Football: DuPage County all-area team

By Kevin Schmit and Dave Oberhelman

kschmit@dailyherald.com

doberhelman@dailyherald.com

Brad Anlauf

Hinsdale Central

If anyone on the Red Devils understood their passing game, it was Anlauf. The 6-foot-3, 178-pound senior used last year’s experience on defense to excel this season as a receiver. The all-West Suburban Silver pick snared 52 catches for 908 yards and 8 touchdowns. “As the year went on he just got better and better,” coach Rich Tarka said.

Kyle Avaloy

Glenbard South

In terms of area linemen, few matched Avaloy’s power. The 6-foot-5, 310-pound senior solidified the Raiders’ left tackle spot for three seasons including two as an all-Metro Suburban Conference pick. Once raw, Avaloy now is committed to Illinois State. “Once he gets into someone, he really finishes them off,” coach Jeremy Cordell said.

Joey Borsellino

Montini

The 5-foot-10, 170-pound junior performed multiple roles all at a high level — running back, receiver, safety, special-teamer and even quarterback out of the “Joecat” formation. The Suburban Christian Blue co-offensive MVP caught 71 passes for 1,009 yards, 10 TDs. “Probably the most versatile player on our whole team,” coach Chris Andriano said.

Zach Borta

Naperville Central

Borta, a 6-foot-1, 225-pound all-state senior defensive lineman, made up for lost time after missing most of his junior year due to injury. The DuPage Valley’s defensive MVP had 56 solo tackles, 8 sacks, 15 hurries, 4 forced fumbles and 4 blocked kicks. “We’ve had some great defensive linemen, but he might be the best,” coach Mike Stine said.

Kyle Bosch

St. Francis

Dominating at left offensive tackle, the 6-foot-5, 290-pound junior came on defensively, too. He was a Coaches Association 5A All-State pick and the Suburban Christian Blue co-lineman of the year. Brings size, strength and intensity uncommon for his age. As of now Bosch has 11 Division I scholarship offers. “Need I say more?” coach Greg Purnell asked.

Franklin Bruscianelli

Montini

The 6-foot, 220-pound senior started at linebacker on Montini’s three state-championship teams. A Coaches Association All-State pick and co-defensive player of the year in the Suburban Christian Blue, Bruscianelli set the Broncos’ single-season tackles record with 195. “He really was the leader of our defense this year,” coach Chris Andriano said.

David Byerley

York

With Byerley’s abilities in mind, York changed its offense this season to a pass-friendly spread. The 6-foot-3, 200-pound senior all-West Suburban Silver receiver started the season with 280 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns against Rolling Meadows and finished with 40 catches for 974 yards and 12 scores. “He worked his tail off,” coach Bill Lech said.

Demetrius Carr

Immaculate Conception

Any time the junior quarterback had the ball he was a threat to score. The 6-foot-2, 190-pounder ran for 721 yards and threw for 1,201, accounting for 19 touchdowns. A Coaches Association honorable-mention Class 3A pick, Carr was the Suburban Christian Gold offensive player of the year. “He just took the ball and ran with it,” coach Chris VanDyke said.

Johnny Caspers

Glenbard West

During his three-year varsity career, Caspers’ popularity at the next level continued to rise. The 6-foot-4, 285-pound senior ultimately committed to Stanford. The all-stater mostly played tackle, but explosiveness allowed him to shift around. At Stanford he’s projected as a center. “One of the best leaders we’ve ever had,” coach Chad Hetlet said.

Anthony Catanese

Addison Trail

The two-time offensive MVP in the West Suburban Gold earned an all-state selection. The 5-foot-10, 180-pound senior played receiver, running back and quarterback, accounting for 219 rushing yards, 547 receiving yards on 30 catches and 11 touchdowns, including one on a punt return. “Anthony was a true team player,” coach Paul Parpet said.

Shane Companey

Downers Grove South

A three-year starter at left tackle, “Big Country” was named the offensive lineman of the year in the West Suburban Gold. Companey had the physical tools at 6-foot-3 and 280 pounds, but the senior also proved to be a leader by helping other linemen in the off-season. “Technically, he was as good as anyone we’ve ever had,” coach John Belskis said.

Johnny Daniels

Wheaton North

The contributions of this unanimous all-DuPage Valley senior receiver can’t be measured by statistics alone. Daniels did have 35 catches for 521 yards and 7 touchdowns, but his 6-foot-2, 200-pound frame allowed him to be an effective blocker in the run game. “Johnny has the ability to make a big play at any time,” coach Joe Wardynski said.

