Scouting the Lisle Lions
As Hall of Fame Lisle coach Paul Parpet Sr. said, just because a football team returns a bunch of starters doesn't necessarily mean it's going to win.
But it's a great start.
Lisle returns nine players on offense who earned starts, seven on defense. All five offensive linemen - including Charlie Waldusky and all-Interstate Eight Small three-year starter Jeff Marach - have starting experience as well as all four defensive linemen. Parpet is optimistic no lineman will need to consistently play both ways, perhaps a first at this school of 484 students.
"I think that we have a good nucleus of players," he said. "I think they're committed, they're enjoying what they're doing, they're a close-knit group, and this being my fourth year (at Lisle) I think I have a pretty good understanding of what to do and what not to do at this level with players and teams. I think we're going to be competitive, very competitive."
Had Parpet not wanted the ball in do-everything graduate Mark McGrath's hands helming last season's double-wing offense, kid brother Jay McGrath would have been the Lions' full-time starting quarterback as a sophomore. Now the job's all Jay's, with Jake Ventrella the incoming choice at running back. Ventrella ran for 172 yards and a touchdown last year against Streator.
Parpet vows to get Cameron Stitt more involved offensively after he averaged 29 yards a catch in 2016. Stitt earned all-conference honors with 60 tackles and 3 interceptions at linebacker.
Parpet looks to improve offensive consistency and team tackling and reduce penalties. A couple woulda-coulda wins escaped last season, putting Lisle among the 5-4 teams not to qualify for the playoffs.
"We need to get off to a good start and stay healthy," Parpet said.
- Dave Oberhelman
One to watch: Week 6 at Wilmington - still the standard-bearer in the entire Interstate Eight Conference.
The breakdown
Coach: Paul Parpet (fourth year, 13-15; 33rd year overall, 171-137).
2016 record: 5-4, 3-2, tied for second in the Interstate Eight Small.
Top players: Caleb Carter (DB, 5-7, 142, sr.), Jared Hunter (WB-DB, 5-8, 145, sr.), Demetrius Kellie (WR-DB, 5-8, 140, jr.), Ben Laning (TE-DE, 6-2, 185, sr.), Jeff Marach (OL-DL, 6-0, 275, sr.), Jay McGrath (QB-DB, 6-1, 190, jr.), Logan Metoyer (RB-DB, 5-8, 155, sr.), Cameron Stitt (WB-LB, 6-2, 165, sr.), Jake Ventrella (RB-LB, 6-3, 200, sr.), Charlie Waldusky (OL-DL, 5-11, 205, jr.).
Schedule
Fri, 8/25, Sandwich at Lisle, 7 p.m.
Fri, 9/1, Lisle at Coal City, 7 p.m.
Fri, 9/8, Lisle at Seneca, 7 p.m.
Fri, 9/15, Reed-Custer at Lisle, 7 p.m.
Fri, 9/22, Peotone at Lisle, 7 p.m.
Fri, 9/29, Lisle at Wilmington, 7 p.m.
Fri, 10/6, Westmont at Lisle, 7 p.m.
Fri, 10/13, Lisle at Manteno, 7 p.m.
Fri, 10/20, Streator at Lisle, 7 p.m.