Youthful Maine West not just building for future

Looking at a starting lineup dominated by juniors, sophomores and even a freshman would seem to indicate a team building for the future.

Maine West coach Chris Hare clearly sees a bright future but also likes the current outlook.

"I still think we can win this year," Hare said. "The thing I like a lot is they're becoming more knowledgeable about the game, more disciplined and more efficient.

"Last year we hurt ourselves way too much but we've been pretty good so far about not doing those things."

Which is a good sign considering one of its senior starters, quarterback-safety Jake Korbecki, decided to come back after not playing last year. Korbecki started at quarterback for the sophomore team.

"He's definitely a good runner and he can throw, too," Hare said. "He's the dual threat at quarterback we like."

Junior tailback Raul Anaya also brings speed and junior Dan O'Hara returns to an all-underclass receiving crew. The offensive line features two-way returning starters in senior Rogelio Rodriguez and junior Dan Cardamone and freshman Kyle Cook at guard.

"He lives and breathes football," Hare said of Cook. "He fits right in. I definitely like the way he practices and works."

The defense still has battles at one of the ends and at safety which will probably be sorted out through game action.

O'Hara and Anaya return to start in a secondary that includes two-way sophomore BJ Lambert.

"I like our secondary," Hare said. "They make plays. If it's a jump ball they have the ability to not only intercept the ball but arrive to the ball and that's exciting.

"If we can stop the run I feel we can stop the pass pretty decently. Overall our speed is definitely better."

Now the key is getting the young players up to varsity speed as quickly as possible.

"It's exciting," Hare said with a laugh. "A little nervous but exciting."

Warriors at a glance

Coach: Chris Hare (7-29, fifth year)

Last year: 2-7, 1-4 (5th CSL North)

Probable starters

OFFENSE

Pos. Name Ht./Wt. Yr.

QB Jake Korbecki 5-9/155 Sr.

TB Raul Anaya 5-10/165 Jr.

LT Tom Heldak 5-10/180 Jr.

LG Joe Duszynski 6-1/260 Sr.

C Rogelio Rodriguez 6-2/240 Sr.

RG Kyle Cook 5-11/215 Fr.

RT Dan Cardamone 6-2/185 Jr.

WR BJ Lambert 5-8/160 So.

WR Dan O'Hara 5-11/160 Jr.

WR Matt Romano 5-11/160 Jr.

WR Trevor Krutsch 5-10/175 Jr.

DEFENSE

Pos. Name Ht./Wt. Yr.

DE Matt Finnander 6-3/215 Jr.

DT Rogelio Rodriguez 6-2/240 Sr.

DT Zach Watson 5-11/200 Sr.

DE Glen Beaty 5-11/190 Jr.

or Tom Heldak 5-10/180 Jr.

or Matt Solis 6-5/225 Sr.

LB Dan Cardamone 6-2/185 Jr.

LB John Manicke 5-10/165 Jr.

LB Anthony Giacone 5-11/175 Sr.

CB BJ Lambert 5-8/160 So.

CB Raul Anaya 5-10/165 Jr.

S Dan O'Hara 5-11/160 Jr.

S Jake Korbecki 5-9/155 Sr.

or Tristan Bakulinski 5-9/160 Sr.