Defense, new coach have Huntley's hopes up
This is the year the words "football program" take on deeper meaning at Huntley High School.
New coach Matt Gehrig has a shortlist of senior starters returning from last year's 5-5 playoff team, but a talented junior class and a few promising sophomores could plug enough holes to make Huntley a contender in the Valley Division of the Fox Valley Conference.
Don't be surprised if this team's defense becomes its calling card. Gehrig, who calls the offense, values defense as the top priority. He's optimistic the athletes in place can jell into a force.
"I really think our defense has a chance to be very good," said Gehrig, whose teams went 9-9 in two seasons at Larkin. "If you're looking for something to watch for with us, that's it."
The defensive line features two seniors: Matt Zeis (6-0, 215) and Brandon Gaston (6-3, 250). Zeis made 7 tackles last season. Gaston mainly played tight end as a junior. A two-way lineman this year, Gaston will be the only player going both ways.
Sophomore Brandon Mabry (5-11, 210), a track athlete and wrestler, takes over at nose guard. He may also see time at tailback.
Promising sophomore Justin Gedaly (6-2, 200) already has a linebacker's build "and he's just a puppy," Gehrig said. He'll man an inside linebacker spot alongside senior Joe Virzi (5-11, 200), who was a part-time starter last year and made 20.5 tackles, 3 for losses.
Gehrig said senior Dylan Neukirch (6-3, 210) has the makings of an impact outside linebacker. Junior linebacker Ryan Kearns (5-11, 170) will cover the weak side.
Senior Josh Moore (5-8, 165) returns. The safety made 21.5 tackles and broke up 2 passes last year. Backup quarterback Jake Brock (6-1, 160), a junior, will play the other safety. Senior Andrue Wright (6-0, 185) and junior Devan Kennedy (5-9, 175) are the cornerbacks.
The offense returns senior quarterback Tim Lycos (5-8, 160), who often used his legs as weapons in the spread offense last year. He was the Red Raiders' second-leading rusher with 544 yards and 4 touchdowns on 133 carries (4.1 avg.). Lycos completed 37-of-88 passes for 590 yards and 4 touchdowns and was intercepted 7 times.
"It's going to be run first, definitely," Gehrig said of the Huntley offensive philosophy. "We've got a pretty athletic quarterback who has shown some leadership. We're going to let Tim lead the offense."
The offensive line is bookended by tackles Gaston and senior Addison Erb (6-4, 295), who started half the games last year. Junior guard Michael Silvestri (6-0, 215) is a returning starter, and senior Anthony Andolino (6-3, 210) moves from tackle to guard. Senior center Seth Boster (6-0, 220) returns after sitting out last year due to injury.
Senior running backs Christian Cervantes (5-6, 165) and Chris Cunningham (5-9, 180) both have ability and will each see carries, Gehrig said. Mabry and senior Nick Bralich (5-10, 200) will see time in the backfield.
The new coach said the competition at wide receiver has been strong. Senior Nick Kostalek (6-0, 175) caught 6 passes for 81 yards and a touchdown last year. Gehrig said senior Tim Ure (5-10, 160) is a hard worker and junior James Davis (5-11, 170) has great speed. Davis qualified for the state track meet last year after running the 100-meter dash in 11.25 seconds.
The Red Raiders have potential, but much of their talent is unproven at key positions. How quickly several new players coalesce into a unit will be a determining factor in Huntley's level of success.
"I think that everybody, all of us, have a lot to prove at Huntley," Gehrig said. "It's going to take a lot of hard work and determination. If we can continue to work as hard as we can and have the right attitude, I think this group does have the potential to succeed."