Addison Trail a more skilled team

A little older, a little wiser and a whole lot better.

That’s the goal for Addison Trail’s football team.

The Blazers won only twice last year with a lineup loaded with sophomores and juniors. Now that they have a year of varsity experience under their belts, it’s time to get back on a winning track.

Thirteen returning starters spread evenly on both sides of the ball. Add in newcomers like junior quarterback Mike Rybarczyk, and Addison Trail might just be ready to challenge for the title in the wide-open West Suburban Gold.

“After the season we had last year, it’s good to see we have guys who will be able to compete,” said Addison Trail coach Paul Parpet. “We need to be ready right from the get-go.”

Three of last year’s starting sophomores anchor the defense, including defensive back Matt Gontarek, last season’s quarterback. Eric Gilliam, last year’s team leader with 54 tackles, is one of three returning linebackers while Chris Lacni is back in the secondary.

Addison Trail traditionally hangs its hat on its defense. Despite eight juniors potentially starting, the Blazers plan to be strong again on that side of the ball.

Five juniors may start on offense, including nearly all the skill positions. Rybarczyk fits the system run by the Blazers, who plan to balance their run-heavy offense behind talented receiver Jaavion Bradley, who last season had 35 catches for 423 yards and 2 touchdowns.

But with offensive linemen Pete O’Connor, Danny Tomasello and Alex Arreguin returning in addition to tight end Anthony Nasti — all senior leaders — you’ll still see plenty of the ground game from running back Jim Wislek and Pat Gorniak.

“There is more skill on this team than any I’ve coached at Addison Trail,” Parpet said. “We still want to be known as a team that can run the ball, but we’ll also have the ability to move the ball with the pass.

More skill is a great first step toward a whole lot better.

“We’ll be able to do a lot to keep teams on their heels,” Parpet said. “That’ll be a big difference from last year.”

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Schedule

Fri, 8/30 Addison Trail at Glenbard South 7:30 p.m.

Fri, 9/6 Addison Trail at Hinsdale Central 7:30 p.m.

Fri, 9/13 Downers South at Addison Trail 7:30 p.m.

Fri, 9/20 Leyden at Addison Trail 7:30 p.m.

Fri, 9/27 Addison Trail at Hinsdale South 7:30 p.m.

Fri, 10/4 Morton at Addison Trail 7:30 p.m.

Sat, 10/12 Addison Trail at Proviso East 1:30 p.m.

Fri, 10/18 Glenbard West at Addison Trail 7:30 p.m.

Fri, 10/25 Addison Trail at Willowbrook 7:30 p.m.