Adam Dansdill

WW South

Dansdill was the playmaker of the defense. The 6-foot, 205-pound senior middle linebacker, named to the all-DuPage Valley team, scored a touchdown on a fumble return in the Class 7A championship game. Dansdill led the Tigers with 142 tackles, including 93 solos and 10 tackles for loss. “He was a critical leader of our defense,” coach Ron Muhitch said.

John Dulleck

Naperville Central

The Redhawks’ defensive strength was against the run, and much of the credit goes to Dulleck. The 6-foot-2, 220-pound all-DuPage Valley linebacker made all the defensive calls as a two-year starter. Dulleck had 121 total tackles and 2 interceptions. “We needed someone like Dulleck to control things tackle to tackle,” coach Mike Stine said.

Ruben Dunbar

Glenbard West

Opponents got to know Dunbar quickly in his first varsity season. The 6-foot-3, 235-pound junior defensive lineman was strong at pass rushing and defending the run during an all-West Suburban Silver season. Dunbar finished with 11 sacks, 21 tackles for loss and 8 batted balls. “As a junior he’s got a tremendous amount of upside,” coach Chad Hetlet said.

Alan Geneva

Fenton

Geneva was the go-to guy in the first year of Fenton’s version of the spread offense. A three-year varsity player, the 5-foot-10, 165-pound senior all-Metro Suburban wide receiver shattered program records by catching 92 passes for 1,024 yards and 10 touchdowns. “We knew Alan Geneva would be a focal point of our offense,” coach Mark Kos said.

Colin Goebel

Naperville North

This junior offensive lineman already has offers from Toledo, Northern Illinois and Eastern Michigan. The 6-foot-4, 275-pound unanimous all-DuPage Valley right tackle is a “workout warrior” with strong footwork and a desire to be great, according to coach Sean Drendel. “He’ll knock someone down and look for the next guy,” Drendel said.

Austin Guido

Waubonsie Valley

The fast, hard-nosed tailback earned Upstate Eight Conference River Division honors after carrying the ball 171 times for 1,182 yards and 17 touchdowns. A 5-foot-11, 187-pound junior, Guido was a Coaches Association 8A All-State honorable mention selection. “He’s got that second gear when he gets into the open field,” coach Paul Murphy said.

Jaylen Howze

Wheaton North

Just a junior, Howze was still invaluable as one of the few Falcons defensive players with varsity experience heading into the season. The 5-foot-11, 170-pound strong safety was extremely physical, which allowed him to play some linebacker. The all-DuPage Valley honoree had 49 tackles and 3 interceptions. “He liked to mix it up,” coach Joe Wardynski said.

Mike Imperiale

Addison Trail

In his first season at linebacker, Imperiale was named the defensive player of the year in the West Suburban Gold. Twice named all-Gold, the 6-foot-2, 210-pound senior spent three seasons on the line. Imperiale led the Blazers with 147 tackles, including 6 for loss. “The strides he’s made since freshman year have been tremendous,” coach Paul Parpet said.

Michael Ippolito

Neuqua Valley

A three-year starter at defensive end, the 6-foot-4, 240-pound senior was named Coaches Association Class 8A honorable-mention and all-Upstate Eight Valley. He made 65 tackles, 10 for loss and topped Neuqua’s career marks in sacks with 24 and quarterback hurries, 17. Headed for Northern Illinois, he was “a force few could handle,” coach Bryan Wells said.

Justin Jackson

Glenbard North

Jackson’s future is blinding. The 6-foot, 170-pound sophomore running back and strong safety was a unanimous all-DuPage Valley pick who helped carry the Panthers to the Class 8A semifinals. He had 741 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns. On defense he added 45 tackles and 2 blocked punts. “He’s a big playmaker for us,” coach Ryan Wilkens said.

Phil Jackson

Glenbard North

A three-year starter, Jackson kept improving after two 4-touchdown games as a sophomore. The 5-foot-10, 215-pound senior running back and defensive end carried the ball 254 times for 1,467 yards and 21 touchdowns. The all-DuPage Valley honoree had 6 sacks. “When we needed him the most, he played his best,” coach Ryan Wilkens said.

Jaleel Johnson

Montini

A 6-foot-4, 310-pound defensive tackle who is committed to Iowa, Johnson was voted all-Suburban Christian Blue and honorable-mention Coaches Association 5A all-state. He demanded constant double-teams yet finished third on Montini with 80 tackles. He has benched 225 pounds 25 times. “The anchor of our defensive line,” coach Chris Andriano said.

