2010 Fox Valley All-Area Football Team

Sam Babick Cary-Grove

This 6-foot-1, 170-pound linebacker stepped into the starting lineup for the first time and became a defensive force for the 8-win Trojans. Babick led Cary-Grove in solo tackles (60) and assisted tackles (33). The junior registered 2 sacks, 4 tackles for losses, forced 5 fumbles and blocked 2 punts. “Sam did an excellent job of understanding the defense,” Trojans coach Bruce Kay said. “I know (defensive coordinator) coach (Don) Sutherland utilized his ability to get to the football. Sam had a very, very good junior year.”

Jake Bernstein Crystal Lake South

Widely considered one of the finest offensive linemen in the state of Illinois, this 6-foot-4, 280-pound physical marvel's dedication in the weight room made him the driving force behind an offense that gained 3,583 total yards. Committed to play SEC football at Vanderbilt, this Class 7A all-state selection finished the season with 69 pancake blocks “He really dominated,” CL South coach Chuck Ahsmann said. “Not only would he block to the whistle, we had to be careful on the sideline because Jake sometimes would push his guy all the way into us. Guys couldn't escape Jake because he's so big.”

A.J. Bilyeu Bartlett

Bartlett's junior quarterback took big strides in his second varsity season, literally and figuratively. The 6-foot-3 signalcaller rushed 69 times for 306 yards and 8 touchdowns. He also completed 105-of-157 pass attempts for an area-best completion rate of 66.9 percent. Bilyeu threw for 1,437 yards, and his 19 touchdowns were more than twice his interception total (9). “He really came a long way with his decision making, cut his turnovers down and threw for more yards,” Bartlett coach Tom Meaney said. “The coaches gained more confidence in him and he gained more confidence in himself. He's an extremely hard worker in the off-season. He does it the right way.”

Brad Birchfield South Elgin

Named Offensive Player of the Year in the Valley Division of the Upstate Eight and selected to the IHSFCA Class 8A All-State team, this third-year varsity performer was a threat to score every time he touched the ball. He led the Storm ground attack with 139 carries for 796 yards and 13 touchdowns. The senior also caught 13 passes out of the backfield for 283 yards and 2 receiving scores. Birchfield's excellent speed allowed him to score 2 touchdowns on kick returns and another on a punt return. He finished the year with 1,653 all-purpose yards and 108 points scored. “I thought he ran the ball exceptionally well,” South Elgin coach Dale Schabert said. “And some of the catches he made, I had goose bumps.”

Jordan Dean Elgin

Elgin's senior captain was a threat to score whether he was playing in the defensive secondary, at running back, wide receiver, or returning a kick or punt. Named Defensive Player of the Year in the River Division of the Upstate Eight Conference, he made 3 interceptions, posted 38 solo tackles and 5 assists. Dean also scored on an 85-yard punt return against St. Charles North. Offensively, the repeat All-Area selection rushed 95 times for 458 yards (4.8 avg.) and 6 touchdowns. He also made 18 receptions for 213 yards and 2 more scores. “Once again he had an impact at every single position he played,” Elgin coach Dave Bierman said. “When he got the ball in his hands it could be six points no matter where he was on the field.”

Domico Failla South Elgin

This 6-foot-4 senior developed into the top receiving threat for the Storm. “Mico had the luxury of learning from a pretty good mentor in Jake Kumerow last year, and he took those lessons into this year and built on them,” South Elgin coach Dale Schabert said. “He learned to come get the football and adjust his routes based on coverage. He had a great season.” Failla led the Storm with 29 receptions for 510 yards and 5 touchdowns, and he rushed 7 times for 44 yards. His highlight catch of the season occurred in a playoff victory over Warren when he caught a deflected pass in the end zone while lying on his back. He also played defensive back in nickel situations.

Evan Finnane St. Edward

An all-SCC Gold and All-State academic team selection, this two-way lineman provided strength in the trenches for the most successful team in St. Edward history. Playing left tackle, this junior helped pave the way for an offense that rushed for 2,370 yards, threw for 1,795 yards and allowed only 8 sacks in 11 games. A second-year starter at defensive tackle, Finnane notched 59 tackles and finished with team highs in sacks (6) and forced fumbles (6). “He's just a big, physical presence on both sides of the ball,” St. Edward coach Mike Rolando said. “He's very aggressive on defense and spent a lot of time in the backfield.” Finnane was named all-SCC Gold.

