Jacobs has talent, potential to rebound

Jacobs coach Dean Schlueter is optimistic his team's improved preparation can translate to a rebound season after a 2-7 finish in 2008, the program's lowest win total since 2002.

"We definitely have potential," said Schlueter, who enters his 13th season. "It'll come down to execution. That's where we were very inconsistent last year. We have to make sure we prepare very well every day for every opponent, and we have to do it on the game field. Our returning guys are very aware of that. That's what we're striving for."

Part of that preparation includes mastering the option offense, which the Golden Eagles mixed in previously as a wrinkle to complement their traditional wing-T sets.

Three quarterbacks have been taking reps during fall practice: senior Alec Starr (6-2, 185), who started last season, junior Nate Andersen (6-0, 165) and sophomore Jason Judson (5-11, 165). Schlueter said Judson is "the leading candidate" to start against Moline in the season opener due to his vision and decision making ability.

Ball carriers at the other three backfield positions will be led by senior returnee Dale Cook (5-8, 160). He was the team's second-leading ground gainer last season with 242 yards and a touchdown in 45 attempts. Senior Ben Albano (5-9, 185) will play fullback along with junior Grant Rizza (5-10, 190).

The other spots will be manned by senior Mike Stein (6-0, 160) and Zach Bates (5-11, 180). Bates transferred from Loyola Academy last year.

Last season Jacobs was outscored 239-98. The offensive line must improve for the option attack to average more than 10.8 points per game. Two senior linemen return: tackle Calvin Huckabone (6-0, 215) and guard Jason Cha (5-9, 205). They will be flanked by junior center Kyle Cook (5-9, 185), junior tackle John McMahon (6-2, 250) and sophomore Maciej Kozlowski (6-3, 250).

Senior receiver Derek Collinsworth (6-0, 165) and junior receiver Adam Bogdan (6-0, 165) will mainly be used as blockers. Collinsworth will kick and punt.

Defensively, Jacobs returns three linebackers: senior captains Brandon Huckabone (6-1, 200) and Albano and Vigan Salihu (5-8, 145). Stein returns in what is otherwise an inexperienced secondary.

"We're working toward getting better defensively," Schlueter said. "We had flashes last year where we played very soundly, but at other times we didn't. We have to be more consistent on that side of the ball. There's still some question marks there."

A total of four sophomores have joined the varsity: Judson, Kozlowski, linebacker/running back Henry Gigeous (6-0, 185) and running back/defensive back Caz Zyks (5-9, 165).

A good start to the season will be important for the Golden Eagles due to an odd scheduling quirk. They begin the season with home games against Moline, Johnsburg and an early homecoming game against Prairie Ridge on Sept. 11. They then hit the road for a crossover game at Grayslake Central before traveling to face Valley Division powers Cary-Grove and Crystal Lake South back-to-back away from Algonquin.