Prairie promises more excitement

Boasting three playoff teams, one of which advanced to the semifinals, the other to the quarterfinals, the North Suburban Conference's Prairie Division had one of its best seasons ever in 2008.

But that could be just the tip of the iceberg.

With a couple of interesting coaching moves, the return of some electrifying players and big-time facility improvements, the division might just be even better this season.

"It was a war every week. Everyone (in the Prairie) was so much better last year," said Vernon Hills coach Tony Monken, whose team was one of the three to qualify for the playoffs. The Cougars lost to Grant in the first round of the Class 6A playoffs, 32-31. In double overtime.

"We had games with Grant and Antioch that were just incredible. We have some of those scores posted in our weight room."

Antioch's crazy 38-35 Week 7 win over Vernon Hills was secured in the final seconds when the Sequoits halted a furious Vernon Hills rally with a clutch interception just outside the end zone. The victory moved the Sequoits to 7-0 and preserved what would go down as one of the best seasons in school history.

Antioch marched through the regular season with a perfect 9-0 record and advanced all the way to the Class 6A state semifinals.

Grant was the Prairie's other postseason success story. The Bulldogs plowed through to the Class 6A quarterfinals. Both Antioch and Grant lost to Lemont.

"Antioch is going to be real solid again," Monken said. "And Grant is going to be right there, too. But until someone beats Antioch, they've got to be the team to beat again."

Antioch lost superstar running back Cameron White, who set all kinds of school rushing records and is now on the team at Eastern Illinois. But the Sequoits will be in fine shape with the return of fullback Steve Lorenzini, who managed to roll up more than 1,100 yards while not even being the featured back.

Grant, which dramatically upgraded its facilities to include new lights, new bleachers, a new press box and the Prairie's first artificial turf field, also has its best runner back from a year ago. Fullback Dan Hourihan tallied just more than 1,000 yards and scored 11 touchdowns in 2008.

But perhaps the brightest star in the Prairie Division will shine from Vernon Hills this year.

Junior DaVaris Daniels, who could literally play anywhere on the field but will line up mostly at wide receiver, is considered by many scouts to be one of the top players in the junior class. Nationally.

"If I had to pick a favorite, it would be Vernon Hills," said first-year Wauconda coach Dave Mills, who moved up from defensive coordinator when former head coach Glen Kozlowski took the job at North Chicago.

"With DaVaris on the team, Vernon Hills has to be the favorite," Kozlowski seconded his former assistant. "And Vernon Hills did very well at the sophomore level last year, too."

Speaking of sophomores, Kozlowski says he may have as many as six on the varsity and that his team will be very young overall. The Warhawks should also be a bit of a mystery.

Kozlowski has turned linemen, defenders and special teams players into his key runners on offense.

"Todd Bland used to be a lineman but he is an amazing runner and Brandon Davis used to be a linebacker and Mike Simpson used to play special teams. The first two guys have never even run with the ball before but I think they'll do a great job for us," Kozlowski said. "We have so many kids with a great skills set. It's just identifying the playmakers and letting them go."

Meanwhile, Wauconda, which just missed the playoffs last year at 4-5, is going to unleash a new look. While Kozlowski liked to focus heavily on the run, Mills, whose last head coaching job was in Utah, has brought in a more wide-open West Coast style offense that will be a bit more varied.

Senior fullback Brandon Hauck proved last year he is a punishing runner, but Mills is excited to balance that side of the offense with the strong arm of new quarterback Brian Kent.

Lakes also has a quarterback who is new, but then again not so new.

Ryan Noon didn't start last year but logged a lot of playing time. He'll be the leader for a Lakes team that should improve on its 3-6 campaign with 12 starters returning.

"We're going to have to be able to run the ball because every other team we play in this division is a good running team," Lakes coach Luke Mertens said. "There's also a lot of parity in this division. I couldn't really say who the team to beat is."

Finally, Round Lake wants to beat anyone in the division. The Panthers went 0-9 last season under first-year head coach John Coursey. But with a full year and off-season to learn Coursey's system, the Panthers should be much improved.

Round Lake running back Nick Olson will be one of the best in the Prairie this season.