Elk Grove hopes change for the better continues

Change worked out well for Elk Grove last year with a trip to the second round of the Class 7A state football playoffs.

Now the Grenadiers hope continuity works out even better this year.

"This is the first year for us seniors in a long time, since our pee-wee years, we've had the same coach two years in a row," said receiver-safety Eddie Stahl. "We're adding on to what we already know."

Especially since last year was a learning process under new coach Brian Doll. Now there shouldn't be many learning curves to worry about for 16 returning starters.

And the new scoreboard in the south end zone should get plenty of use with senior Nick Meyer (1,807 yards passing, 15 TDs, 2 INTs; 962 yards rushing, 16 TDs) back for his third year as the starting quarterback.

"I see us putting a lot of points up quickly," Doll said. "We have one of the most exciting kids around every time he touches the ball."

Meyer has plenty of weapons in Stahl (9 catches, 147 yards), Joe Bishoff (24 for 350, 2 TDs), Eddie Solorio (21 for 364, 2 TDs) and Fernando Lazano at receiver. Mike Wary (509 total yards, 7 TDs) will bounce between halfback and receiver and Brandon Brewer, the lead blocking back for Meyer late last year, will get some short-yardage carries.

"We have a very expansive quick game to get the ball to the outside," Doll said. "People have to defend the whole field against us.

"Mike is a different running back this year. He looks stronger and we're hoping he can run between the tackles better this year."

Especially since one of the tackles is 6-foot-5, 295-pound Peter Ioakimidis, who returns on the right side with guard Justin Cruz. Martin Kazecki will be a key player on both sides of the line.

Bishoff, who is getting Division I interest, returns at outside linebacker and has the speed needed in Doll's aggressive pressure scheme that allowed 243.6 yards a game, which was third-best in the MSL. Greg Jamieson returns inside and when he was banged up late last year, senior Jon Eliades got big-game experience.

Meyer, Stahl, Solorio, Kyle Pass and Jimmy Sanders all have experience in the secondary.

"It's no secret we'll bring pressure every play," Doll said. "We try to go after people and that's our mentality. We're not the biggest defense but we want to be the fastest."

Kicker-punter Matt Brandt also figures to be a valuable asset for the Grenadiers.

"Hopefully (the kicking game) will win a game or two for us," Doll said.

Grenadiers at a glance

Coach: Brian Doll (7-4, second year)

Last year: 7-4, 3-2 (T2nd East, 7A second round)

Probable starters

OFFENSE

Pos. Name Ht/Wt Yr.

QB Nick Meyer 6-1/190 Sr.

RB Mike Wary 5-10/175 Sr.

LT Martin Kazecki 6-1/235 Sr.

LG Greg Johnsen 5-10/200 Jr.

C Sean Majer 5-11/205 Sr.

RG Justin Cruz 5-9/200 Sr.

RT Peter Ioakimidis 6-5/295 Sr.

WR Eddie Stahl 6-0/175 Sr.

WR Joey Bishoff 6-2/190 Sr.

WR Eddie Solorio 6-1/165 Sr.

WR Fernando Lozano 5-10/155 Jr.

DEFENSE

Pos. Name Ht/Wt Yr.

DT Martin Kazecki 6-1/235 Sr.

NT Tom Jen 5-9/200 Sr.

or Darren Little 5-10/190 Jr.

DT Nelson Jefferson 6-0/265 Sr.

OLB Joey Bishoff 6-2/190 Sr.

ILB Greg Jamieson 6-1/205 Sr.

ILB Jon Eliades 6-0/200 Sr.

OLB Dejan Basara 6-0/190 Jr.

CB Eddie Stahl 6-0/175 Sr.

CB Jimmy Sanders 6-1/180 Sr.

or Eddie Solorio 6-1/165 Sr.

SS Kyle Pass 6-1/180 Sr.

FS Nick Meyer 6-1/190 Sr.