Scouting the Fenton Bison
Fenton's football team discovered a winning formula last season when it shifted to a power running game on offense.
The Bison don't plan on messing with success.
"The kids got comfortable with it, the coaches got comfortable with it," said Fenton coach Mark Kos. "That's not going to change. It really worked out for us."
Speaking of comfort, that's exactly how eight senior players - brought up to varsity as sophomores - feel heading into a season brimming with optimism.
Quarterback Willie Wassmann, who threw for 950 yards and 15 touchdowns, is one of the many third-year starters ready to carry the Bison to the playoffs for a second straight year. While the plan remains to pound the ground game with Kyle McPherson, who returns 435 rushing yards, and Matt Lucas, the Bison also aim for offensive balance.
Returning offensive linemen Spencer Woodlock, David Echeverria and Adam Benayad make it all possible. Maybe not a full return to the pass-happy spread offense of a couple years ago, and maybe not the near-1,000-yard rushing effort from graduated running back Alex Cowan, but Fenton has options.
"We'll run the ball to set up the pass," Kos said. "Kyle's a game-breaker type of back, but we also want to eat up some clock. Willie's ready to lead. He's ready to take control of the huddle."
An experienced corps of linebackers - Eric Lonergan, a junior, Eric Pingel and Lucas - leads the defense. That level is strong enough to absorb the shift of third-year varsity member Cody Quarles from linebacker to defensive line.
If the secondary overcomes a lack of experience, the defense will improve as the season progresses.
Behind a strong base of overall experience, the Bison hope the season eventually progresses toward a fifth playoff berth in six years.
"We're excited because these guys know what it takes," Kos said. "We like having that core of leaders on both sides of the ball."
The breakdown
Coach: Mark Kos (fifth year, 22-17).
2013 record: 6-4, 3-1, second in Metro Suburban Conference.
Top players: Willie Wassmann (QB, 6-1, 180, sr.); Matt Lucas (RB-LB, 6-2, 230, sr.); Adam Benayad (OL-DL, 5-10, 205, sr.); Eric Pingel (LB, 6-0, 190, sr.); Cody Quarles (DL, 6-3, 220, sr.); Eric Lonergan (LB, 6-0, 215, jr.); Spencer Woodlock (OL, 6-2, 260, sr.); David Echeverria (OL, 6-2, 275, sr.).
Schedule
Fri, 8/29 Fenton at Grayslake Central 7:15 p.m.
Fri, 9/5 Walther Christian at Fenton 7:15 p.m.
Fri, 9/12 Fenton at Ridgewood 7:15 p.m.
Fri, 9/19 Elmwood Park at Fenton 7:15 p.m.
Fri, 9/26 Glenbard South at Fenton 7:15 p.m.
Fri, 10/3 Aurora Central Catholic at Fenton 7:15 p.m.
Fri, 10/10 Fenton at Riverside-Brookfield 7:15 p.m.
Fri, 10/17 Fenton at Wheaton Academy 7 p.m.
Fri, 10/24 IC Catholic Prep at Fenton 7:15 p.m.