Lake Park Lancers
Pardon the cliché, but Lake Park has rolled with the changes.
Chris Roll, succeeding his former mentor and retired Lake Park head coach Andy Livingston, has taken the reigns at his alma mater (Class of '91) with an eye toward, as he compared it, "building a new business."
Not a bad tact for a former playoff perennial that has made the postseason twice in the last seven seasons.
Of the 17 coaches on staff, all are either new or have different roles, such as new defensive coordinator J.P. Moore. After an overnight team stay at Elmhurst College in July, things started to mesh.
"It's been great," Roll said. "The energy is extremely high because everything is new. The people are new and different points of view are involved."
A one-time Indiana University defensive back who was groomed as Lancers quarterbacks coach and then offensive coordinator, Roll's initial focus is discipline and toughness. He has been rewarded with strong senior leadership and overall team speed.
Lake Park returns last season's top two ball carriers, Ronnie Castaldo and LaCurt Evans, as well as quarterback Zach Gehant to head a multiple-look offense.
As a sophomore starter Gehant completed 37 percent of his passes. Under Roll's direction he's made strides.
"I think he's matured a lot," Roll said. "He's more emotionally prepared for what's coming."
For a team that in 2010 was outscored 188-71 in the first half, a fast start defensively is necessary. All-conference linebacker Matt Mysliwiec offers the physical presence Roll seeks as he focuses on the process of retooling the Lancers program.
"I'm just looking to cause chaos," he said. "I just want our kids to take everybody to the end and see who's the toughest. Because we're not going to be the fastest or the biggest but in three years we may be."
Dave Oberhelman
The breakdown
Coach: Chris Roll (first year).
2010 record: 2-7, 2-4, fifth in the Upstate Eight Conference Valley Division.
Top players: Chris Burns (OL, 6-4, 186, sr.), Ronnie Castaldo (RB-LB, 6-0, 200, jr.), Esteban Diaz (LB, 5-11, 214, sr.), LaCurt Evans (RB, 5-10, 171, sr.), Zach Gehant (QB, 6-1, 170, jr.), Matt Mysliwiec (LB, 6-0, 215, sr.), Matt Shannon (OL, 6-1, 200, sr.), Cole Sheeks (DL 5-9, 242, sr.), James Sowa (WR-DB, 6-1, 160, sr.).
Schedule
Fri, Aug 26 @Conant 7:30 p.m.
Fri, Sep 2 Glenbard East 7:30 p.m.
Fri, Sep 9 South Elgin 7:30 p.m.
Fri, Sep 16 @ Waubonsie Valley 7:30 p.m.
Fri, Sep 23 Bartlett 7:30 p.m.
Fri, Sep 30 @ East Aurora 7:30 p.m.
Fri, Oct 7 St. Charles East 7:30 p.m.
Fri, Oct 14 @ Metea Valley 7:30 p.m.
Fri, Oct 21 Neuqua Valley 7:30 p.m.