Libertyville intends to finish what it starts

A successful, veteran, North Suburban Conference football coach is retiring.

While Stevenson coach Bill Mitz is not closing the door on a possible return next year, Randy Kuceyeski of Libertyville claims he's pinned down his retirement year.

"I'm done in two more (after this season)," Kuceyeski said. "Not that I don't enjoy it."

He figures to enjoy his 16th season, which begins tonight when the Wildcats host Barrington.

Libertyville returns several starters on both offense and defense, including talented halfback/free safety James Zotto, who's coming off an all-conference and all-area season. The 6-foot-2, 210-pounder has been offered a scholarship by Illinois State but has not accepted, Kuceyeski said.

"He really looks good," Kuceyeski said. "He's put on 20 pounds."

Speaking of pounds, senior offensive tackle Jon Hoffing weighs nearly 300 and stands 6-4. A starter in all 10 of Libertyville's games last season, Hoffing recently gave a verbal commitment to Western Michigan.

"He came into his own last year," said Kuceyeski, who likes Hoffing's combination of size and athleticism.

The Wildcats' entire starting offensive backfield from last year returns, as Zotto will be joined by fellow halfback Nick McDowell and fullback Kevin Penny. Like Zotto, Penny will start on both sides of the ball.

"I can't remember the last time we returned all three starters in the backfield," Kuceyeski said. "It's nice to have that experience. And they're all versatile."

Junior tailback Demarcus Wilson, who played at Libertyville as a freshman before transferring to North Chicago, also should see action.

Athletic junior A.J. Schurr, who's the son of assistant coach Jim Schurr, will start at quarterback. This is a position of depth for the Wildcats, who also return veteran Matt Persin.

Junior Jeremy Birck, a good high jumper, gives the Wildcats a 6-4 target at wide receiver.

Senior tight end Eric Andrews (6-3, 200) also returns. Besides the hulking Hoffing, the offensive line returns senior guard Bubba Benson (6-0, 215) and junior Casey Schmidt (6-2, 250).

Penny is back at middle linebacker and will be part of a defense that also will count on Zotto, senior tackles Dan Chutich and Connor Shanks and senior linebacker Brian Piazzi.

The Wildcats returned to the state playoffs last fall, a year after being shut out of postseason play for the first time since 1996.

"With the number of underclassmen we had playing, we just wanted to get in just to get the experience," Kuceyeski said. "Our goal now is to advance further than the first round."