Scouting the Immaculate Conception Knights
Smoother sailing should be in order this season at Immaculate Conception.
The Knights adjusted to a new coach in 2009 - not a huge change since Mike Alberts was former coach Bill Schmidt's top assistant - and an influx of 20-plus Driscoll players after that school's closing.
"By and large the kids did a good job working it out," Alberts said.
Next they'll target a couple early victories and reaching the playoffs. Alluding to IC's two state titles and a quarterfinal appearance in three postseason trips since 2002, Alberts said, "Usually if we can get in we have pretty good luck."
Quarterback Will Cronin's graduation hands the job to one of IC's fastest, Cody Kotlow. He'll sprint out of the veer option but also throw to senior Andrew Palash, sophomore Tim Hipskind, tight end Pat Burke and Kyle Siranovic, who had a team-high 349 yards receiving and 7 touchdown grabs.
Mainly when IC rolls it's been on the ground. That should still be the case. Returning back Conor Hendricks ran for a team-high 583 yards with 7 touchdowns and will be joined by letterman Matt Mesnard, who added 204 yards rushing.
Two-way, 280-pound lineman Robert Rivera, who camped at Cincinnati and elsewhere, heads what could be another strength. He and center James Peachey will mentor newcomers Coleon Leverson and sophomore Christian Lopez, a whopping 6-foot-3, 330 pounds.
One of IC's top athletes, Jose Godinez, leads a swift linebacker corps including hitter Kasey Lathrope. Other principals include defensive lineman Bryan Palermo and cornerback Palash, who will support the 3-5 scheme well.
Overall consistency is the key.
"I like our skill positions, we've got good talent there," Alberts said. "Some of it may be inexperienced, but when some of these kids get some games under their belt we could be pretty good."
The breakdown
Coach: Mike Alberts (second year, 4-5).
2009 record: 4-5, 2-3, tied for fourth in the Suburban Christian Conference Gold.
Top players: Pat Burke (TE-LB, 6-6, 205, sr.), Jose Godinez (RB-LB, 5-11, 205, sr.), Conor Hendricks (RB, 5-10, 170, sr.), Cody Kotlow (QB, 5-10, 180, sr.), Kasey Lathrope (LB, 6-1, 215, sr.), Coleon Leverson (OL-DL, 6-3, 205, jr.), Matt Mesnard (RB-5-7, 190, jr.), Andrew Palash, WR-DB, 5-8, 140, sr.), Bryan Palermo (DL, 6-0, 195, sr.), James Peachey (OL, 6-1, 215, jr.), Robert Rivera (OL-DL, 6-1, 280, sr.), Kyle Siranovic (WR, 5-10, 145, sr.).