St. Francis Spartans
When St. Francis quarterback Nick Donati stepped behind center for good at halftime of the fourth game last season, the Spartans' offensive balance took a turn for the better.
Improving that balance in the Wing-T offense, which in 2010 gained 2,168 yards on the ground to 507 in the air, is one of several keys to another successful season in Wheaton.
"I think if we can continue to improve on both sides of the ball in critical positions it will really help us," said coach Greg Purnell, who led the Spartans to the 2008 Class 5A title. "We have to improve our kicking game on both punting and kicking. ... We hope to be able to throw the ball better than we have in the past to help balance out our offense."
The coach said Donati gained confidence and continues to progress after St. Francis won four of five games, then gave reigning 5A champ Montini all it could handle in a first-round playoff loss.
The options surrounding Donati are multifold and include: Dan Beck, Hunter Bolin, James Ferguson, Danny Payne, hard-hitting Jeff Rutkowski and Jack Petrando, whose 137 yards rushing in 2010 leads all returners.
Paving the way are two huge junior tackles, 290-pound Kyle Bosch and 270-pound Robert Dwyer. A 2010 mainstay as a sophomore, Bosch is among the area's top recruits with offers from Stanford, Arizona, West Virginia and five Big Ten teams thus far.
A potentially dominant nose tackle as well, Bosch may take more frequent turns on defense, joining such returners as Rutkowski, Beck and Petrando, whose 55 tackles as a sophomore led St. Francis. Defensive end Steve Flaherty, linebacker Nate Barrata and defensive back Trevor Pirics impressed Purnell with the senior fire they showed this summer.
Purnell believes this team plays a bit more physical than in the past. That's saying something given the commitment he's demanded and received since arriving from Iowa with a hall of fame resume.
"We're really pleased with the way our seniors have picked it up a notch," Purnell said.
Dave Oberhelman
The breakdown
Coach: Greg Purnell (fifth year, 29-14; 27th overall).
2010 record: 6-4, 2-3, fourth in the Suburban Christian Conference Blue Division.
Top players: Dan Beck (RB-DB, 6-0, 170, jr.), Hunter Bolin (RB-DB, 5-9/160, jr.), Kyle Bosch (OL-DL, 6-5, 290, jr.), Nick Donati (QB, 6-1, 175, sr.), Robert Dwyer (OL, 6-3, 270, jr.), James Ferguson (WR-DB, 6-1, 170, sr.), Steve Flaherty (DL, 6-1, 205, sr.), Jack Petrando (RB-LB, 6-0, 210, jr.), Jeff Rutkowski (RB-LB, 5-10, 190, sr.).
Schedule
Fri, Aug 26 Riverside-Brookfield 7 p.m.
Fri, Sep 2 @ Vernon Hills 7:30 p.m.
Fri, Sep 9 @ Marian Central 7 p.m.
Fri, Sep 16 Wheaton Academy 7 p.m.
Fri, Sep 23 Guerin Prep 7 p.m.
Fri, Sep 30 @ Montini 7:30 p.m.
Fri, Oct 7 Marmion 7 p.m.
Sat, Oct 15 @ Immaculate Con. 1 p.m.
Fri, Oct 21 St. Edward 7 p.m.
Home games at College of DuPage