St. Edward wants to take things one step further
One step further than last year.
That's been the goal sixth-year coach Mike Rolando has asked his players to aim for every season since he took over in 2005. And the mindset hasn't changed on the heels of the Green Wave's 6-4 record in 2009 and first playoff appearance since 2003.
"Every year we've instilled the mentality that we want to get better than the year before," Rolando said. "The kids have caught onto it in every aspect: academics, discipline, respect. That translates to the win-loss records and it translates to the playoffs."
Going one step further in 2010, he said, means winning at least six regular-season games and garnering a home playoff game. St. Edward has reached the postseason three times since the IHSA instituted the playoff system in 1974, but the Elgin school has never hosted a playoff game at Greg True Field.
If the 26 players on the varsity roster stay healthy this fall, St. Edward could find itself under Friday night postseason lights for the first time come Oct. 30.
Senior quarterback Ben Lehman (6-1, 195), the area's leading passer last season, returns to lead the offense. As a junior, he completed 87-of-194 passing attempts for 1,425 yards and 16 touchdowns. Ten of his passes were intercepted. Rolando believes Lehman has the ability to play Division I college football.
Opposing coaches think highly of the St. Edward signalcaller as well. Rolando said when the Green Wave competed at passing tournaments this summer, more than one opposing coach told his quarterback to model his footwork and mechanics after Lehman's, who honed his skills in the off-season at 20 college camps and received tutoring from a private quarterback instructor.
"He's not only been working mentally but physically, developing as a quarterback," Rolando said. "He's a leader by example. He's your ideal type of player. He doesn't get flustered. We expect him to be the leader of our team."
Lehman's second-leading receiver, Sam Pozezinski (6-3, 190) is also back in the fold. The senior made 17 receptions last season for 431 yards and 7 touchdowns. Rolando said the addition of several juniors who went 9-0 on the sophomore level will add to the depth at wide receiver, including Matt Brockner (5-11, 160) and Zack McQueen (5-11, 175). Senior Mark Olenek (5-9, 155) did not play last season but will also factor in the passing game.
However, Rolando stressed St. Edward will first and foremost remain a north-south running team "because that's what wins playoff games in the state of Illinois in November."
Key to such a running game is junior tackle Evan Finnane (6-1, 250), a college prospect who was invited to participate in elite camps in the off-season. He'll anchor a smaller but more athletic line than last season, one that also returns seniors Derek Porto (5-10, 195) at guard and Zach Trisilla (5-10, 255) at center.
Running the ball will be returning back Jon Keokanlaya (5-11, 190). The senior only carried 24 times last year but was able to carve an average of 6.3 yards per attempt. Sophomore Maurice Jackson (5-9, 195) and freshman DeVontae Elam (5-11, 180) add additional punch to the backfield.
Several of the same faces will appear on the defensive side of the ball, where only three starters return. The leading returning tacklers from last season are Keokanlaya (38), Finnane (35) and Pozezinski (33). Lehman could also see time in the secondary. Juniors like Luke Duffy (5-11, 185) and Mark Sink (6-0, 175) will play important roles.
As appetizing as a home playoff game and a possible title in the Gold Division of the Suburban Christian Conference sound, Rolando won't let his players start thinking about dessert before the main course. One step at a time, he preaches.
"We can talk about our long term goals, but everything we're focused on is Hampshire," Rolando said of the season opener.