defensive lines stiff enough to go up against teams like Cary and (Crystal Lake) South. We don't know if we're at the level to be at the top of that conference certainly. We know it's a big jump from last year, but we believe we have the potential to have another playoff team."

Huntley's strongest athlete is senior Marcus Popenfoose (6-2, 245), a highly sought-after Division-I shot/discus prospect. The third-year starting varsity tight end will line up in that spot again, at least sometimes. Graves said Popenfoose will be used "in a variety of ways, and one of them is running the ball. He's important enough that we think we need to move him around in different places."

If so, it could make for a dynamic backfield with returning senior ball carriers Brett Kleckner (6-3, 225), a power rusher, and speedy Tanner Stearns (5-1, 185). Kleckner has 1,000-yard rusher capability, but his carries were limited last season because Huntley featured the best all-around rusher in the area, Jordan Neukirch (area-best 1,738 yards, 23 TDs). Still, Kleckner managed to accumulate 619 yards on 94 carries (6.9 avg.). Stearns is a change-of-pace back who ran for 540 yards in 67 attempts (8.1 avg.).

Also returning is senior quarterback Brandon Luczak (6-2, 190).

Though Huntley threw the ball mostly as a last resort a year ago, Luczak completed 35-of-78 attempts for 611 yards and 6 touchdowns against 7 interceptions.

Graves said wide receiver Tor Larkin (6-2, 185), also a kicker who can strike from 45 yards out, will play a larger role in the offense.

Defensively, Stearns and senior Joe Murren (6-0, 185) return in the secondary and Kevin Doran (6-1, 210) and Kleckner will again play linebacker along with Popenfoose. The question is whether a green defensive line can stop the run.

"With losing all those linemen we know we're doing a little bit of rebuilding this year," Graves said. "But if you're bringing your program around, rebuilding shouldn't mean 3-6 or 2-7."