Scouting the Fenton Bison
Fenton's football team has the talent to win the Metro Suburban Conference title.
With only 32 players, however, the Bison will find out if they have the depth.
Fourteen players return with significant varsity experience, but many of them will be playing on both sides of the ball. That grind mostly affects the lines, although first-year coach Mark Kos plans to keep the offensive line intact while rotating the personnel through the defensive line.
Among the key players up front are Freddie Joyner, Eddie Havlovic and Charles Fleishacker. Others figure into the mix as the Bison try to keep everyone fresh.
"It's a very physical and athletic offensive line," Kos said. "They can get after you a little bit. They're in pretty good shape, but we've got to stay healthy."
After graduating its main skill players, including quarterback Eric Justiniano and feature back Tyrell McGee, Fenton rebuilds its offense with junior quarterback Joey Butz and a slew of running backs featuring Chris Butz, Eron McCoy, Roman Castellanos and Alan Geneva.
The Bison, though, also hope to reduce their reliance on the run by opening up the offense with a more consistent passing game.
"Teams that play us are conditioned to stop the run, but we've got the players who can create passing opportunities," Kos said. "We need to get Joey some confidence early in the season."
While the defense begins with a rotation of many players anchoring the line, linebackers Colin Byrne, Chris Butz and Matt Szajnowski represent the heart of the unit.
If the defense stays healthy - a priority everywhere on the field - the Bison will find success in its continuing challenge with Riverside-Brookfield for MSC supremecy.
"I think the defense is going to be the strength of the team," Kos said. "It's always a numbers game with us, and we've got to stay healthy. If we do that, I think we'll be able to grow together as a team and win some games."
The breakdown
Coach: Mark Kos (first year).
2009 record: 6-4, 5-1, tied for first in Metro Suburban Conference.
Top players: Freddie Joyner (DL-OL, 6-3, 250, jr.); Charles Fleishacker (OL-DL, 6-0, 210, sr.); Colin Byrne (LB-RB, 6-0, 200, sr.); Chris Butz (LB-RB, 5-8, 167, sr.); Frank DiLauro (WR-S, 6-2, 180, jr.); Matt Szajnowski (LB-TE, 6-0, 195, sr.); Roman Castellanos (RB-LB, 5-10, 180, jr.); Augie Castellanos (WR-DB, 5-9, 150, jr.); Alan Geneva (RB, 5-10, 160, jr.); Eddie Havlovic (OL-DL, 6-2, 210, sr.); Eron McCoy (DB-RB, 5-6, 150, jr.); Adam Kadlec (DB-WR, 6-4, 155, jr.); Joey Butz (QB, 5-10, 175, jr.); Nick Delaney (OL-DL, 6-1, 310, sr.).