Scouting the York Dukes
It's been a long time since York mastered football's balancing act.
The Dukes will give it another shot this season.
They clearly love to run the ball - 70 percent of last year's total yards came on the ground - but an inconsistent pass attack hampered the Dukes' ability to move the chains.
It also cost them in the win column.
"Anytime you go 2-7 you've got to reflect on the things you're doing," coach Matt Monken said. "We're not making a ton of changes, but we want to put our kids in a position to be successful."
Don't get the wrong idea. With running backs Grant Melion, KeVon Robinson and Joey Jaeger returning, the Dukes remain intent on pounding the run game.
But with a new quarterback in David Leonard, York is in a better position to throw the ball to receivers like Joe Chiappetta and T.J. Juneman.
Returning linemen Benjamin Bernard, Ryan Blessing and Tommy Pirvu bolster the unit.
"I feel like we're far ahead of where we were last year offensively," Monken said. "I'm still a firm believer in running the ball, but we need to be able to throw it."
After what linebacker Zane Heemsoth showed last year as a sophomore, he'll be the clear defensive leader. Nic Bauer, a transfer from Nazareth, adds to a group that returns five other starters in addition to Charlie Pakenas, last year's quarterback who's moving to the secondary.
Defense, though, wasn't the Dukes' problem last season. If the offense emerges, they'll push for their first playoff berth since 2011.
"A lot of our problems last year were caused by our offensive struggles," Monken said. "We need to be much better on that side of the ball."
One to watch: The Dukes' defense faces its first huge test in a Week 3 matchup against Lyons Twp.
The breakdown
Coach: Matt Monken (fourth year, 10-17).
2016 record: 2-7, 1-5, sixth in the WSC Silver.
Top players: Grant Melion (RB, 5-11, 185, sr.), Zane Heemsoth (LB, 6-5, 210, jr.), Joey Jaeger (RB, 5-11, 210, sr.), KeVon Robinson (RB, 6-0, 195, jr.), Nic Bauer (LB, 5-8, 175, sr.), David Leonard (QB, 5-9, 160, sr.), Charlie Pakenas (DB, 6-1, 170, sr.), T.J. Juneman (WR, 6-0, 205, sr.), Benjamin Bernard (OL, 6-4, 230, sr.), Ryan Blessing (OL, 6-1, 190, sr.), Tommy Pirvu (OL, 6-2, 210, sr.), Joe Chiappetta (WR, 6-1, 170, sr.), Ben Melion (DL, 6-1, 235, jr.).
- Kevin Schmit
Schedule
Fri, 8/25, York at New Trier, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/1, Addison Trail at York, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/8, Lyons Township at York, 7:30 p.m.
Sat, 9/16, York at Glenbard West, 1:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/22, Hinsdale Central at York, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/29, York at Willowbrook, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/6, Oak Park-River Forest at York, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/13, York at Proviso West, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/20, York at Downers Grove North, 7:30 p.m.