Kevin Kent

Addison Trail

Kent was a rock in the lineup for the Blazers for three seasons at linebacker. With an impressive understanding of the game, the 6-foot, 190-pound senior twice earned all-West Suburban Gold honors. Kent stood out with 127 tackles, including 12 for loss, and forced 3 fumbles. “It was very comforting knowing he was out there,” coach Paul Parpet said.

Nick Krejci

Naperville North

Since playing in the postseason as a freshman, Krejci did a bit of everything. The 6-foot, 205-pound senior spent time at defensive end, center, fullback and tight end before thriving at middle linebacker this all-DuPage Valley season. Krejci had a team-high 96 tackles with 5 for loss. “He’s an old-school football player,” coach Sean Drendel said.

Austin Lacke

Waubonsie Valley

A two-year starter, the fast junior middle linebacker was the Warriors’ MVP. Six-foot, 207 pounds, he was a Coaches Association Class 8A All-State honorable-mention pick after making 124 tackles, the most in coach Paul Murphy’s seven years with Waubonsie. He added 8 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 5 hurries. “He has a great nose for the football,” Murphy said.

Andrew Larkin

Glenbard West

A two-year starting middle linebacker, the 6-foot-1, 210-pound senior developed uncanny timing in getting to the ball. All-West Suburban Silver, Larkin led the Hilltoppers with 97 tackles despite missing three games due to injury. He had 9 sacks, 3 interceptions and 4 forced fumbles. “He had unreal speed at that position,” coach Chad Hetlet said.

Danny Leach

Downers Grove South

The problem with Leach was where to play him. The 5-foot-11, 175-pound senior cornerback played tailback, receiver, safety and returned kicks and punts. The all-West Suburban Gold pick had 59 tackles, 2 interceptions, 9 pass breakups and returned 2 punts for touchdowns. “When he touched the ball you held your breath,” coach John Belskis said.

Ian Lewandowski

Naperville Central

After playing running back and receiver as a junior, Lewandowski solidified the Redhawks at quarterback. The 6-foot, 205-pound senior all-DuPage Valley pick also returned kicks. Lewandowski threw for 1,279 yards, rushed for 606 and had 23 total touchdowns. “He grew into a very good high school quarterback,” coach Mike Stine said.

Mike Marston

Glenbard West

Teams kept paying for throwing Marston’s way. The 6-foot, 185-pound senior cornerback showed how physical he could be with 58 tackles, and his ability to break on the ball allowed him to grab 9 interceptions. The all-West Suburban Silver returner snagged 12 interceptions as a varsity starter. “He stabilized our secondary,” coach Chad Hetlet said.

Dan McHale

Glenbard North

McHale is one of the main reasons Glenbard North rushed for 3,100 yards on its way to the Class 8A semifinals. Power, strength and agility defined this 6-foot-2, 290-pound senior left tackle who was a unanimous choice for the all-DuPage Valley team. “If we needed a first down, we ran behind him on the left side,” coach Ryan Wilkens said.

Alex Mendez

Glenbard North

Mendez was a two-year starter and Glenbard North’s best cover cornerback as a unanimous all-DuPage Valley selection. Also a strong run supporter, the 5-foot-11, 165-pound senior contributed 42 tackles, 4 interceptions and 10 knocked-down passes. “We always had him covering the other team’s best receiver,” coach Ryan Wilkens said.

Brian Owens

Hinsdale Central

A four-game winning streak coincided with Owens taking over at quarterback midseason. The 6-foot-2, 168-pound junior all-West Suburban Silver honoree seized command of the offense with amazing accuracy. He completed 67 percent of his 219 passes for 1,843 yards and 12 touchdowns. “He was a spark for us,” coach Rich Tarka said.

James Peachey

Immaculate Conception

A three-year starter at center and two-year starter at linebacker, the 6-foot-1, 225-pound senior led the Knights on both sides of the ball. The Suburban Christian Gold defensive player of the year finished with a team-high 66 tackles. Strong, with a good motor, and smart. “He was like having another coach on the field,” coach Chris VanDyke said.

John Peltz

Wheaton North

Peltz brought instant impact. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound junior quarterback earned all-DuPage Valley honors in his first varsity season with potent running and passing. Peltz completed 59 percent of his passes for 2,030 yards and 19 touchdowns with 366 rushing yards and 8 scores. “He stepped in and did a great job,” coach Joe Wardynski said.

