Think fast, or you won't catch Conant
Handling the speed of the game is a frequent concern with varsity football newcomers.
But Conant's large cast of underclassmen may be able to catch up quicker than most kids.
"Our speed is so different," said Conant coach Bill Modelski. "This is the most skill talent I've had (as head coach). I don't remember being able to run like this.
"The skill level is kind of exciting."
That starts at quarterback with junior Matt Cullen, a good athlete with a good arm and the fearlessness Modelski said reminds him of Brett Favre.
Junior Kordell Clark, who played part-time behind all-area running back Kyle Klosowicz (1,479 yards, 16 TDs), will be in a three-man rotation with junior Kevin Otubu and sophomore Jacoby Sims.
"All of them are different and they're very nice little backs," Modelski said. "All three of them are talented kids."
Senior right tackle Kenny Kalish returns for his third varsity season to anchor the line.
And the receiving crew has a couple of veterans in Brian Wadsworth and London Dokubo (9 catches, 92 yards).
The speed also carries over to the defensive side but with different personnel as Conant has gone to a two-platoon. Modelski said lineman Colin Otubu, the twin brother of Kevin, is one of the fastest players on the team.
End Adam Starks and nose tackle Trace Ancona figure to disrupt opposing offenses.
Junior middle linebacker John Maevski returns and brings speed to the heart of the defense. He'll also punt and kick.
And strong safety John Altobelli will anchor a secondary as the only senior starter.
"They all run very, very well," Modelski said. "They're going to make a mistake here and there but they're athletes.
"And being able to two-platoon with this year's group has been very beneficial."
Because it should help all the varsity newcomers get up to speed even quicker.
Cougars at a glance
Coach: Bill Modelski (17-29, sixth year)
Last year: 2-7, 1-4 (5th West)
Probable starters
OFFENSE
Pos. Name Ht/Wt Yr.
QB Matt Cullen 6-0/171 Jr.
TB Kordell Clark 5-9/165 Jr.
LT Paul Perschon 6-5/280 Jr.
LG Kevin Modelski 5-9/212 Jr.
or Pat Smith 6-0/212 Sr.
C Alex Pope 5-11/208 So.
RG James Stump 5-10/187 Sr.
RT Kenny Kalish 6-4/320 Sr.
TE Nick Blaha 6-3/189 Jr.
WR Brian Wadsworth 6-3/180 Sr.
WR London Dokubo 5-7/148 Sr.
WR Mark Zielinski 5-11/166 Sr.
DEFENSE
Pos. Name Ht/Wt Yr.
DE Adam Starks 6-2/227 Jr.
DT Kevin Robinson 5-11/207 Sr.
NT Trace Ancona 5-11/190 Sr.
DE Laderrian Watson 6-0/183 Jr.
SLB Joe Faso 5-11/168 So.
MLB John Maevski 6-0/172 Jr.
WLB Brian Kapolnek 6-0/193 Sr.
or Josh Bojes 6-1/191 Jr.
CB Tim Manczko 6-1/178 So.
CB Kramer Brandt 5-8/150 So.
SS John Altobelli 5-10/161 Sr.
FS Connor Abbott 5-11/155 Jr.