Kaneland looking to new core
After last season Kaneland graduated a great class in terms of experience, talent and size.
Gone is three-year starting quarterback Drew David, who ranks among the state's all-time leaders in pass completions, passing touchdowns and passing yardage. Also gone is the literal bulk of two-, three- and - in the case of Alex Snyder, who played in 43 victories, the most in Kaneland history - four-year starters.
Turnover doesn't mean the Knights are changing philosophies or anything. The same goals and methods exist, with many different quality players executing them.
"I don't think it's a new start because all of these players have been in the system, they just had a really good class ahead of them," said Kaneland coach Tom Fedderly, who over seven seasons has won more than 75 percent of his games and has led the Knights into the second round of the playoffs or beyond each of the last four seasons.
"There might be quite a few juniors we're going to take a look at, but they were 8-1 (on the sophomore level) last year, so we're pretty high on that class," he said.
Fedderly said overall team speed is a strength. That's a good place to start and typical at Kaneland. The offensive line may not have the nearly uniform 270-pound size as last season but this year's group could provide a different advantage.
"We're not as big on the line, but we're quick and athletic," Fedderly said.
Kaneland returns six starters from last season, spread throughout its lineup.
Receiver Connor Fedderly, the coach's son, caught 19 passes for 254 yards and 3 touchdowns. Also back is track sprinter and running back Isaac Swithers, second last year both with 431 yards rushing and 9 rushing touchdowns. At safety, Swithers placed fourth among Kaneland tacklers with 40, plus 2 interceptions and 3 pass breakups.
"I look at him as being one of the top running backs in the area," Fedderly said of Swithers.
Returning defensive starters also include last year's fifth- and sixth-leading tacklers, junior lineman Andrew Kray and senior Danny Hammermeister, a perfect name for a linebacker. Kray made 39 tackles with 4 sacks, Hammermeister 38 tackles and 5 for loss.
On the offensive line the Knights return center Zach Thielk and also tall Jake Gomes, who turned around to make 37 tackles with 5 sacks and 2 forced fumbles.
Junior Jake Marczuk, a 5-foot-11, 165-pound three-sport athlete, competed with senior Owen Korpela for the starting quarterback spot and won it. Like the last two Knights' quarterbacks, David and Joe Camiliere, Fedderly said Marczuk will both run and throw the ball. And, like last year's second-team quarterback, Tyler Carlson, Korpela will get reps at linebacker.
Other players to watch out for right off the bat are 6-foot-4 senior Zach Douglas rotating into the offensive and defensive lines; senior cornerback Kyle Diehl; and juniors, receiver Tyler Paulson and physical lineman-linebacker Logan Strang.
Some new personnel at Kaneland. The bottom line remains the same.
"Our goals are to be 1-0 each week, then win a conference championship, then see if we can get a home game in the playoffs," Fedderly said.