Brandon Peterson

WW South

After getting key playing time as a junior, Peterson was a leader of the Tigers’ defense with effective play on the run and pass. At 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds, the all-DuPage Valley senior was a force as an outside linebacker. Peterson finished with 126 tackles including 15 for loss. “Brandon’s a prototype linebacker,” coach Ron Muhitch said.

Jack Petrando

St. Francis

The 6-foot, 210-pound junior was Coaches Association Class 5A All-State honorable mention and the Suburban Christian Blue co-offensive player of the year. A quiet leader, on 200 carries he had team highs of 1,437 yards, 17 touchdowns and repeated as top tackler with 96 at linebacker. “Probably one of the most durable players I’ve ever coached,” Greg Purnell said.

Dan Puknaitis

Naperville North

Puknaitis played hard right up to the end of his senior season. The 5-foot-9, 185-pound running back played the final three quarters after breaking his arm in a first-round playoff loss. The all-DuPage Valley honoree rushed for 1,079 yards and 14 touchdowns. “He’s exactly what we want in a Naperville North football player,” coach Sean Drendel said.

Matt Randolph

Naperville Central

All-state and the DuPage Valley’s offensive MVP, Randolph was the centerpiece of the Redhawks’ offense. The 6-foot-1, 215-pound senior running back was a workhorse who averaged 20 carries a game. Randolph rushed for 1,736 yards and 22 touchdowns and added 6 receiving scores. “He prepared himself to carry the load,” coach Mike Stine said.

Joey Rhattigan

Neuqua Valley

Combining tenacity, power and speed, the 6-foot, 195-pound junior back ran for 1,271 yards, Neuqua’s fifth-best season mark. He ran for 20 touchdowns with another on an 84-yard kickoff return. A Coaches Association Class 8A all-stater and an all-Upstate Eight Valley selection, Rhattigan has “a drive to excel and compete,” said Wildcats coach Bryan Wells.

John Rhode

Montini

The 6-foot, 195-pound senior quarterback was the key to Montini’s third straight Class 5A title. Rhode passed for 3,034 yards and 42 touchdowns to just 5 interceptions. He threw for a staggering 587 yards, 7 touchdowns in the 5A title game, the second-most passing yardage in state history. “I couldn’t be more proud of him,” coach Chris Andriano said.

Jake Rzeszutko

York

Rzeszutko earned a spot on the all-West Suburban Silver team for many reasons. The 5-foot-8, 175-pound senior defensive back had 7 interceptions, returning one for a touchdown. He added 3 scores on kick and punt returns. Four of his 62 tackles were for loss. “When the ball was around Jake, something exciting happened,” coach Bill Lech said.

Wes Sanders

Glenbard South

In addition to being the Raiders’ top rusher, the 5-foot-9, 185-pound senior was also electric on kick returns and started at linebacker. Sanders, twice all-Metro Suburban, had 1,107 rushing yards, 375 receiving yards and scored 23 times. “Every coach I talked to was deathly scared of him touching the ball,” coach Jeremy Cordell said.

Tommy Schutt

Glenbard West

The area’s premier defensive player, Schutt earned a second all-state nod in addition to being named a U.S. Army All-American and the West Suburban Silver’s MVP. The 6-foot-3, 290-pound senior lineman, verbally committed to Penn State, had 14 sacks and 23 tackles for loss. “Every play Tommy was a dominant force,” coach Chad Hetlet said.

Dan Vitale

WW South

Committed to Northwestern, Vitale carried the Tigers’ offense to a third straight Class 7A final. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound senior running back was a workhorse during the playoff run and earned all-state honors. Vitale rushed for 1,340 yards and 17 touchdowns, adding 28 catches for 191 yards. “He’s a consummate team player,” coach Ron Muhitch said.

Evan Welsh

WW South

A credit to his dedication, last season Welsh was named scout team player of the year. As a senior the 5-foot-11, 205-pound defensive lineman was named to the all-DuPage Valley team. A wrestler’s mentality overcame consistently being outsized and allowed him to notch 65 tackles. “He’s dogged about getting to the ball,” coach Ron Muhitch said.

Jordan Westerkamp

Montini

Captain of the All-Area Team, the 6-foot-1, 200-pound receiver set state career receiving records for catches, TDs and yardage this season. Committed to Nebraska, he’s a two-time Football Coaches Association All-State selection and Suburban Christian Blue player of the year. He caught 90 passes this season for 1,675 yards and 29 touchdowns.

Josh Williams

Downers Grove South

The two-time West Suburban Gold player of the year was an all-state back after rushing for 2,338 yards and 33 touchdowns on 293 carries. He added 3 receiving scores. The 5-foot-9, 175-pound senior is the Mustangs’ record holder for rushing yards in a season and career. “He set a standard that will be hard to beat,” coach John Belskis said.

