Scouting the Fenton Bison
Fenton enters its first season in the Upstate Eight Conference armed with experience.
"It's always great to have guys that have had the opportunity to have played in a varsity football game," coach Matthew Lynch said of the Bison's 16 returning positions.
Back are all-Metro Suburban Red offensive guard Julian Giles and Fenton's leading rusher and receiver of 2018 in Ethan Doliente and Diamon King, respectively. These and many other Bison won't be shocked by the speed of varsity football.
"You can't duplicate that in practice," Lynch said.
In 2018 Doliente ran for a team-high 690 yards with 4 touchdowns and led Fenton with 69 tackles at linebacker. King led Fenton with 35 receptions, 384 yards and 6 touchdown catches.
Giles will be joined on the offensive line by returning tackles Angelo Mendoza and Eric Moreno. Fenton's second-leading receiver in 2018, Andre Bess, can also provide a good target out of the backfield as a running back. Last year Bess ran for 190 yards and 2 touchdowns, averaging 8 yards a carry.
Doliente leads the defensive charge while big Marcel Rusiecki played eight games on the defensive line. They'll be joined by returning linebacker Vincent Eltman and Kevin Gonzalez, who made 23 tackles in the secondary.
Along with seniors Ricky Saucedo, Kevin Guevara, John Salgado and Ethan Queyquep, Fenton adds Danny Ramirez and Frank Krygier to its strength in the secondary.
The offense may need to ramp up after the graduation of three-year starting quarterback Kyle Cacioppo. Last year's backup, Nick Benn, and receiver Andre Reed were battling for the starting spot.
Lynch is enjoying the competition.
"It's a tremendous group of guys to work with," he said. "They have high character, a great work ethic."
One to watch: Fenton gets its first taste of Upstate Eight Conference football Week 1 hosting Larkin.
The breakdown
Coach: Matthew Lynch (third year, 6-12; 13th year overall, 39-74).
2018 record: 4-5, 2-3, tied for third in the Metro Suburban Red.
Top players: QB Nick Benn, jr.; RB-DB Andre Bess, sr.; RB-DB Ethan Doliente, sr.; OL-DL Julian Giles, sr.; DB Kevin Gonzalez, sr.; WR-DB Diamon King, sr.; OL Angelo Mendoza, sr.; OL Eric Moreno, jr.; WR Ethan Queyquep, sr.; WR Andre Reed, sr.; DL Marcel Rusiecki, sr.
- Dave Oberhelman
Schedule
Fri, Aug 30, Larkin at Fenton, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, Sep 6, West Chicago at Fenton, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, Sep 13, Fenton at Streamwood, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, Sep 20, Glenbard East at Fenton, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, Sep 27, Fenton at Bartlett, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, Oct 4, Fenton at Glenbard South, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, Oct 11, Elgin at Fenton, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, Oct 18, Fenton at East Aurora, 7 p.m.
Fri, Oct 25, Fenton at South Elgin, 7:30 p.m.