Addison Trail Blazers ready for running game

As the defending West Suburban Gold champion, Addison Trail's football team won't be resting on its laurels.

The Blazers plan to run all over them.

With running back Mike Hundley combining with an experienced offensive line, the Blazers' ground game will power the way to a drive at repeating.

"Our bread and butter will be the run game, especially early in the year," said Addison Trail coach Paul Parpet Jr. "Our run game has to carry us until our passing game comes along. We have to be able to pass the ball."

Hundley, who rushed for 300 yards against Willowbrook, averaged 7.6 yards a carry while running for 580 yards and 3 touchdowns on the season. He'll see plenty of carries, but there's also potential for offensive balance.

Quarterback Ryan Zygowicz played three games, including two in the playoffs, when he filled in for injured starter Mike Rybarczyk. Not only did Zygowicz throw for 500 yards and 4 touchdowns, that experience gives the Blazers a boost in getting the passing game up to speed.

Darrion Conrad has experience in the receiving corps, but beyond him it's inexperienced with talent like junior Steven Jones.

The defense suffered tough graduation losses, but key pieces remain from a unit that held five opponents to single-digit scoring. Zach Atiyeh and Josh Simko, shifting from the line, bring experience at linebacker while Matt Domek returns to the line and Nick Fugarino's back in the secondary.

"Every year the start of the season is exciting," Parpet said. "But it's even more exciting coming off a year like we had last season."

The breakdown

Coach: Paul Parpet Jr. (sixth year, 26-23).

2014 record: 9-2, 6-0, first in West Suburban Gold.

Top players: Mike Hundley (RB, 5-9, 160, sr.); Ryan Zygowicz (QB, 6-3, 175, sr.); Jose Acencion (OL-DL, 5-10, 208, sr.); Darrion Conrad (WR, 5-9, 165, jr.); Nick Fugarino (DB, 6-1, 170, sr.); Zach Atiyeh (LB, 5-9, 190, sr.); Josh Simko (LB, 5-10, 205, sr.); Matt Domek (DL, 6-4, 240, sr.); Steven Jones (WR, 6-2, 170, jr.); Andrew Lopez (OL, 5-11, 220, sr.).

- Kevin Schmit

Schedule

Addison Trail

Fri, 8/28 Addison Trail at Glenbard South, 7:30 pm

Fri, 9/4 Addison Trail at Oak Park-River Forest, 7:30 pm

Fri, 9/11 Addison Trail at Willowbrook, 7:30 pm

Fri, 9/18 Downers Grove South at Addison Trail, 7:30 pm

Fri, 9/25 Leyden at Addison Trail, 7:30 pm

Fri, 10/2 Addison Trail at Hinsdale South, 7:30 pm

Fri 10/9 Morton at Addison Trail, 7:30 pm

Sat, 10/17 Addison Trail at Proviso East,

Fri, 10/23 Glenbard West at Addison Trail, 7:30 pm