Kaneland expecting improved defense

During last Thursday's annual Knights Under The Lights kickoff, a heavy rainstorm made its way into Maple Park compelling coach Tom Fedderly to cut the scrimmage short as players and fans ran for cover.

Fedderly hopes his defense can be just as disruptive, especially after the Knights surrendered more than 32 points a game a season ago.

"We're really emphasizing getting back to playing some good Kaneland defense," he said. "Obviously we have to do a much better job than we did last year, and a lot of those sophomore kids got a lot of experience and are bigger now."

The Knights couldn't have a better defensive coordinator in Joe Thorgesen. The former head coach, who spent 26 years on the Kaneland sideline before retiring after the 2006 season, is back.

"He makes such a big difference with the kids," Fedderly said. "When he talks people listen and he's here every day. It's just a great, great favor to me for him coming up here and I really appreciate him coming back."

The official Knights roster includes 45 players, so the numbers are up for the program, which should bode well for a team that historically has had to play more players both ways than it would like.

"Hopefully with the numbers we've got we won't need as many guys who have to go both ways," Fedderly said. "We've got 13 seniors this year and we're excited about the numbers that are coming in."

Senior defensive linemen Steve Tosaw and Will King and linebackers Tyler Suerth and Brett Ketza will be counted on highly to revive the defense.

Those who have had the opportunity in recent years to watch the Kaneland spread offense click usually make it a priority to circle future Fridays on their calendars. The Knights hope the same occurs this year even though there will be a lot of new faces trying to move the chains.

Sophomore Joe Camiliere replaces Jody Henningson at quarterback. The Knights also have 6-foot-2, 200-pound sophomore Blake Serpa who can handle the position, but he's expected to spend more time in the backfield. This will give Fedderly a chance to add some wrinkles throughout the year. Suerth and Erik Tattoni also will spend time at running back.

"Joe's a pretty efficient kid and has an accurate arm," Fedderly said. "We're going to move Serpa around. He's a big kid and can run the ball and we might put him in at quarterback too to see what he can do."

Last year the sophomore tandem of Ryley Bailey and Blake Kendrick made plenty of noise, surpassing 50 catches and 700 yards between them, while finding the end zone 7 times. This year, sophomores Taylor Andrews and Tyler Callaghan hope to be just as successful, joining Bailey, Kendrick and senior Hayden Johnson as the Knights' top receivers.

"There's a lot of tradition here and we expect to win," Fedderly said. "We really think we're going to win some ballgames this year."