Full commitment at Maine West
Following the slogan "All In" requires going all out for the Maine West football program.
So far that's what fourth-year head coach Chris Hare has seen with the Warriors.
"One thing I'm excited about is they're good kids and they work hard," Hare said. "It's been by far the best two-a-days since I've been here.
"They have that determination to be 'All In.' They really are showing that."
Especially with the seniors looking to get the program turned around after 5 victories the last three years. Ending last year with a win over Niles North and a 13-7 loss to Central Suburban North champion Highland Park gave the Warriors an idea of what was possible.
"They could have easily folded after the loss to Maine East," Hare said. "It shows the type of character of this team. It was a springboard."
Senior Calvin Williams has also showed signs the last two years of being a dangerous running threat. Now he's looking to put together a big finish.
"He's hungry this year," Hare said. "He's really shown some passion and desire to finish runs and the desire to run between the tackles when he knows he has to.
"It was a little wakeup call for him last year. In the offseason his work ethic was tremendous."
Athletic senior Ziggy Krycka takes over at quarterback two-time all-CSL pick Mike Cardamone is part of an athletic receiving corps. Twins Jake and Joe Kellernals anchor the left side of the line.
Cardamone and his brother Danny and Mike Farias will drive the defense at linebacker.
"They're the focus of our defense," Hare said. "Our goal is to let them lead the defense, funnel everything to them and let them make plays."
Krycka will be a key part of the secondary at safety, Williams will see time at defensive end and Rogelio Rodriguez will go both ways up front.
"They're ballhawks and we'll be aggressive," Hare said. "The overall athleticism and speed as a team is better."
And it's all part of what seems to be a different feeling at Maine West.
"There's an excitement in the air," Hare said. "This year the whole team is hungry."
Warriors at a glance
Coach: Chris Hare (5-22, fourth year)
Last year: 2-7, 1-4 (T5th CSL North)
Probable starters
OFFENSE
Pos. Name Ht/Wt Yr.
QB Ziggy Krycka Sr.
TB Calvin Williams Sr.
LT Jake Kellernals Sr.
LG Joe Kellernals Sr.
C Kevin Murphy Sr.
RG Ryan Boswell Sr.
RT Rogelio Rodriguez Sr.
WR Mike Cardamone Sr.
WR Jez Bulran Sr.
WR Sebastian Slazyk Sr.
WR Ryan Stermer Sr.
DEFENSE
Pos. Name Ht/Wt Yr.
DE Ethan Slapecki Sr.
DT Rogelio Rodriguez Jr.
DT Jeremiah Campbell
DE Calvin Williams Sr.
OLB Danny Cardamone Jr.
MLB Mike Farias Sr.
WLB Mike Cardamone Sr.
CB Dan O'Hara So.
CB Raul Eneonye
S Ziggy Krycka Sr.
S Tim Campbell Sr.