Scouting the Addison Trail Blazers

A year older, wiser and stronger, Addison Trail also plans to be a year better.

"For these juniors last year was the first time since the fifth grade that they lost a game," said first-year Blazers coach Paul Parpet Jr. "Last year was a learning curve for them."

Parpet Jr., a longtime defensive coordinator in the program, takes the helm from his retired father, who guided the Blazers for three decades. He inherits a program aiming for its first playoff appearance since 2006.

While the senior class forms the backbone of the team, the juniors - nine up on varsity last year - form the core of 14 returning starters.

At the head of the list is returning quarterback Anthony Catanese, who last season rushed for 441 yards and threw for 226. Catanese and running backs Nick Wisniewski and Anthony Beltrano represent the thrust of a run-first offense.

Unlike last year, though, the offense boasts explosiveness with the pass. Receiver Delricien Smith, a transfer from Florida, has tremendous speed and provides a solid 6-foot-2, 200-pound target for Catanese.

Another key is building a solid offensive line behind two-way standout Mike Imperiale and center Mike Morris.

"We've got a lot of skill this year," Parpet said. "But our goal is to put together a good offensive line that can bring it all together."

The strength of the team is the defense that returns nine starters. Linebackers Morris and Beltrano and cornerback Jack Andrews each have 18 varsity starts under their belts.

Linebacker Kevin Kent and lineman Matt Pokorny, a transfer from Immaculate Conception, bolster the unit.

Challenging defending West Suburban Gold champion Downers South won't be easy, but with last year's valuable experience the Blazers are a step closer.

"I can't tell you what exactly to expect," Parpet said. "But I can guarantee we'll be competitive."

The breakdown

Coach: Paul Parpet Jr. (first year).

2009 record: 3-6, 3-3, tied for third in West Suburban Gold.

Top players: Anthony Catanese (QB-CB, 5-10, 180, jr.); Anthony Beltrano (RB-LB, 5-8, 185, sr.); Mike Imperiale (OL-DL, 6-2, 210, jr.); Kevin Kent (LB-RB, 6-0, 185, jr.); Mike Morris (C-LB, 6-0, 210, sr.); Jack Andrews (CB, 5-8, 160, sr.); Delricien Smith (WR-CB, 6-2, 195, jr.); Nick Wisniewski (RB, 5-11, 200, jr.); Matt Pokorny (DL, 5-10, 205, sr.); Greg Schultz (CB, 6-1, 180, jr.); Vince Beltrano (S, 5-10, 185, jr.); Jesse Colin (DL, 5-11, 220, sr.); Anthony Messina (LB, 5-10, 195, jr.).