St. Charles North has right combination
St. Charles North coach Mark Gould raises an interesting fact:
Every North Stars football player thus far has been on a playoff team. Now, it's not a long history, but dozens of programs would love to have made the playoffs seven straight seasons.
"You don't want to be the guys who break that," Gould said.
Based on a schedule offering six teams that were below .500 last year, playoff season No. 8 would look to be imminent.
But past results can't be trusted. St. Charles North will rely on other things that can't be coached.
"If it's not the fastest team (North's had) it's certainly right up there, and that's offensively and defensively," Gould said.
"Another thing I like about this club, they've got a little bit of an edge, some toughness. They like to hit. ... If you can have speed and add being physical to it, we think we're going to be a success."
They definitely were successful last year in the area where toughness and speed is often measured. St. Charles North allowed just 240.1 yards per game, second in the area, and gave up only 13.3 points a game with 3 shutouts.
Typifying the North Stars' combination of brains, brawn and quicks is returning free safety Connor Mohs. Among several North Stars who earned 2008 academic all-conference honors, Mohs received one of the team's Hustle Awards.
He's not alone representing the toughness, athleticism and instinct displayed in 2008 by graduated all-state linebacker Jake Juriga.
Gould rattled off many returnees who should make this team a good one, easing the transition from a spread offense to a more "power" style set with a dash of double-slot thrown in.
Dom Imbordino joins returning starters and fellow UEC honorable-mention linebackers Ben Dvorak and J.J. Weaver in the 5-3 defense. With these guys, Mohs and others, foes won't know where the blitz is coming from.
There's 220-pound fullback Mike Ghanem, who battered for 5 touchdowns in 2008; and 260-pound nose tackle Josh Peters.
"He's a handful," Gould said.
There's receiver Jeffrey Stolzenburg. His length and leaping ability should aid senior Connor McShane, who came off shoulder surgery to win a tough quarterback derby entering Week 1.
Then there's big Matt Mautone. The 275-pound guard is getting looks by Division I colleges.
Unfortunately another prospect, Jordan Huxtable, the Upstate Eight's preeminent returning running back with 892 yards and 12 touchdowns, injured an ankle and was doubtful for the season opener against Batavia. Gould said his status is "game by game."
The North Stars could rightly use Huxtable's injury as motivation to extend their playoff streak.
"I think," Gould said, "this has to be a team that just wants to keep improving and improving."