Zach Karys Bartlett

The area's second-leading receiver paced Bartlett's passing game for the second season in a row. The 5-10, 170-pound junior made 35 receptions for 778 yards and his 10 touchdown catches were tied for the most by any area receiver. Karys also started in the secondary in the second half of the season and notched 3 interceptions, 10 tackles and recovered a fumble. “He came in and played some corner and safety when we needed some speed back there,” Bartlett coach Tom Meaney said. “It's great to have a track kid with his speed. He'll probably be playing both ways next year.”

Jon Keokanlaya St. Edward

An all-SCC academic and All-State academic first teamer, this two-way co-captain of the Green Wave was a key contributor on both sides of the ball for a team that won the SCC Gold and secured the first playoff victory in school history. As a fullback, the 5-foot-11, 190-pound senior rushed 77 times for 575 yards and 8 touchdowns. The linebacker was second in tackles (84) for a defense that limited opponents to 233 yards and 11.7 points per game. “He was like a defensive coordinator on the field for us,” St. Edward coach Mike Rolando said. “He was able to quickly read plays and use his speed to get into the backfield.” Keokanlaya was named team defensive MVP.

Kenny King Crystal Lake South

This 6-foot-1, 170-pound senior used his speed and size to become an impact skill-position player on both sides of the line of scrimmage for the outright FVC Valley champs. King made 41 receptions for 660 yards and 6 touchdowns. He also carried the ball 11 times for 117 yards. Defensively, the cornerback led the area with 8 interceptions and made 25 tackles for a defense that held opponents to 233 yards and 14 points per game. “Kenny was just a ballhawk,” CL South coach Chuck Ahsmann said. “His experience as a senior helped him pick off a lot of balls and he had the speed to recover from any mistake.”

Ben Lehman St. Edward

The area's leading passer was named Player of the Year in the Suburban Christian Gold after completing 106-of-219 attempts for 1,799 yards and 14 touchdowns. The mobile quarterback also rushed 54 times for 407 yards (7.5 avg.) and 4 touchdowns. “He was our leader on and off the field in-season and in the off-season,” St. Edward coach Mike Rolando said of the Green Wave MVP. “What a solid kid to have at quarterback the last couple of years. I'm proud of him because he just got better and better. We'll miss him sorely.”

Tre Llanes Burlington Central

A repeat all-area selection, this senior was a key contributor for the Rockets on both sides of the ball. Central's leading rusher for the second straight season, he finished the year as the area's fifth-leading rusher with 847 yards and 11 rushing touchdowns on 130 carries (6.5 avg.). A starting weak-side linebacker for the second straight season, he used his speed to help Central's improving defense limit its final four Big Northern East opponents to an average of 14.5 points per game. “His speed on the defensive side helped us quite a bit,” Burlington Central coach Aaron Wichman said. “Tre was one of our most consistent players all year.”

Adrian Martinez Elgin

This 5-foot-11, 210-pound offensive lineman/linebacker became a force for Elgin after dedicating himself in the weight room. The Maroons counted on Martinez for his leadership throughout their first playoff season since 2001. “He got everybody lined up right and made all the right calls for us,” Elgin coach Dave Bierman said of the all-UEC River honoree. “He made our defense run. He's a physical kid who knew where he needed to be.” Martinez finished the season with a team-best 55 tackles, 49 solo. He gave Elgin a 7-0 lead in its first playoff game in nine seasons when he returned a fumble 60 yards for a touchdown against Carmel.

John McMahon Jacobs

An all-Valley Division offensive lineman, this 6-foot-3, 255-pound senior moved from guard to left tackle during the season. His blocking allowed the Golden Eagles to rush for over 2,100 yards on their way to the school's first playoff berth since 2006. “Boy, I wish he was only a junior,” Jacobs coach Bill Mitz said. “He's a very, very physical whose best days are still ahead of him. He's a good, hard-nosed football player who will get even stronger in coming years.”

Dennis Moore Elgin

A hard-hitting safety on defense and a fleet-footed ball carrier on offense, this junior emerged as an impact player on both sides of the ball in the Upstate Eight's River Division. The all-UEC River selection rushed 73 times for 538 yards and 8 touchdowns and made 4 catches for 22 yards. Defensively, he made 44 tackles (35 solo), led the Maroons in interceptions (4) and recovered a fumble. Also Elgin's kicker, he made 27 extra points and led his team in overall scoring (81 points). He opened the regular-season finale against Metea Valley with a 94-yard run that helped clinch the program's first playoff berth since 2001. “He's a tough kid with great closing speed at the safety position,” Elgin coach Dave Bierman said. “We knew he was going to be good, but he still surprised us as a junior.”

