Schaumburg looks for dash of consistency
Schaumburg has plenty of players with the ability to show flashes and dashes of brilliance.
One of the keys for the Saxons after a run of three playoff appearances came to an end is to make sure the brightness level is sustained.
“Our kids have worked extremely hard and have been really good students this summer,” said Schaumburg coach Mark Stilling of a team with 13 junior starters. “We have to find a much higher level of consistency. There are signs of it in terms of discipline.
“Probably our greatest strength is speed, but it comes down to finding a way to harness it and be consistent.”
One of the players who is doing his part is senior safety Cole Reyes. The Daily Herald All-Area pick who is getting Division I offers is trying to put himself in position for an even bigger year.
“His intensity level (in practice) is so much better and he’s taken huge strides,” Stilling said. “That’s helped because the kids see the way he’s working.”
Juwaan Richard also returns to the secondary and senior Rashad McFadden returns up front as the Saxons figure to be improved with the arrival of retired Fremd coach Mike Donatucci to run the defense.
Defensive tackle Lee Duhs (6-feet-4, 360 pounds) has the potential to be a force.
“Talk about a difference-maker ... it’s near-impossible to block him 1-on-1,” Stilling said. “He can move his feet and run and he’s developed a little nasty side.”
The offense has the potential to be insomnia-inducing for defensive coordinators. Juniors Sadarriss Patterson (566 yards, 9 TDs) and Stacey Smith (402 yards, 6 TDs; 18 catches, 333 yards) provide serious speed.
Ryan Tuma has been a nice surprise in the receiver mix. Senior Nick Anzelmo (745 yards passing, 2 TDs) started the first four games before suffering an injured finger and being replaced by Smith.
“Nick asserted himself and beyond just becoming a better quarterback, he stepped up his leadership a notch,” Stilling said.
So has the trio of junior offensive linemen of Matt Zolper, Matt Stopka and Justin Sanchez.
“Those three are as steady as anyone we have,” Stilling said.
And that’s exactly what he’s looking for.
Probable starters
Saxons at a glance
Coach: Mark Stilling (eighth year, 37-33)
Last year: 4-5, 2-3 (T3rd West)
OFFENSE
Pos. Name Ht/Wt Yr.
QB Nick Anzelmo 6-1/195 Sr.
TB Sadarriss Patterson 5-9/190 Jr.
T Alan Graciano 6-0/245 Sr.
G Matt Zolper 6-2/275 Jr.
C Matt Stopka 5-11/200 Jr.
G Justin Sanchez 6-0/265 Jr.
T Alex Piotrowski 6-1/220 Jr.
WR Stacey Smith 5-8/160 Jr.
WR Akema Collins 6-0/190 Sr.
WR Dom Saragaglia 6-2/200 Sr.
WR Ryan Tuma 5-8/150 Jr.
DEFENSE
Pos. Name Ht/Wt Yr.
DE Rashad McFadden 6-0/215 Sr.
DT Adam Worazek 6-0/220 Sr.
DT Lee Duhs 6-4/360 Sr.
DE Wil Akogu 6-0/210 Sr.
LB Blake Wittkamp 5-10/175 Jr.
LB Conner Lapinsky 5-10/175 Jr.
CB Rashaan Green 5-9/170 Jr.
CB Kyle Wagner 5-8/155 Jr.
S Cole Reyes 6-3/205 Sr.
S Juwaan Richard 5-10/165 Sr.
S Ryan Woloszyk 5-10/170 Jr.