Excuses? Hoffman Estates expects results
One of the books the Hoffman Estates football team read this summer was "No Excuses." It's about Kyle Maynard overcoming the congenital amputation of both of his arms and legs to become a standout high school wrestler in Georgia.
So, "No Excuses" became a natural slogan for a program coming off its fourth winless season since 2002 and looking to end a 16-game losing streak.
"I told them our numbers are a little low, we're undersized and we had a bad record last year," said Hoffman coach Bill Helzer. "We could all make excuses but the attitude's different.
"When you go 0-9 that's quite the motivator. They worked hard in the off-season to put themselves in position so it doesn't happen again."
Having players back in key positions and running the triple option offense throughout the program should help. Senior quarterback David Gutierrez missed the first four games with a broken foot suffered just before the opener but rushed for 539 yards and senior Michael Reeves rushed for 383 yards and 3 TDs after moving to tailback in Week 3.
Mike DeNight and Dalton Garrett should also be threats on the wings and 6-foot-5 Eric Saubert is a big receiving target. Helzer likes the size and athleticism of a line where Alex Kim (6-1, 200) and Boris Tomas (6-2, 275) return on the right side.
"Last year we were very one-dimensional but it was the first time running the offense," Helzer said. "I really like where we're at with that."
The same is true with having four seniors back in the secondary in Garrett and Chris Huerta at the safeties and Mike Currie and Jason Sumling at the corners.
Krunal Patel and Shawn Lascelles are returning linebacker starters and Paul Albani and Doni Ballazhi started every game last year at end.
"We're back to what we did before and that's trying to bring pressure," Helzer said. "It all starts with the secondary and we feel good with four seniors because that allows us to be a little more aggressive and take more chances."
And Division I kicker-punter prospect Niko Crambes was injured most of last year but could have an impact offensively and defensively.
"Niko is an X-factor to have a kicker like that," Helzer said.
Which Hoffman hopes factors into more "Ws" this year.
Hawks at a glance
Coach: Bill Helzer (6-30, fifth year)
Last year: 0-9, 0-5 (6th West)
Probable starters
OFFENSE
Pos. Name Ht/Wt Yr.
QB David Gutierrez 5-10/150 Sr.
TB Michael Reeves 5-8/195 Sr.
WB Mike DeNight 6-1/180 Sr.
WB Dalton Garrett 5-10/160 Sr.
LT Aamir Khan 6-3/255 Jr.
LG Kyle Hendle 6-0/255 Jr.
C Matt Pasik 5-10/260 Sr.
RG Boris Tomas 6-2/275 Sr.
RT Alex Kim 6-1/200 Sr.
TE Eric Saubert 6-4/200 Jr.
WR Jason Sumling 5-8/150 Sr.
DEFENSE
Pos. Name Ht/Wt Yr.
DE Paul Albani 5-10/200 Sr.
NT Mike Spiff 5-11/270 Sr.
DE Doni Ballazhi 6-1/235 Jr.
OLB Krunal Patel 5-10/170 Sr.
ILB Shawn Lascelles 6-1/170 Sr.
ILB Christian Gunderson 5-7/165 Sr.
OLB Alex Garcia 6-0/185 Jr.
CB Mike Currie 5-10/155 Sr.
CB Jason Sumling 5-8/150 Sr.
S Chris Huerta 5-9/160 Sr.
S Dalton Garrett 5-10/160 Sr.