New league, familiar foe for Montini's Andriano

It's like a journey back in time.

This week Montini goes from facing (and soundly losing to) a young up-and-coming coach in St. Francis' Mike Fitzgerald to a man Broncos coach Chris Andriano hasn't coached against in 23 years.

On Friday Montini (4-3, 1-1) hosts Fenwick in a Chicago Catholic League Green Division game. The Friars, who feature Benet transfer and Iowa commit Jack Beneventi at quarterback, are coached by Gene Nudo, now in his third season at the Oak Park school.

Before Nudo went on to fame and decoration in the Arena Football League with the Arizona Rattlers, he was varsity coach at Driscoll. From 1989-91 he led the Highlanders to a 33-5 overall record and an unbeaten state championship in 1991, the first of Driscoll's eight state football titles.

Andriano said Nudo “owns me a little bit.” With only a 2-1 advantage Driscoll's way, it is just a little bit.

“He's very competitive. There isn't anything he will overlook in terms of coaching to get his team ready. He really does have control of the overall attitude of that program,” Andriano said.

“His kids play the game the right way, they love the game and they play real hard. He's definitely a positive influence for any program he's at. With Fenwick now, they've come a long way with him.”

Andriano has seen Nudo a couple times recently, at the Chicago Catholic League clinic last February and at a game this season, both coaches scouting. Andriano said Nudo has a dry sense of humor, “kind of a funny guy.”

“It's those Italians, it's got to be what it is,” Andriano said.

He won't be in a clowning mood from 7:30-10 p.m. Friday.

“All that stuff really goes out the window,” he said. “This is about the game, the kids, and we're fighting for a playoff spot. Me and Geno, we'll be able to hug and shake hands before the game, after the game, whatever. This is about 48 minutes of football, two good teams that'll be battling.”

Gopher it:

Lake Park defensive back Antonio Shenault had a feeling about the University of Minnesota back in August.

But he waited. With other scholarship offers on the table, and still more possibly coming along, the 5-foot-11, 185-pound senior wanted to take some time to weigh his options and settle into the season.

Last week the waiting ended with Shenault's verbal commitment to Minnesota, an announcement made via Twitter post that included a picture of himself wearing a Gophers jersey and holding a Minnesota helmet.

“I'm really proud of him,” said Lake Park coach Chris Roll. “He put so much thought into it. This is something he's worked so hard for. He's earned it.”

Among Shenault's offers was Iowa State, which is where Naperville Central linebacker Bobby McMillen is committed. Tempting as it was to join a friendly DuPage Valley Conference rival with the Cyclones, Shenault's connection with Minnesota was too strong.

Regardless, McMillen and Shenault will have a chance to chat about it when Naperville Central (6-1, 3-0) travels to Lake Park (5-2, 2-1) on Friday. The Lancers became playoff eligible with last week's 20-17 win over Glenbard North, and can clinch a postseason berth by beating the Redhawks.

“He was so loose after making the decision, you could really notice it in the way he played on Friday,” Roll said. “You can tell the weight's been lifted off his shoulders.”

Mirror images:

As Downers Grove North pulled away to last week's 33-14 West Suburban Silver victory over York, the winning formula looked awfully familiar to Dukes coach Matt Monken.

“They flipped the script on us,” Monken said. “The way they were able to run the ball on us, they beat us at our own game.”

The Trojans, with Kenny Yeo playing quarterback for injured David Edwards, rushed for more than 300 yards on nearly 60 carries and dominated time of possession. They did basically everything Monken likes to do with York's offense.

In the Dukes' 39-21 Week 6 win over Proviso West, for example, they ran the ball 55 times against only 8 passes for a total of 389 rushing yards. The offense ate up 30 minutes in time of possession.

York relies on a stable of runners. Lucas and Morgan Alexander, Kyle Coughlin and quarterback Bobby Dunn each has rushed for at least 300 yards and they've combined for 27 of the team's 32 touchdowns.

With an average of 275 rushing yards and 25 minutes in time of possession per game, it's no secret how York (4-3, 1-3) plans to forge its path to the playoffs. A win over either Lyons Twp. or Glenbard West in its final two games likely seals a postseason berth.

“Sometimes it's better to come out and be loose, so that's what we're going to try to do this week,” Monken said. “Let's just go out and do what we do best, and let the chips fall where they may.”

Identified:

Naperville Central senior running back Kevin Clifford has averaged more than 180 rushing yards the last four games.

In other words the Redhawks have found their offensive identity.

“Obviously, we're putting a bigger emphasis on running the ball,” said Naperville Central coach Mike Stine. “We're having success with it and we're sticking with it.”

Even with a developing passing game featuring junior quarterback Conor Joyce and receivers Michael Kolzow and Emmanuel Rugamba, the Redhawks have committed to the run for the long haul. It's the product of personnel growing accustomed to working together up front.

Seniors Mike Rauman and Alex Coates have combined with juniors Cooper Ludovice and Ryan Culhane and sophomore Trevor Campbell to form a cohesive unit on the offensive line. Aside from minor shifts, it's been the same group all season.

The continuity has shown with the Redhawks' offensive production, especially during DuPage Valley Conference play the last month. If the defending Class 8A champions make another run at a state title, the run game will play a major part.

“This group is getting better, but it takes time to work as a unit,” Stine said. “It's a work in progress for all of us.”

Lisle 101:

Upon entering his first season as Lisle's coach after decades coaching large-class football at Addison Trail and Downers Grove North, Paul Parpet Sr. said he'd need to become acclimated to coaching in a smaller program and learning the Interstate Eight Conference.

The verdict is in.

“I think the competition is very good,” said Parpet, a statement supported by Lisle's records of 1-6 overall, 0-5 in the league. “The teams, they all have plans. The teams are pretty well coached. Every head coach I've come across in the conference has been very nice, very professional. There've been no issues, it's been a good conference, a good experience. I like the small schools, and they take their football very seriously.”

Parpet noted the true “Friday Night Lights” experience at Herscher, where from a distance the light standards could be seen amid acres of corn stalks. Yet again, last Friday Lisle led Herscher before the Lions' lack of numbers — down to 14 varsity players after injuries claimed tailback Nick Massura and lineman Isaac Wilk — caught up to them.

The dynamic Parpet and his staff will do well to recruit the hallways for more players next season to join the likes of junior quarterback Alec Van Volkenburg and sophomore mainstays Grant Haen and Mark McGrath. Parpet's years of experience, along with a veteran staff, should add to the experience in 2015.

“There's some things I learned just about the kids and the conference,” Parpet said. “But football is football, it's blocking and tackling. That's what it is. I think we can be very competitive, I really do. I think we can be very competitive if we just keep our bodies healthy.”

The bottom line:

Neuqua Valley coach Bill Ellinghaus summarized the Neuqua-Waubonsie rivalry, which plays its 17th game, including a 2012 Class 8A quarterfinal, Friday at North Central College in Naperville.

“I think this game is great for the community, great for the schools, great for the kids to play against other kids they know,” he said. “It's a great rivalry. There's no hatred. These kids like each other, they just want to beat each other in the worst way.”