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Time is now for change at Hersey

Hersey football practices haven't been a drag under first-year coach Dragan Teonic.

In fact, they're usually right around two hours. But there isn't much idle time in the process of rebuilding a program that has won twice in the last three seasons.

"They've really committed to practicing at a very high level," Teonic said. "They're very fast-paced and fast tempo. The kids are quick, alert and bright and I really like where we're at right now."

Teonic is continuing the things from conditioning to preparing that led to a successful tenure at Harper College. That included producing talented quarterbacks and he believes he has one in junior Brad Zaucha.

"He's competitive and very intelligent and has a lot of moxie and poise," Teonic said. "Some kids have it and he has it. He's going to be a special one."

Senior Chris Polinski returns to lead the running game. Seniors Billy Borst and Joey McGrane and juniors Justin Jobski, Joey Mailloux and Pat Nix have looked good at receiver.

Seniors Tom Sutrinaitis and Sean Thompson are back to anchor the left side of the line.

"We should be able to move the football," Teonic said.

Stopping teams from doing the same was something Hersey did frequently for long periods last year. Ends Peter Alsip and Dylan Santora and nose guard Fred Scales are back in the 3-5-3.

Jason Olson moves from defensive end to middle linebacker. Junior Erik Stotlzner should also have an impact at inside linebacker and senior Taylor Beaulieu is back at free safety.

"So much with the offense depends on how good the defense is and vice versa," Teonic said.

And making sure players on both sides are united instead of divided is what Hersey needs to stick together and quickly get better.

"The team right now is a tight-knit group," Teonic said. "We don't have an offense vs. defense mentality and we don't have selfishness.

"This group is hungry and there's a hunger here at this school and in the community to succeed."

Huskies at a glance

Coach: Dragan Teonic (first year)

Last year: 1-8, 1-4 (5th East)

Probable starters

OFFENSE

Pos. Name Ht/Wt Yr.

QB Brad Zaucha 5-10/150 Jr.

TB Chris Polinski 5-11/190 Sr.

LT Tom Sutrinaitis 6-5/235 Sr.

LG Sean Thompson 6-0/210 Sr.

C Tyler Kamp 6-0/200 Sr.

RG Zavier Henry 6-0/230 Jr.

RT Jackson Smith 6-1/215 Jr.

WR Billy Borst 6-1/170 Sr.

WR Justin Jobski 6-1/185 Jr.

WR Joe Mailloux 6-2/170 Jr.

WR Joe McGrane 5-8/165 Sr.

DEFENSE

Pos. Name Ht/Wt Yr.

DE Peter Alsip 6-2/190 Sr.

NG Fred Scales 5-9/190 Sr.

DE Dylan Santora 5-10/175 Sr.

OLB Erik Stoltzner 5-11/190 Jr.

MLB Jason Olson 6-0/195 Sr.

OLB Colin Leahy 5-11/170 Sr.

Dog Joe Perkins 5-11/165 Jr.

Dog Joe Rodgers 5-9/160 Jr.

or Hunter Rollins 5-11/160 So.

CB Jake Mueller 6-0/155 Jr.

CB Frankie Kalble 5-10/145 Jr.

FS Taylor Beaulieu 5-9/160 Sr.

Hersey's defensive lineman Fred Scales. Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer
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