Scouting the Benet Redwings
After scoring a total of 43 points last season, Benet’s defense had to be near perfect.
With nine starters back on that side of the football, the Redwings are in a much better position to live up to those lofty standards.
Perfection may be out of the question, but improvement from a one-win campaign is virtually guaranteed thanks to the boost of last year’s sophomore team that went 16-2 at the lower levels.
“These juniors know how to win,” said Benet coach Pat New. “We’ve got guys who have been working hard for two years and we want that hard work to pay off.”
Benet returns experience at all three levels of the defense starting with Charles Melka and Steve Tyznik up front. Jack Crain will be a force at middle linebacker while Pat Runger, Jack Toner and Porter Ontko bolster the secondary.
The defense represents Benet’s clear strength after last season the unit allowed a touchdown to 10-win Nazareth and held Marist’s potent offense to its lowest point total of the year.
“We’re trying to build on what we did last year on that side of the ball,” New said.
Offensively, the key will be young skill players supported by an experienced line returning Ball State-bound Jarrid Lloyd, Quinn Hartigan and 6-foot-9 basketball standout Sean O’Mara.
In addition to the return of Jack Euritt and Ontko at wide receiver, Benet will rely on newcomers at many of its skill spots. New believes 6-6 sophomore quarterback Jack Beneventi projects as a scholarship player, and he also expects a strong debut from junior tight end Nick Surges, who also will play linebacker.
Benet hopes to be balanced with the pass and run, meaning running back Nick McTarnaghan will see plenty of touches.
If the offense improves like New expects, it’ll make the defense that much more effective. The combination will help the Redwings survive the always-tough East Suburban Catholic Conference.
“Improvement is what we’re focusing on,” New said. “With the players we have, we think we have the talent to do that this season.”
— Kevin Schmit
The breakdown
Coach: Pat New (third year, 6-13).
2011 record: 1-8, 0-6, East Suburban Catholic Conference.
Top players: Jarrid Lloyd (OL, 6-6, 260, sr.); Porter Ontko (WR-DB, 6-0, 180, jr.); Jack Toner (DB, 6-2, 161, sr.); Charles Melka (DL, 6-3, 235, sr.); Jack Crain (LB, 6-0, 195, sr.); Jack Beneventi (QB, 6-6, 185, so.); Jack Euritt (WR, 6-4, 185, sr.); Nick Surges (TE-LB, 6-2, 210, jr.); Nick McTarnaghan (RB, 6-0, 165, jr.); Steve Tyznik (DL, 6-2, 245, sr.); Quinn Hartigan (OL, 5-9, 240, sr.); Pat Runger (DB, 5-11, 185, sr.).
Schedule
Fri, 8/24, Washington at Benet (Benedictine), 7:30 p.m.
Sat, 9/1, Benet at South Elgin, 1:30 p.m.
Sat, 9/8, Benet at St. Patrick, 11 a.m.
Fri, 9/14, Rich Central at Benet (Benedictine), 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 6/21, Marian Catholic at Benet (Benedictine), 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 6/28, Benet at St. Viator, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/5, Nazareth Academy at Benet (Benedictine), 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/12, Marist at Benet (Benedictine), 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/19, Benet at Joliet Catholic, 7:30 p.m.