Larkin expecting a turnaround season
An opponent that sleeps on Larkin does so at its own risk.
The natural inclination of any 2016 Larkin opponent would be to note the program's 1-17 record over the past two years and count a game against the Royals in the "should win" category.
That would be a dangerous inclination.
When turnaround specialist Dragan Teonic took over as coach at struggling Larkin three years ago, he put out a call to the athletes of every class within the Elgin school to step up and revive the program through a renewed commitment that would require discipline and sacrifice.
Each of the last two classes took strides toward making Larkin competitive again, but Teonic's call to action had the greatest effect on the Class of 2017. This fall Larkin fields eight third-year varsity players from that class along with several returning letterman.
Armed with a mix of speed and strength improved via their dedication to off-season weight training, the Royals are poised for a breakthrough season.
"This is one of the most competitive groups I've ever had," Teonic said. "I don't have to worry about these guys coming to practice or being on time. A second off-season has really made a difference. We had a core group of 35 that showed up for 80 percent of our weight lifting and summer camp stuff so we're light years ahead of where we've been this time of year. Now, it's down to the nitty gritty with guys who really want to do this. There's something special about coaching a group that's invested like that."
David Hibbler (6-0, 180) returns for his third season at quarterback. The senior completed 113 of 242 attempts for 1,401 yards last year. He threw 8 touchdowns and 8 interceptions. He also rushed 140 times for 421 yards and 3 scores.
Teonic calls Hibbler the strongest, most physical player in the program regardless of position and said he should be recruited as an outside linebacker or strong safety. Hibbler, who runs the 40 in 4.7 seconds, plays quarterback because his coach wants him to touch the ball on every play.
Josh Matison added 30 pounds to his frame and adds another job. In addition to playing linebacker for a third varsity season, he'll play offensive tackle.
Other third-year starters include: Jeremy Weaver, an outside linebacker and wide receiver; cornerback Denzel Goodwin, who will get carries at running back this season after lowing his 40 time from 5.3 to 4.78; ball-hawking defensive back/wide receiver Will Bowman; two-way lineman Omar Morales; and wide receiver/linebacker Nate Kohler.
That's not all. The Royals have dynamic talents in junior Kindrell "Nomo" Morris, DJ Ball and Ezra Leon, juniors who made an impact last season. Morris took over as the featured back in the seond half of the Elgin game and helped Larkin win the Town Jug. Also a returning varsity basketball guard, Morris doubles as a hard-hitting defensive back.
Ball is a skilled two-way player who plays "completely fearless," according to his coach.
Mobile two-way lineman Leon happens to be one of the strongest players in the program. He benches 300 pounds and deadlifts 500. His coach calls Leon "a natural lineman, physical and nasty."
"This could be a great year for us if our guys stay healthy and battle," Teonic said. "We have some games on the schedule where we think we stack up real well. I'm happy with the growth we've had from the last day of practice last year.
"Our motto is take the next step, whatever that means for us. Now it's a matter of whether they believe and are they confident because no one will give us anything. They're not sophomores anymore. They're seniors. Can they will us to victory?"