Roberts, Graffagna ably filling big shoes this season

No matter what your profession is, it's not easy to replace a longstanding veteran.

It's no different in the world of high school athletics.

Consider the plight of Aurora Christian quarterback Grayson Roberts and Geneva running back Jay Graffagna as they headed into the 2009 campaign.

A year ago, Aurora Christian advanced all the way to the Class 4A state championship game with four-year starting quarterback Jordan Roberts directing the offense.

"All" Roberts did last season was complete 217 of 377 attempts and throw 45 touchdown passes.

During his illustrious high school career, Roberts threw for 9,755 yards and 127 touchdowns while the Eagles compiled a .812 winning percentage (39-9 record).

Meanwhile, Geneva also came within 1 victory of a state title in 2008, winning its first 13 games before dropping a 33-14 decision to East St. Louis in the 7A championship.

Leading the way for the Vikings last season was two-year starting tailback Michael Ratay, who amassed 2,859 yards and 44 rushing touchdowns. Geneva posted a 24-2 mark during Ratay's junior and senior campaigns.

Roberts and Ratay graduated last spring, taking their enormous talents to Wheaton College and Grand Valley State University, respectively.

But not before they left an indelible mark in their schools' record books.

That's where Grayson Roberts and Jay Graffagna enter the picture.

Obviously, you don't necessarily replace standout players like Jordan Roberts or Ratay, but somebody has to line up and play the positions - right?

Through the first four games of the season, Grayson Roberts and Graffagna have played the positions well - and their teams have continued their winning ways.

Aurora Christian (3-1) has a Roberts at quarterback for the fifth straight year, only this time it's sophomore Grayson behind center.

"It's a great opportunity," said Grayson, who was the Eagles' JV signal-caller as a freshman.

Last weekend, Grayson was a model of efficiency, completing 8 of 9 passes for 142 yards and 2 touchdowns while also taking off for a 25-yard run on his first-ever carry as the Eagles upended previously unbeaten Wheaton Academy 48-31.

"It was one of my better games so far," said Grayson. "I was going for zero interceptions (which he got after throwing 6 in the first three games)."

Having already thrown 10 touchdown passes, Grayson appears to have setting in to his new role - with some help from his older brother.

"I've had Jordan as a good guide," said the younger Roberts. "He really helped me a lot in the off-season with plays and my footwork before he left for college.

"We worked on throwing drills for three hours every morning - and I've told him thanks many times."

In addition to helping him handle adversity, Grayson has learned other valuable things from his brother.

"He has helped me stay humble - he's one of the most humbled people I know," said Grayson. "He told me it's important to have a short memory - to go on to the next series."

Roberts, who hasn't been sacked yet this season, has put aside thoughts of "replacing" his brother.

"Last year, I began thinking that one of my issues was going to be dealing with that - leading up to his expectations because he did such an amazing job," said Grayson.

"But I've figured out that it doesn't matter. All I want to do is help the team get better and just be the best player I can be."

Opportunity also has knocked for Graffagna, who admittedly felt some heat prior to the season.

"I can't say no, that I didn't feel the pressure because I did," said the senior. "I knew I had big shoes to fill."

At the same time, Graffagna came to realize he had put in the off-season effort needed to become a starting tailback.

"I've put in the work and I've been patient," he said. "Of course, I wanted to play more last year but Michael (Ratay) was indestructible."

Through four games, Graffagna has gained 386 yards with a pair of touchdowns as the Vikings are off to their fourth consecutive 4-0 start.

"I'm just trying to do my job," said Graffagna.

"I'm running hard and trying to be like Mike (Ratay) as much as I can.

"I learned a lot from being around him - things like always working hard in practice and always keeping your feet moving."

Graffagna, whose strength is his speed, has familiarized himself with the starting tailback spot.

"I'm still learning how to read my blocks because the game is so much faster," said Graffagna, who has formed a "Lightning/Thunder" running back tandem alongside punishing fullbacks Michael Santacaterina and Connor Quinn.

"It's nice knowing that someone has your back," said Graffagna, who also has someone to play for this season.

"One of the biggest reasons why I'm playing is because of Mr. (Marc) Fagot," said Graffagna of the Vikings' longtime running backs coach who passed away this past March after a lengthy battle with brain cancer.

"I was pretty close with him and his family. When we sing the school fight song after our games, I wear a hat that his wife, Robin, gave to me."

A fitting tribute to another irreplaceable figure.

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