Previewing: Fenton

Fenton may not have many players, but coach Mark Farrell likes the ones he's got.

"It's a great group of kids," he said of his 24-player roster featuring 12 returning starters. "We absolutely have to stay healthy, but they've all been working extremely hard to get ready for the season."

The good news for the Bison is they've got the physical ability to dish it out more than they take it. The perfect example is 6-foot-5, 275-pound two-way lineman Richie Rebmann, who grew an inch and gained 35 pounds since last season.

Rebmann is one of three returning offensive linemen, a list that includes Mike Nolte and Mike Wojcik. Tight end Kyle McCormick also returns.

A physical defense starts with middle linebacker Nico Watt who, like many of the Bison starters, will play on both sides of the ball. Rebmann, Nolte and McCormick also return defensively. Keep an eye on sophomore nose guard Freddy Joyner.

Of course, the top defensive goal in the Metro Suburban Conference revolves around slowing Riverside-Brookfield's passing game. The first of two meetings comes in Week 4, which makes staying healthy a priority early in the season against Leyden, Glenbard South and Walther Lutheran.

"We need to stay healthy going into that game," Farrell said. "We've had success against them by controlling the football, but we need to have the healthy bodies to do it."

Running behind a powerful offensive line will be returning running back Tyrell McGee, who rushed for about 500 yards last year despite playing in only five games due to injury. While the Bison again plan to heavily emphasize the run, quarterback Eric Justiniano has the experience to boost the passing game with receivers Vince Esposito and Robbie Grant.

"There's no doubt we have some key guys back," Farrell said. "We've just got to make sure we get them some rest during games."