Scouting the Benet Redwings
One word revolves around Benet's football program.
Unprecedented.
For the first time the Redwings advanced to the state semifinals in two straight seasons. And never before have they qualified for the playoffs six straight years.
With a defense returning four of its top six tacklers and a maturing offense, unprecedented might be back as Benet fields the talent to match and exceed its recent success.
"From Day One of workouts in June, I could tell they were ready to exceed what our past teams have accomplished," said Redwings coach Pat New. "The pieces are in place."
As good as Benet's defense has been the last few seasons, this year's edition might be its best. Jack Benish, who had 13 sacks last year, Jacob Snell and Jackson Stephens combined for more than 180 tackles on the line. Twelve of linebacker Mike Wymer's 91 tackles were for loss.
The ball-hawking secondary remains a strength despite the graduation of Connor Reid and Ben Cooney. Jack Cooney and Billy Lawler should keep up the strong tradition in the defensive backfield.
"This could be the most dominating defense we've had," New said. "With our line and Wymer we should really be able to pressure the quarterback."
Forced into action as a sophomore because of injury, junior quarterback Colin Gillespie is ready to take on a bigger role in the offense. His receiving corps is extremely inexperienced, but Ben Hickey rushed for 560 yards and the line returns starters Shane O'Mara and Matt Kickel.
"It was great that Colin got that experience," New said. "It'll definitely slow down for him this year."
Balance on both sides of the ball makes Benet a team to watch in the East Suburban Catholic Conference and in Class 7A.
"Expectations are high, but our guys know nothing will be handed to them," New said. "It won't be easy."
One to watch: Benet has two tough ESCC games before Nazareth, a Class 6A finalist last season, visits Lisle in Week 5.
The breakdown
Coach: Pat New (ninth year, 56-33).
2017 record: 9-4, 5-2, tied for third in East Suburban Catholic Conference.
Top players: Jack Benish (DL, 6-3, 235, sr.), Colin Gillespie (QB, 6-1, 185, jr.), Jack Cooney (DB, 6-0, 170, sr.), Mike Wymer (LB, 6-0, 190, sr.), Ben Hickey (RB, 6-0, 178, sr.), Jacob Snell (DL, 6-4, 225, jr.), Jackson Stephens (DL, 6-3, 250, sr.), Billy Lawler (DB, 5-8, 160, sr.), Shane O'Mara (OL, 6-5, 220, sr.), Matt Kickel (OL, 6-5, 295, sr.), Luke Sznajder (WR, 6-0, 180, sr.), Matt King (OL, 6-3, 230, sr.), Cole Walsh (DL, 6-1, 225, jr.), Mike McGivney (OL, 6-4, 290, jr.).
- Kevin Schmit
Schedule
Benet
Sat, 8/25, Benet vs. St. Laurence, 3 p.m. at NIU
Fri, 8/31, Benet at Moline, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/7, Benet at St. Patrick, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/14/2018, Notre Dame at Benet, 7 p.m.
Fri, 9/21/2018, Nazareth at Benet, 7 p.m.
Fri, 9/28/2018, Benet at Joliet Catholic Academy, 7 p.m.
Fri, 10/5/2018, St. Viator at Benet, 7 p.m.
Fri, 10/12/2018, Benet at Marian, 7 p.m.
Fri, 10/19/2018, Marist at Benet, 7 p.m.