Christian Liberty focuses on quality, not quantity
Christian Liberty Academy knows the numbers aren't yet in their favor.
But the Chargers aren't about to use them as an excuse, either.
"Would I like to have 30 players?" asked second-year coach Dave Daniels. "Sure I would. But I'll take the 17 or 18 we do have."
Promising seniors back and hoping to end a streak of winless seasons at two include H-back Jimmy Calkins, running back Diego Cardenas, receiver/safety Tommy Froma and linemen Trey DeFalco and Nick Gonzalez.
Add to them a capable, athletic senior quarterback named James Pittman, and the numbers don't appear quite as daunting. Pittman was a varsity starter in the Mid-Suburban League a couple of years ago at Palatine before transferring into Christian Liberty and sitting out last year.
Daniels expects tough sledding against the usual Northeastern Athletic Conference powers such as Ottawa Marquette, Chicago Hope and Rockford Christian Life. But he also sees opportunities to pick up the kinds of wins that could help generate better numbers in the program for the future.
The best version of Christian Liberty may take a while to show up this season, as pass-catching junior tight end Jimmy Cunningham will miss the early action as he heals a broken wrist.
"I'd say he has the best hands on the team," Daniels said.
Others expected to make big contributions include senior safety/linebacker Caleb Schiller (who will also play tight end until Cunningham's return) along with senior lineman Paul Wesner.
Meanwhile, the numbers game continues. Daniels says every man on the roster will be important, and he hopes a modicum of good health helps his group stay competitive.
"It's a challenge - no question it is," he said. "But we're not the only team in our conference that has that challenge. I think there are four teams in our league that will have 20 or fewer players, so we're not alone."
The Chargers open up Saturday with a road game against one of the squads that gave them trouble last year, Luther North. The Wildcats finished 4-5 last season but were competitive against even the NAC's top teams.
"Last year, watching game film, we'd be in the right place most of the time but we just couldn't finish," Daniels said. "This year it's got to be about playing until the whistle blows."
Joining Daniels on the coaching staff are assistants Bob Lamick, Nick Roto and Chris Carter. All four coaches have their background at St. Viator, which has brought a certain unity of spirit to the sidelines at Christian Liberty.
"Our kids are really working hard," Daniels said. "We'll take it one play at a time, and try to get ourselves a win or two - I know that would make a big difference."