Scouting the York Dukes
How much difference can one change make?
York's football team is about to find out.
When Mike Fitzgerald was hired as the Dukes' coach in February, he introduced a new era. He's tasked with turning around a program that last reached the playoffs in 2011 and has won 14 games since 2012.
Fitzgerald, who spent the last two seasons as Naperville North's offensive coordinator and the previous two seasons as head coach at St. Francis, believes the turnaround is right around the corner.
"I'm really excited about this group," he said. "They've really embraced the work ethic and the commitment. Now they have to go above and beyond to get to that next tier."
One player well on his way to that next tier is 6-foot-5 linebacker Zane Heemsoth, who also could see time on offense. Offered by Ball State among others, Heemsoth, who notched 110 tackles last year, leads a unit returning six starters, including Bo Thomas and Ben Melion on the line, and linebackers John Milling and Anthony Scalzitti.
Fitzgerald will make his biggest impact on offense, where running backs Josiah Scott and KeVon Robinson return after combining for 630 yards. The Dukes spent the summer working with two quarterbacks - Joe Javorek and Danny Dunn - but the offense is designed to be flexible based on personnel.
"We're going to put our players in the best position possible," Fitzgerald said. "It's about making the defense respect every player on the field."
Offensive improvement - especially in the West Suburban Silver against Glenbard West and Hinsdale Central - is crucial to the Dukes' turnaround.
"Hopefully we can get it ironed out, but it'll take work," Fitzgerald said. "We've exposed them to a lot, and a big part of the process is simplifying things and going from there."
One to watch: The Week 3 Silver opener against Lyons Twp. sets the tone for the Dukes.
The breakdown
Coach: Mike Fitzgerald (first year; third year overall, 15-7).
2017 record: 1-8, 1-5, sixth in the West Suburban Silver.
Top players: Zane Heemsoth (LB, 6-5, 230, sr.), Bo Thomas (DL, 6-0, 210, sr.), Ben Melion (DL, 6-1, 240, sr.), Josiah Scott (WR-RB, 5-10, 160, sr.), KeVon Robinson (RB-DB, 6-1, 195, sr.), Hayden Snyder (OL, 6-2, 215, sr.), Josh Mathiasen (OL-DL, 6-2, 295, jr.), Tyrone Birmingham (TE, 6-0, 225, sr.), John Milling (LB, 6-1, 200, sr.), Anthony Scalzitti (LB, 5-8, 190, sr.), Joe Goehl (DB, 5-11, 160, sr.), Joe Javorek (QB, 6-2, 185, sr.), Danny Dunn (QB, 5-11, 160, sr.).
- Kevin Schmit
Schedule
York
Fri, 8/24, New Trier at York, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 8/31, York at Addison Trail, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/7, York at Lyons, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/14, Glenbard West at York, 7:30 p.m.
Sat, 9/22, York at Hinsdale Central, noon
Fri, 9/28, Willowbrook at York, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/5, York at Oak Park-River Forest, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/12, Proviso West at York, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/19, Downers Grove North at York, 7:30 p.m.