Elk Grove hopes to keep good times rolling
Elk Grove has not won seven or more football games in three straight seasons since the program's glory days in the late 1970s under Don Schnake.
Outsiders may foresee a drop-off with the departure of a talented group led by all-area captain Nick Meyer. Brian Doll has a different picture after 14 victories in his first two years at Elk Grove.
"I'm pleasantly surprised and it's a tight group of kids," Doll said. "After all of the hoopla of last year I didn't know what we'd really have.
"But we got a lot stronger physically and there are a lot of positive things going on right now."
That starts with powerful senior Dejan Basara, who takes over at quarterback for Meyer and will start at outside linebacker. Doll said Basara's throwing has improved significantly thanks to off-season work with Meyer.
"He's arguably our best defensive player, too, and he's pretty special," Doll said. "Dejan doesn't know what running away from somebody means. You hold your breath a little bit but you're watching a linebacker play quarterback."
Doll is also excited about the return of Fernando Lozano to what he thinks will be another talented receiving group that includes sophomore Mike Bishoff.
"I feel lucky another Bishoff can jump right in and start at wide receiver," Doll said of Bishoff's brother Joe, who was an all-area receiver and linebacker last year.
The Grenadiers expect to run the ball more with Stefan Skoneczka and Darren Little. Left guard Greg Johnsen returns up front to a junior-dominated group that lost Peter Ioakimidis (6-foot-5, 295 pounds) but is bigger across the board.
Johnsen will also start on defense where one of the biggest additions is Elk Grove grad Rick Magsamen to the staff. Magsamen ran the defense for two-time defending Class 8A champion Maine South and will help first-year coordinator Rob Pomazak as Doll takes over as offensive coordinator.
Sophomore John Assimakopoulos could be a force up front after dominating at the freshman and sophomore levels. Junior strong safety Dylan Edwards has been one of the Grenadiers' biggest surprises.
"I think people will be surprised by how (physically) strong we are," Doll said. "We'll be much more physical and faster than we were on defense."
With a goal of surprising those who may not expect much from the Grens.
Grenadiers at a glance
Coach: Brian Doll (14-7, third year)
Last year: 7-3, 4-1 (2nd East, 7A first round)
Probable starters
OFFENSE
Pos. Name Ht./Wt. Yr.
QB Dejan Basara 6-1/208 Sr.
TB Stefan Skoneczka 5-4/170 Sr.
or Darren Little 5-9/195 Sr.
LT Dan Egan 6-2/230 Jr.
LG Greg Johnsen 5-10/205 Sr.
C Martin Diaz 5-10/210 Sr.
RG Brian Mack 5-9/220 Jr.
RT Kevin O'Malley 6-1/260 Jr.
WR Fernando Lozano 5-10/170 Sr.
WR Jeff Miceli 5-10/170 Sr.
WR Kishan Patel 5-11/160 Jr.
WR Mike Bishoff 6-1/175 So.
DEFENSE
Pos. Name Ht./Wt. Yr.
DT J. Assimakopoulos 5-10/205 So.
NT Greg Johnsen 5-10/205 Sr.
DT Dan Egan 6-2/230 Jr.
OLB Dejan Basara 6-1/208 Sr.
ILB Darren Little 5-9/195 Sr.
ILB Luke Dybicz 6-1/190 Jr.
OLB Chris Barreto 6-0/175 Sr.
CB Fernando Lozano 5-10/170 Sr.
CB Luc Dimaso 5-9/150 Jr.
SS Dylan Edwards 6-2/180 Jr.
FS Jeff Miceli 5-10/170 Sr.