Scouting the Montini Broncos

Those who hoped Montini would go away after winning the Class 5A championship will be disappointed.

"We're definitely a factor," said the Broncos' Hall of Fame coach, Chris Andriano, seeking an 18th straight playoff appearance.

"We had a really good summer and we've got good leadership. Everything's pointed in the right direction."

Key players return from the squad that beat Joliet Catholic 29-28 in one of Illinois football's top thrillers.

Receiver Jordan Westerkamp, offered by Illinois and still a junior, caught 51 passes for 1,156 yards and 16 touchdowns, including 1 in the title game. Junior Anthony Taylor is another sub-4.5 sprinter; he returns 40 receptions for 445 yards and 8 touchdowns.

Center Mac Robinson and tackle Pat Suffield join them as returning offensive starters.

Defensive experience abounds. The Broncos' 4-3 set returns three-year starting tackle Ross Ferraro, defensive ends Zech "Bubba" Tredenick (10 sacks) and Frank Montalto, cornerback Frank Baer, another three-year starter in middle linebacker Alex Walters, and outside linebacker Doug Diedrick, whose 135 tackles led the 2009 squad.

Then there are offensive linemen Zach Taylor and Fred Beaugard, experienced defensive backs Tom Desmond, Tom Lentine and J.R. Campise, receivers Dan Smego and Anthony Damato and big-footed kicker Matt Kersten, who is juggling preferred walk-on offers from Division I programs.

The offensive line isn't yet as polished as Andriano would like, and smart quarterback Matt Westerkamp, Jordan's cousin, has better wheels but not the arm Brandon Pechloff took to Western Carolina, a consideration in a spread offense.

But hear this: Montini remains in the hunt.

"We're a factor in the conference, we're planning on being a playoff team," Andriano said. "We think we can make a run for it again. Our goal is to be in that state championship game. I think we can do that."

The breakdown

Coach: Chris Andriano (32nd, 220-113).

2009 record: 10-4, 1-3, second in the Suburban Christian Conference Blue.

Top players: Frank Baer (DB, 5-9, 160, sr.), Doug Diedrick (LB, 5-10, 215, sr.), Ross Ferraro (DL, 5-10, 225, sr.), Matt Kersten (K, 5-10, 160, sr.), Frank Montalto (DL, 6-0, 215, sr.), Mac Robinson (OL, 5-9, 240, sr.), Pat Suffield (OL, 6-3, 245, sr.), Anthony Taylor (WR, 6-0, 175, jr.), Zech Tredenick (DL, 6-0, 215, sr.), Alex Walters (LB, 6-0, 205, sr.), Jordan Westerkamp (WR, 6-1, 185, jr.), Matt Westerkamp (QB, 6-2, 190, sr.).