Previewing: Immaculate Conception

What to do for a Class 2A state championship encore?

"I hate to talk about things like that in the preseason," said first-year Immaculate Conception head coach Mike Alberts, who after coordinating an offense that gained more than 4,000 rushing yards succeeded Bill Schmidt, who resigned to become a junior high administrator.

"But definitely we have high expectations," Alberts said, "and the kids are setting lofty goals."

The Knights, now listed as a 3A team, graduated all-area picks Antonio Taylor and Matt Purdom and another who could have been - Paul Hornstra - but have few question marks as they make a run for the first title of the Suburban Christian Conference Gold Division.

Concerns are in the defensive line, the secondary and at tight end beside former Driscoll starter Austin Hennessy. An influx of former Driscoll players provides hearty competition on the 39-man roster. Well, 38 plus kicker Olivia Vatch.

Another question is who will join senior Carlos Rodriguez in the backfield. Rodriguez ran for 1,502 yards and 19 touchdowns last season and will follow returning guards Robert Rivera and Nick Stam, at 305 and 255 pounds, respectively.

Quarterback Will Cronin is back for a third year. This summer he beat out 26 others to win the Top Gun Quarterback Challenge at Aurora University. Cronin will still helm a veer option but may throw more to new-but-speedy receivers Steve Maloney, Kyle Siranovic and Cody Kotlow.

Defensively, Driscoll ex-patriots Kasey Lathrope, Brian Palermo, Connor McDannel, Vinny Pagliuco, Andrew Palash and Matt Pokorny will aide returning starters Jose Godinez, Nick Perrone, lineman J.C. Legal and linebacker Rodriguez, who made 84 tackles with 10 for loss and 4 interceptions.

"I don't think there's any denying," Alberts said, "we're going to have some talent this year."