Tommy Wooten

Waubonsie Valley

A speedy 5-foot-11, 192-pound terror on blitzes from weakside linebacker, the relentless senior was a repeat Upstate Eight Valley all-conference selection. A team co-captain, No. 34 racked up 108 tackles with 7 sacks, 8 hurries and 3 fumbles caused. “You don’t have that many tackles if you don’t have a big desire to make a play,” coach Paul Murphy said.

Honorable mention

Brian Baids (West Chicago, sr., DB); Avery Balogh (Glenbard West, sr., RB); Nate Baratta (St. Francis, sr., RB-LB), Zach Bava (Glenbard South, sr., LB); Vince Beltrano (Addison Trail, sr., RB-DB); Matt Binkowski (Naperville Central, sr., OL); Eriberto Carreon (Glenbard East, sr., OL); Ronnie Castaldo (Lake Park, jr., RB-LB), Ron Coluzzi (Naperville North, sr., K-P); Jim Delaney (Waubonsie Valley, sr., DB), Nick Donati (St. Francis, sr., QB-DB), Chris Dewing (Glenbard North, sr., DL); Jeff Evak (Neuqua Valley, sr., WR-KR), Zach Gehant (Lake Park, jr., QB), Dee Gray (Waubonsie Valley, sr., WR), Keontae Hall (Hinsdale South, sr., RB); Matt Hornstra (Immaculate Conception, sr., DL), Tyler Janczak (Metea Valley, sr., OL), Brett Jones (Naperville North, sr., DL); Dan Kisla (Lisle, sr., OL-DL), Trevor Krajewski (Benet, sr., DL); Zach Kyllonen (WW South, sr., DB); Nick Leonard (Lisle, sr., RB-LB), Matt Lindsay (Wheaton Academy, jr., WR), Jim Lowery (Montini, sr., OL), Mitch Lydon (Montini, sr., LB), Matt Marston (Glenbard West, sr., DB); Anthony Messina (Addison Trail, sr., RB-LB); David Meyerhoff (Naperville North, sr., OL); Matt Mysliewiec (Lake Park, sr., LB), Micah Penn (Wheaton North, sr., WR); Mike Pircon (Hinsdale Central, sr., OL); Jordan Preuss (York, sr., WR); J.P. Quinn (Neuqua Valley, jr., OL), Anthony Rada (Downers Grove North, jr., RB); Dan Roadman (WW South, sr., LB); Josh Rogers (Montini, sr., DL), Jeff Rutkowski (St. Francis, sr., RB-DB), Austin Schlosser (Neuqua Valley, sr., LB), Patrick Sharp (Wheaton North, jr., RB); Trey Spurgeon (Wheaton Academy, sr., OL-LB), Zac Steele (Waubonsie Valley, sr., DL), Anthony Taylor (Montini, sr., WR), Dimitri Taylor (Montini, jr., RB), Jack Toner (Benet, jr., DB); Jeremy Ulrich (Downers Grove South, sr., DL); Dan Vatch (Immaculate Conception, sr., RB), Dylan Warden (Waubonsie Valley, jr., QB), Chris Weaver (Waubonsie Valley, sr., OL), Cameron Wilcox (Metea Valley, jr., RB).

DuPage County All-Area captains over the years

1989 — Jeff Thorne, Wheaton Central

1990 — Bill Korosec, Naperville North

1991 — Tim Miller, Glenbard North

1992 — Broc Kreitz, Waubonsie Valley

1993 — Bobby Nelson, WW South

1994 — Steve Havard, Wheaton North

1995 — Tim Lavery, Naperville Central

1996 — Tim Stratton, York

1997 — R.J. Luke, Waubonsie Valley

1998 — Jon Beutjer/Jon Schweighardt, WW South

1999 — Ryan Clifford, Naperville Central

2000 — Kyle Kleckner, Downers Grove North

2001 — Phil Horvath, Naperville Central

2002 — Brad Bower, Hinsdale Central

2003 — Tom Edwards, Downers Grove North

2004 — Cody Cielenski, Downers Grove North

2005 — Brett Morse, Hinsdale Central

2006 — Dan Dierking, WW South

2007 — Jordan Tassio, Naperville North

2008 — Chris Watt, Glenbard West

2009 — John Whitelaw, Hinsdale Central

2010 — Reilly O’Toole, WW South

2011 — Jordan Westerkamp, Montini