Alex Morrow Streamwood

This talented running back was leading the area in rushing until an ankle injury ended his campaign prematurely after 5½ contests. Before he was injured the 5-foot-10, 187-pound junior had rushed 111 times for 748 yards (6.7 avg.) and 7 touchdowns. “We really challenged him to get stronger and be a more physical, north-south runner this year, and he really took it upon himself to do the work necessary to improve,” Streamwood coach Cal Cummins said. “I expect him to come back and have a very good year next year.”

Drew Ormseth Crystal Lake South

An IHSFCA Class 7A All-State selection and the honorary co-captain of the Daily Herald All-Area team, this three-year varsity quarterback relied on his combination of skill and experience to lead the Gators to their first title in the Fox Valley Conference since 1993. The area's most lethatl double-threat, the 5-foot-10, 175-pound senior not only completed 79-of-147 passes for 1,438 yards and 17 touchdowns, he also rushed 135 times for 1,045 yards and 16 touchdowns. “According to our system, he had a quarterback rating of 163.2,” CL South coach Chuck Ahsmann said. “That would get him a lot of money in the pros.”

Brian Polubinski Bartlett

This agile 6-foot-2, 210-pound defensive end used his speed to track down ball carriers for the UEC Valley Division champions. A member of the defensive line rotation as a sophomore for the 2008 semifinal team, he finished his third varsity season with a team-high 73 tackles. “He'll chase anything down,” Bartlett coach Tom Meaney said of the all-UEC Valley honoree. “He'll chase across the field and close real well. If it's a pass, he'll track down the ball. He's a hustler on defense.” Polubinski finished the year with 5 sacks, 5 hurries, 1 forced fumble, a fumble recovery and a blocked kick.

Sam Pozezinski St. Edward

Named to the IHSFCA Class 4A All-State team, this 6-foot-3, 190-pound senior was a stalwart on both sides of the ball for the SCC Gold champions. As a wide receiver, he made 29 receptions for 615 yards and 7 touchdowns. Also named St. Edward team MVP and SCC Gold Defensive Player of the Year, the safety finished the season with 54 tackles, 11 pass breakups and 2 fumble recoveries. “He was known for his work as a wide receiver, but what he did on defense and his defensive presence get overlooked,” St. Edward coach Mike Rolando said. “When we were without him for a week and a half we really felt that loss. He was just a great player for us.”

Andrew Puccini Bartlett

An IHSFCA Class 8A All-State honorable mention selection and the co-captain of the Daily Herald All-Area team, this second-year running back helped lead Bartlett back to the playoffs after a one-year absence, courtesy of his hard-nosed rushing style. “When he got his legs moving he was really tough to bring down,” Bartlett coach Tom Meaney said of the 5-foot-9½, 180-pound senior. “Puccini led the area in rushing with 1,267 yards on 174 carries, an average of 7.3 yards per game. He finished tied for the area lead with 16 rushing touchdowns and made 12 catches for 95 yards.

Jake Randich South Elgin

Pound for pound one of the strongest players in the area, this tough-as-nails nose guard led the South Elgin defense in tackles with 44.5, including a whopping 14.5 tackles for losses. The 6-foot-tall, 250-pound senior notched 4.5 sacks and recovered 2 fumbles for a team that won 7 games and the first playoff game in program history. “He was phenomenal,” South Elgin coach Dale Schabert said of the all-UEC Valley pick. “He would get double teamed, but he'd still be a terror on the center. He wrestled for years, which helped him move along the line laterally and keep blockers off him.”

Danny Sarillo Cary-Grove

One of three returning starters from the 2009 state championship team, this senior strong safety played a key role for a defense that held opponents to averages of 258.9 yards and 14.3 points per game. Sarillo finished second on the team in tackles (51), including 43 solo tackles. He also registered 6.5 tackles for a loss, forced a fumble and recovered two more. “Danny defended the run and the pass extremely well,” Cary-Grove coach Bruce Kay said. “He led by example all year and his play will certainly be missed.”

