Continuity's the theme for Carmel
It's the final year of Venegoni football at Carmel Catholic, for this is Luke's senior year.
Luke is the little brother of David and Mark and has made his mark, just like his brothers did.
The Corsairs boast two Brennans (John's "little" brothers) and, also, a pair of Serios (Mike's brothers). Hooray, that's a Duprey (Nate's kid bro).
There's another Larson, but he's not related to former Corsairs Luke and J.J.
Yes, it's the same ol' last names. And, yes, expect the same ol' results.
For Carmel, that means wins. The Corsairs finished the decade with 96 victories, including seven last season, which ended with a disappointing first-round playoff loss to Prospect. Carmel shared the East Suburban Catholic Conference championship with Joliet Catholic.
Changes ahead for Carmel?
Very funny.
"Yeah, we're going to run triple option and counters and passes off that," coach Andy Bitto said with a delayed grin.
Back to run the Corsairs' triple option is senior quarterback Brian Serio, who missed a couple of games last year with a hip flexor. He's healthy and heaving spirals.
"Serio's throwing the ball 10 times better," Bitto said. "He's got better pocket presence. He knows when to step up. He knows when to run. He knows how to do a better job on the boot."
Junior Jordan Kos is back to play fullback after being the only sophomore on the all-ESCC team last year. Michael Panico - whose brother Santino starred for Libertyville's Class 7A state runner-up team in 2003 - will start at halfback after playing cornerback as a sophomore last year.
"Panico makes us way more versatile," Bitto said. "He runs a 4.5 40."
The Corsairs have moved Matt Maher from tight end to halfback and Ryan Cappis from halfback to wide receiver. Cappis could be the Corsairs' big-play receiver, replacing the graduated Matt Felicelli.
Big Logan Lester (Air Force-recruit Steven's kid brother) will start at tight guard and is the Corsairs' only returning starter on the offensive line. The newcomers include junior center Shane Toub, who's the son of Bears special teams coach Dave Toub.
"We're excited about our line," Bitto said.
Luke Venegoni - the last of the Venegoni brothers - will be one of the leaders of an always-tough defense. The linebacker made all-conference last year. The defensive veterans also include end Mike Cohen and cornerbacks Michael Fitzgibbons and Ricky Acosta.
Brian Brennan, a 5-6 junior, and Sean Brennan, a 5-4 sophomore, will man the safety spots. Junior Sam Duprey starts at nose guard. Senior inside linebacker Chris Georgen scored a 36 on his ACT. Jake Larson, another senior, starts at tackle.
"Our team speed on defense, I think, is excellent," Bitto said.
Bitto likes his kicker, too. Sophomore Steven O'Block boots it long and straight.
"Our kicking is ahead of last year," Bitto said, "because O'Block is just unbelievable."
CARMEL
Probable starters
OFFENSE
Pos. Name Ht/Wt Yr.
QB Brian Serio 6-0/170 Sr.
FB Jordan Kos 5-10/183 Jr.
HB Michael Panico 5-7/160 Jr.
HB Matt Maher 5-11/195 Jr.
TE Patrick Mulroy 6-2/205 Sr.
T Jack Butler 6-2/187 Sr.
G Logan Lester 6-1/293 Sr.
C Shane Toub 6-2/210 Jr.
G Michael Dyer 6-0/270 Jr.
T Shawn Wolf-Lewis 5-11/249 Sr.
WR Ryan Cappis 5-8/143 Sr.
DEFENSE
Pos. Name Ht/Wt Yr.
DE Mike Cohen 6-3/212 Sr.
DT Jake Larson 6-2/191 Sr.
NT Sam Duprey 5-9/205 Jr.
OLB Paul Madison 6-0/184 Sr.
ILB Luke Venegoni 6-2/210 Sr.
ILB Chris Georgen 5-8/179 Sr.
OLB LaRon Biere 5-10/176 Sr.
CB Ricky Acosta 5-11/160 Sr.
S Brian Brennan 5-6/146 Jr.
S Sean Brennan 5-4/130 So.
CB Michael Fitzgibbons 6-4/170 Sr.