St. Charles North sets sights higher
St. Charles North coach Rob Pomazak said no one in the program is resting on last year's laurels, its first playoff season since 2009.
There's no reason to. This squad looks pretty good.
"We're not going to quantify success by wins and losses," Pomazak said. "It's more by our willingness to prepare. If we out-prepare (opponents) we feel like winning will take care of itself."
Their off-season preparation is seen most obviously on the offensive line. You can't teach height but you can train to support it with a bunch of muscle. Up front the North Stars return 6-foot-7, 300-pound left tackle Nick Koenig plus guard Sam Ambrogio, 6-3, 292. Ambrogio moves from tackle to make room for Westminster Christian transfer and Illinois State recruit Isaac Hawn, 6-6, 270. Also returning upfront are Kyle Begovich and Andrew Winkelman.
They'll pave the way for strong skill-position players. Kyle Novotney, a triple-threat last season throwing, running and receiving, will play more at a slot position to capitalize on his athleticism. That also puts junior Zach Mettetal at quarterback. Receiver-linebacker Tyler Mettetal's twin brother, Zach led last year's sophomore team to an 8-1 record, 6-0 in the UEC River.
Three of last year's four top receivers by yardage are back: Novotney, Tyler Mettetal and Jason Reckards, who led the club with 316 yards receiving. They'll add 6-4 Griffin Hammer to the mix.
Leading rusher Eric Lins returns as well. The junior ran for 528 yards in basically half a season, with 8 touchdowns.
"To say the least offensively we're very excited," said Pomazak, who has brought in former Palatine offensive coordinator Brian Flynn and has former multiple championship-winning Maine South defensive coordinator Rick Magsamen to helm that unit.
The defense graduated real quality from a unit that trailed only Batavia among UEC River teams in points allowed, including co-defensive player of the year Jordan Bergren and his program-record 14 sacks.
They bring back plenty more. The secondary is stocked, headed by two Jakes who combined to make 78 tackles - cornerback Chantos, an all-River pick, and safety Spaniol. Safety Lucas Segobiano got some reps last year as a freshman, and the ever-present Novotney is among a plethora of corners.
Pomazak said graduations have the defense looking to retool from inside-out, with linebackers such as returner Billy Duhownik, senior Liam Kelly and junior Jack Wolf. Quinn Calcagno started all last season at nose tackle, making 5 sacks. Big Jack Glavin heads line depth.
Plus, the North Stars return Adam Durocher, a potential college kicker.
Pomazak said many juniors will make it crucial to reach varsity game speed. As another area coach noted, St. Charles North's players have clearly bought in.
"If each player can take ownership and get better," Pomazak said, "it's going to raise the level of the team."