Giving some unsung heroes their due

St. Charles East football coach Mike Fields affectionately refers to these players as "Ralphs."

With all apologies to the guys out there named Ralph, what Fields is talking about are the unsung players.

They may not be household names but their contributions are truly appreciated by their respective coaching staffs.

"They're the guys who day in and day out just go about their business," said Fields. "The studs are 'Zachs' and 'Tylers.' Those other guys are 'Ralphs.'"

Here are some of this season's "Ralphs":

Marmion is out to an 8-0 start and has received superb play from two-way standout T.J. Lally, QB Bobby Peters, and mammoth senior tackles Graham Glasgow and Jake Winkel.

However, the Cadets probably wouldn't be in the position they're in without players like punter/place-kicker A.J. Friedman, defensive lineman Tyler Boyd, offensive linemen Mike Zolfo and Tyler Heinen, tight end Ryan Kolka, and wide receiver Phil Kloc.

"A.J. is probably going to play a vital role next week (against Montini)," said Cadets coach Dan Thorpe.

"Tyler Boyd, our nose guard, definitely has been one of our unsung heroes," added Thorpe. "Look at Mike Zolfo (center) and Tyler Heinen (guard) -- they didn't play much last year but they've been valuable starters on our offensive line."

Kolka began the year at fullback before being moved to tight end, where he has been ever since the season opener.

"Ryan has really stepped up for us at tight end," said Thorpe. "We didn't know who our tight end would be coming into the season."

Kloc, meanwhile, may not get style points for his route running but he receives rave reviews from his coach.

"He catches ugly and runs ugly patterns but he plays with all heart, he catches the ball and he blocks people," said Thorpe.

Led by third-year starters Joe Camiliere and Blake Serpa, and other standouts like Tyler Callaghan, Taylor Andrews and two-way lineman Jimmy Doyle, Kaneland is a win away from an unblemished regular-season record.

But the Knights likely wouldn't find themselves on the doorsteps of a 9-0 mark without the help of seniors Curtis Secrest, John Kintz, Omarr Maldonado, Kyle Davidson, Zach Ganz and Ben Kovalick.

Upstate Eight Conference River Division champion Geneva (6-2) has its share of unsung players -- guys like tight end Connor Einck, defensive end Beau George and linebacker Jake Powers.

"These guys don't get much credit but they're unsung heroes who are good teammates," said Vikings coach Rob Wicinski.

"Connor has turned himself into a multi-faceted threat at tight end," the coach added. "He had played some at quarterback and wide receiver in the past but we were thinking he'd be a defensive end at the start of the year. Instead, he's been real solid at tight end."

George entered the season as a jack-of-all-trades type of player. Now, he's the Vikings' starting defensive end.

"He was a utility guy at every position -- fullback, linebacker…," said Wicinski. "We made the decision to switch him (to DE) right before (training) camp started.

"We told him that he'd get a fair shake -- a chance to compete for a starting spot. Beau may be one of our biggest surprises."

Powers, a junior, was a freshman 'B' team player who had mixed results as a sophomore before dedicating himself to getting better -- and bigger.

"He lived in the weight room during the off-season," said Wicinski. "And he didn't miss a practice. He made himself into a better player.

"That usually doesn't happen to guys between their sophomore and junior seasons," the coach added. "They normally don't get it that soon."

By the time players get to be seniors, some are experienced veterans while others are first-time varsity starters.

"Of our 11 defensive starters last year, eight of them had never started before -- not even at the freshman or sophomore levels," said Wicinski.

While junior Noel Gaspari's development at quarterback has been one of the keys to Batavia's (4-4) improvement, a few lesser-known players have also paid dividends.

"When we played Larkin, Alex Mace locked down (Royals receiver Trevor) Whitehead and held him to one catch for 15 yards," said Batavia coach Mike Gaspari.

Gaspari also praised the efforts of junior offensive lineman Nick Pappas and senior punter/linebacker Ben Allison.

"Nick has really improved over the course of the season," said Gaspari. "He was a 'B' team player in eighth grade. Now, he's our starting right tackle.

"We wouldn't be where we are without him. Plus, he's a straight-A student and a quiet, soft-spoken kid."

Allison's punting has served as an extra weapon for the Bulldogs.

"We look at punting from an offensive standpoint," said Gaspari. "A good punt can be like a gain of 35 to 40 yards. Ben has done a great job helping us gain field position with his directional punting."

St. Charles North has rebounded from a slow start, thanks in part to the play of unheralded junior wingback Will Ohlrich, defensive back Ryan Jones and senior offensive lineman C.J. Van Petten.

"Will doesn't get the ball that much but he has become a great blocker," said North Stars coach Mark Gould. "He's a very unselfish kid who never complains and understands his role."

The North Stars' defense has struggled at times but not because of the efforts of Jones.

"Ryan has been one of our steadiest players on defense," said Gould. "We put him on other teams' best receivers. The last game (against Batavia) might have been the best he's ever had.

"It's one position I haven't had to worry about."

Van Petten, who was a 185-pound sophomore two years ago, is now a 260-pound lineman.

"He's one of our leaders," Gould said of the two-year starter. "And he's one of the toughest kids we've ever coached. He has had two bad shoulders since junior year. They pop out at least once a practice and two or three times a game.

"He'll need surgery when the season is over but doctors told him that he can't do any further damage by playing. He goes through a great amount of pain but he loves to play."

Although St. Charles East (2-6) hasn't enjoyed a winning campaign, it has had solid performances from fullback Jerry Fialka, defensive back/wide receiver Ryan Shaffrey, guard/defensive tackle David Lyon and wide receiver/punter Kevin Russell.

"Jerry and Ryan didn't play football last year," said Fields. "Jerry transferred from West Chicago and had to sit out while Ryan concentrated on baseball.

"This is David's first year playing football where he hasn't been hurt," added Fields. "He plays both ways and I know opponents scheme against him on defense. And Kevin has done a great job for us. He had four catches for 70 yards last week (vs. Elgin)."