Marmion looking for better breaks

The line between victory and defeat can be so thin.

Ask Marmion.

The Cadets in 2008 allowed only 3 points more than they scored yet they compiled a 3-6 record.

They lost by 6 to Class 5A quarterfinalist Montini, and by 2 to 5A champion St. Francis on a late kickoff return. Marmion fell 40-38 to 2A state champion Immaculate Conception, the margin a failed 2-point conversion.

Marmion was in the middle of Kane County offensive and defensive rankings but it resided on the southern end of the turnover ratio at minus-5.

"We had too many turnovers and penalties last year, so we're hoping that by being in better condition that'll reduce the penalties," said Cadets coach Dan Thorpe. "Guys don't fumble on purpose, but we had too many breakdowns."

Perhaps that's why he directed the overhaul of the weight and training facility on campus. And perhaps their commitment is why returners Matt Pircon, Bobby Winkel and Ryan Lovelace were staples at scouting combines in the off-season.

"We're in great shape," Thorpe said. "We've really conditioned them and they've responded to the challenge."

Assisted by juniors who last year won the Suburban Catholic Conference's sophomore level, from quarterback Will Sterne to defensive lineman Alex Karas to linebacker T.J. Lally, the Cadets will be on the move.

"We're more of a speed team," Thorpe said.

Chief among them is Pircon. The senior averaged 9.1 yards a carry in 2008, taking just 58 handoffs for 528 yards and 5 touchdowns.

Marmion's offense - which graduated two-year starting quarterback Ricky Bird and all-conference receiver Sean Fichtel - offers punch along with speed. Two-way starter Winkel brings back 389 yards and a 5.5-yard average to the fullback position.

The Cadets also graduated a Class 6A honorable-mention defensive lineman in Juan Avila, now at Southern Illinois, but return defensive tackle Ryan Lovelace. The 6-foot-5, 290-pounder is a college prospect who Thorpe said will miss the first three to four games after a broken foot in June.

The Cadets do return more experience on the defensive side of the ball. Thorpe is excited about linemen such as Andrew Voelsch, Nick Knudtson and Mike Gallaway.

"We're going to be an aggressive, attacking defense," Thorpe said. "We're not going to be a bend-but-don't-break, or a reading defense."

The coach expressed concern about varsity inexperience and no complaints about attitude, which can get teams through those close games.

"They've had a great work ethic. We have better team unity this year - that will get you a win also.

"Team chemistry - you hear it at all levels... and that's high school, too. I believe we have better chemistry this year."