Trevor Whitehead Larkin

An IHSFCA Class 7A All-State selection, this wide receiver broke Larkin single-season records for receptions (74) and receiving yards (1,258), both area highs in 2010. He also caught 7 touchdown passes. The 6-foot, 180-pound senior carried the ball 14 times for 56 yards and a touchdown. His 1,314 total yards accounted for 52.1 percent of Larkin's offensive output. “He by far exceeded our expectations,” Larkin coach Michael Scianna said. “No one could have expected what Trevor did. He runs very good routes and he's very disciplined. Because he understood the plays and timing, he still made catches later in the season when he was double teamed. He's a special kid.”

Caz Zyks Jacobs

In his second varsity season this 5-foot-10, 165-pound junior tailback developed into one of the area's top rushers. The all-FVC Valley selection finished second in the area in rushing with 1,087 yards on 183 carries (5.9 yards per attempt). He also made 9 receptions for 65 yards and a touchdown. “I've been around a lot of good football players and he's right there them all,” veteran Jacobs coach Bill Mitz said. “He plays like a 200-pounder, physical and tough. Caz is a special player.”

Honorable mention

Bartlett Russell Martin (Sr., TE/CB), Mike Partyka (Jr., MLB), Dan Pawlus (Sr., OL), Mark Pszczolkowski (Sr., OL/DL), Zach Shriver (Sr., OL), Aaron Thabuteau (Sr., S/RB)

Burlington Central Michael Kellenberger (Sr., WR/DB), Dominick LoPiccolo (Sr., OL/DL), Brandon Westergaard (RB/LB)

Cary-Grove Cole Connington (Sr., TE), Corey Laktas (Jr., QB), Sam Mago (Jr., NG), Ryan Mahoney (So. RB), Patrick O'Malley (So., FB), Rich Kersten (Sr., OL)

Crystal Lake South Fahn Cooper (Sr., OT), Andy Garces (Sr., G), Phil Hespen (Sr., G), Kean Loupee (Sr., WR/DB), Bolek Mikulec (Sr. RB), Brad Walovitch (Sr., WR/S)

Dundee-Crown Danny Sharp (Sr., RB/DB), Steve Schwartz (Sr., WR/DB)

Elgin Travonn Hall (Jr., DL/OL), Earl Holloway (Jr., WR/DB), Dan Muenzer (Sr., LB), Toby Schimel (Sr., DL/OL)

Hampshire Mike Kuefner (Sr., RB/DB)

Huntley Brandon Gaston (Jr., OL/DL), Tim Lycos (Sr., QB/DB), Dylan Neukirch (Sr., WR/LB), Josh Symbal (Jr., LB)

Jacobs Paul Ehrlich (Sr., DE), Henry Gigeous (Jr., TE), Jason Judson (Jr., QB), Grant Rizza (Sr., LB), Kyle Wright (Jr., FB)

Larkin Kyle Newquist (Jr., QB), Justin Banks (Jr., DB)

St. Edward Luke Duffy (Jr., RB/LB), Mark Sink (Jr., OL/LB), Zach Trisilla (Sr., OL/DL), Derek Porto (Sr., OL/DL)

South Elgin Christian Guerrero (Jr., OL), Jon Menken (Sr., QB), David Reisner (Jr., K), Kyle Rodriguez (Sr., DB), Jon Slania (Jr., OL)

Streamwood Alex Heinz (Sr., LB), Nick Pryor (Sr., WR/DB)

Captain's honor roll

1995 Eric Miquelon (Larkin)

1996 Vince Webber (Larkin)

1997 Vince Webber (Larkin)

1998 Matt Schabert (Larkin) and Kevin Kaplan (Cary-Grove)

1999 Matt Schabert (Larkin), Travann Hayes (Larkin) and Clint Reames (Jacobs)

2000 Dan Sheldon (Burlington Central) and Colin Williams (Elgin)

2001 Brett Borchart (Huntley) and Eric Kramer (Bartlett)

2002 Brad Podge (Bartlett) and Trent Steckel (Crystal Lake South)

2003 Doug Sanders (St. Edward) and Averill Sutchar (Bartlett)

2004 Kent Martin (Bartlett) and Brian Mitz (Cary-Grove)

2005 Jake Goebbert (Hampshire) and Alex Kube (Cary-Grove)

2006 Andrew Lorman (Cary-Grove) and Paul Duyckinck (Burlington Central)

2007 Sam Campbell (Prairie Ridge) and Cam Kinley (Larkin)

2008 Jordan Neukirch (Huntley) and Kyle Zelinsky (Bartlett)

2009 Jalen Williams (Larkin) and Eric Chandler (Cary-Grove)

2010 Drew Ormseth (Crystal Lake South) and Andrew Puccini (Bartlett)