Previewing: York

With the graduation of one player, York's football team lost 2,500 yards of offense and 17 touchdowns.

It'll take a committee to replace those numbers, but with a dominant line the Dukes plan to do just that.

"The experience up front will mean everything," said York coach Bill Lech, whose team shifts focus after graduating all-West Suburban Silver quarterback Tom Judge. "It's no secret that we'll have to be able to run the ball."

Jack Deiters, Sean Crowe and Andrew Lockhart form the core of a big, experienced offensive line that has one goal - keep the ball out of the hands of the opposing offense. Several running backs figure into the ground game, including Mike DeBernardis, who rushed for 270 yards last year.

The passing game will be a work in progress as Sam Cleary takes over at quarterback. Evan Fendley and sophomore David Byerly will be the main targets.

Another strength of the team rests on a defense with five returning starters. Erik Westerberg is a third-year starting linebacker who's led the team in tackles the last two seasons. Jeremy Dvorak also returns at linebacker.

Sophomore Nick Skuteris is back on the defensive line after playing as a freshman the last four games last season. He and Westerberg will likely play on both sides of the ball, a rarity with Lech's teams.

West Suburban Silver heavyweights Hinsdale Central and Glenbard West await again this season, but York has the strength up front - including on the defensive line with Skuteris and Tomasso Colella - to compete with both teams.

The ability to play keepaway on offense will be a great start if running backs DeBernardis, Ryan Daly and Ryan Kent keep the chains moving.

"In our league you win up front," Lech said. "I like our team. I think we'll be competitive. But we're going to have to be able to run the ball to be successful."