Renewed optimism at Jacobs as Mitz era begins
No need to coin a catchphrase for the 2010 Jacobs football team. New coach Bill Mitz has already taken care of it.
"With this group, everyone can say 'expect the unexpected'" Mitz said. "It'll be very interesting. We're very excited to get going with these kids.
Mitz, 55, is a hall-of-fame coach who retired as a teacher at Stevenson this year after leading the Patriots to 22 playoff appearances in 28 seasons, including a string of 21 straight appearances through 2009. He and former Stevenson assistants Andy Farrissey (offensive coordinator), Mike Warren (defensive coordinator) and Ryan Arndt (wide receivers) bring new energy to a program that has made five playoff appearances since 1978.
The new staff has a nice place to start with returning all-Fox Valley Conference quarterback Jason Judson (6-1, 180). The grandson of Paul and the great nephew of Phil Judson of the legendary 1952 Hebron basketball state championship team, the junior will again direct the attack for the Golden Eagles, who were limited to an average of just under 200 total yards per game last year.
Judson completed 29-of-75 passes for nearly 400 yards and 3 touchdowns for a team that ran the ball the majority of the time. He was intercepted three times.
The quarterback will be protected this season by an improving offensive line, a unit Mitz said "is in great shape" and will be equally effective pulling, trapping or pass blocking.
The front includes junior Maciej Kozlowski (6-5, 270) and sophomore Adam Kolon (6-4, 210) as tackles, senior center Chris Lopez (6-0, 210) and senior guards John McMahon (6-3, 255) and Paul Ehrlich (6-4, 205). Ehrlich was an all-FVC tight end last season. Junior Henry Gigeous (6-3, 195) will start at tight end this year.
Junior Caz Zyks (5-10, 165) returns at running back. The two-way player was also an all-FVC pick last year in the secondary. Junior Kyle Wright (6-0, 185) will open holes as the fullback. Judson will throw to senior wide receivers Jamar Roberson (6-3, 185), Emond Crosby (5-8, 160) and Adam Bogdan (6-1, 170).
"If we're going to be a great team and do very well, which I hope happens, our goal this year would be to rush for 2,500 yards and throw for 1,700," Mitz said. "We want to get after it and score a lot of points. If we're able to bang it in there, we're going to bang it in there."
Defensively, Mitz said the linebackers will set the tone. Senior Grant Rizza (5-11, 210) and junior Tyler Heiss (5-11, 185) will be joined by Kolon, a sophomore playing both ways. Kolon should develop into one of the league's top defenders because he's fast and loves to hit, according to the coaching staff.
Mitz can't wait for the season to get under way Saturday afternoon at Joliet West.
"Since June 8 this group has worked extremely hard," he said. "Some people were saying these kids don't work hard, but I find they work extremely hard. I don't know if it's because we're pushing them or what, but they have just been fantastic.
"They have done everything we've asked of them, and they retained a lot of what we did in the summer. The kids have been very upbeat, and the administration has done everything in the world for us to get this thing started off right.
"Now we just have to do our part and win some football games."