Football: Carmel secures an improved football forecast

At Carmel, the theme is "turning over a new leaf" … without turning the ball over.

The Corsairs turned in a rare losing season (3-6) last year, and turnovers were a big problem.

"We had 22 turnovers in nine games last year," Carmel coach Andy Bitto said. "We've had seasons where we haven't had 10 turnovers in 13 or 14 games. When you average a turnover or less per game, you give yourself a great chance to win.

"When you're around two or three turnovers a game, it's ouch! In a league (East Suburban Catholic) like ours, you just can't do that and expect to win many games. It's going to come down to focus and protecting the ball this year."

A more experienced backfield running Carmel's triple option offense should help with that.

Back for the Corsairs are quarterback Jeremy Strutzel and running backs Rondel Jamison and Zavier Barnes. Halfback Myles Tramill, the quarterback of the sophomore team last season, will also get plenty of carries.

Jamison, who is getting plenty of attention from college scouts, including looks from Big Ten schools, rushed for more than 1,100 yards last season as a junior. With more than 1,300 yards as a sophomore, Jamison could challenge for Carmel's rushing yards record of 3,725 yards held by Jordan Kos.

"He's strong, he's fast and this is his third full year on varsity," Bitto said of Jamison. "He's going to be a scholarship kid in college. It helps a lot to have a kid like him on your team. It's kind of a situation where if all else fails in our offense, just give it to Rondel."

Defensively, the Corsairs aren't oversized, but have plenty of speed. They return three starters in linemen Jacob Sicco and Nick Snarski and Barnes at cornerback.

"Our emotional leader on defense is Jacob Sicco," Bitto said. "He's very determined. He's the kind of player who gets frustrated if he doesn't do well on a lift or if he's not fast enough on a shuttle run. He's a perfectionist and he plays hard every play and he brings that approach to the rest of the guys."

Another tough schedule looms for Carmel, which faced a state champion and a state runner-up last season.

"We're not messing around again this season," Bitto said. "But even with all the turnovers last year and losing several of our top players, all at the same time, we were still competitive.

"If we stay healthy and take care of the ball this year, I think this is a playoff team."