Scouting the Lake Park Lancers
Lake Park ended its time in the DuPage Valley Conference with its first playoff appearance since 2009.
Two in a row is the goal as the Lancers begin their time in the DuKane Conference.
It won't be easy with six playoff teams from last season on the schedule, including defending Class 7A champion Batavia. The graduation of 44 seniors and 17 starters creates even more uncertainty.
"Win or lose, we're probably not going to know these guys until the middle of the season," said Lancers coach Chris Roll. "We're coaching day by day now because we're just trying to get ready."
The Lancers' talent resides in the usual spot - on the line. Offensive lineman Patrick Panasiuk, the last of three Panasiuk brothers, holds a handful of scholarship offers, including Navy. Defensive lineman Isaac Moore has been offered by Indiana State and South Dakota.
Among the key graduation losses was two-year quarterback Jackson Behles, leaving juniors Carlos Feliciano and Dylan Curry competing for the job. Expect the Lancers to rely more on the run with the return of running backs David Hardwick-Kirkpatrick, who last year rushed for a team-high 776 yards and 7 touchdowns, and junior Jordan Colon, who was on varsity as a sophomore.
Moore had 6 sacks among his 69 tackles. He'll be joined up front by returning starter Kyle Holliday and DeMarco Lee. If the Lancers develop around returning linebackers Max Kaiser and Sean Cox, the defense will be as strong as past seasons.
Given the schedule, it'll need to be strong.
"It's hard to say how good the conference will be in the first year," Roll said. "I don't think anyone knows. Week 1 and 2 will probably be up in the air, but by Week 3 we'd better have enough confidence to play Batavia."
One to watch: The Lancers open DuKane Conference play Week 3 against defending Class 7A champion Batavia.
The breakdown
Coach: Chris Roll (eighth year, 28-36).
2017 record: 5-5, 5-3, tied for third in DuPage Valley Conference.
Top players: Patrick Panasiuk (OL, 6-3, 290, sr.), David Hardwick-Kirkpatrick (RB, 6-0, 210, sr.), Isaac Moore (DL, 6-2, 210, sr.), Kyle Holliday (DL, 6-3, 220, sr.), Nathan Reid (DB, 5-9, 170, sr.), Jordan Colon (RB-WR, 5-6, 162, jr.), Masen Riser (LB-WR, 6-1, 185, sr.), Max Kaiser (LB, 6-0, 190, sr.), Sean Cox (LB, 5-11, 200, sr.), Anthony Beacom (WR-DB, 5-9, 200, jr.), Carlos Feliciano (QB, 6-0, 170, jr.), Dylan Curry (QB, 6-0, 170, jr.), DeMarco Lee (DL, 6-5, 200, sr.).
- Kevin Schmit
Schedule
Lake Park
Fri, 8/24, DeKalb at Lake Park, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 8/31, Lake Park at Metea Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/7, Lake Park at Batavia, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/14, Wheaton North at Lake Park, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/21, Lake Park at St. Charles North, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/28, Glenbard North at Lake Park, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/5, Lake Park at Wheaton Warrenville South, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/12, Geneva at Lake Park, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/19, Lake Park at St. Charles East, 7:30 p.m.