Senior-laden Burlington Central looks to return to playoffs
Burlington Central's football roster can no longer be termed junior-heavy.
Unlike last season when the Rockets played juniors at several key positions and finished 3-6, this year's lineup is saturated with experienced seniors, including three-returning all-Big Northern selections: running back Tre Llanes (5-11, 185), center Dominick LoPiccolo (6-0, 220) and safety Michael Kellenberger (6-0, 180).
"We definitely have more experience than the past few years, that's for sure," seventh-year coach Aaron Wichman said. "We're confident we're going to put a better product on the field."
Some of the Rockets' most experienced returnees toil on the offensive line. Thomas Juns (5-10, 255) and Brent Sunderlage (5-10, 210) are each three-year starters, and LoPiccolo excelled as a starter last year. Junior Paxton Cesaroni (6-0, 205) has also earned a starting line spot.
Central is equally experienced and talented at running back. The offense will look slightly different with twin backs this season, but the names will be familiar to fans and opponents alike: seniors Tim Maroder (5-9, 185) and Llanes.
Maroder is a four-year varsity player who started at quarterback the past two years due to team needs. He gained an all-BNC special mention nod last year after rushing 100 times for 524 yards and a team-best 6 touchdowns.
Llanes is a returning all-Big Northern and All-Area selection. He led the team in rushing with 716 yards on 141 carries and scored 5 touchdowns.
"Both of those guys are accomplished running backs," Wichman said. "Both are a threat to score virtually every time they touch the ball, so we think both of them can give us some good things this year. We just think Tim will be more effective as what's more natural for him, which is as a running back."
Playing quarterback will be sophomore Ryan Ritchie (5-10, 170), in whom Wichman said he has a lot of confidence. Ritchie's top targets will be Kellenberger (10 rec., 101 yards, 1 TD) and Llanes and Maroder coming out of the backfield. The Rockets also have a couple of speedy young receivers on the roster who could make an impact and will usually have two receivers on the field at all times.
The defense returns several experienced players as well, some of whom will play both ways. Kellenberger plays cornerback and Llanes returns at linebacker.
Much of the defensive line rotation returns. Seniors Jeremy Dexter (6-1, 175) and Brian Peltonen (5-11, 200) started the majority of games last season at defensive end spots while Bryan Case (6-3, 355) and Mark Taylor (5-10, 175) each started half the year at tackle.
Louis Gallo (5-11, 185) was a part-time starter at linebacker last year. Joey Lange (5-8, 180) started toward the end of the season at safety.
Newcomers to the defense include Al Willet (5-10, 175) at safety and Chandler Crary (5-11, 190) at linebacker.
The Rockets should be an improved team, which will be necessary to face the difficult schedule ahead. Opponents in the first five weeks include a playoff qualifier in Kaneland, Class 5A quarterfinalist Sycamore, Class 3A state champion Stillman Valley and Class 4A semifinalist Richmond-Burton.
"The schedule is as tough as it's always been," Wichman said. "Our kids are aware of our schedule. They know the challenges out there. We've really focused not on the opponent but on ourselves, working on what we can work on and what we can control."