Scouting the Lake Park Lancers
Another football season, another Panasiuk at Lake Park.
Make that two Panasiuks.
As older brother Mike embarks upon a college career at Michigan State, middle brother Jacub - a 6-foot-4, 265-pound senior defensive lineman also committed to the Spartans - will be terrorizing opponents for a third varsity season. Now the youngest brother, Patrick, is up as a 6-3, 265-pound sophomore to play, of all things, offensive line.
For a third straight season, the Lancers get to lean on two Panasiuk brothers.
"They each have different personalities and they're each good football players in their own ways," said Lancers coach Chris Roll. "We're lucky to have them."
Lake Park needs strong efforts from the entire roster to earn playoff qualification for the first time since joining the DuPage Valley Conference. Uncertainty is everywhere because of mass graduation losses and injuries to receiver Diamante Smith and offensive lineman Anthony Gulyk, but high hopes still exist for a breakthrough campaign.
Even with the graduation of Mike Panasiuk, the defensive line remains a strength because of Jacub Panasiuk and 6-2, 260-pound Matt Paulauskas. Perrion Winfrey is another talent on the line.
Thomas Zablocki was one of a handful of sophomores up last season, but he's the lone returning linebacker in a unit that includes Will Corliss. The defense must break in a new secondary.
Lineman Marc Vatch and receiver Tyler Davis, who had 21 catches for 211 yards, are the returning offensive starters. Roll is excited about the varsity debut of junior quarterback Jackson Behles, who came on strong at the end of the summer.
Running back Jarkeyse Brackett brings back some experience, as does Matt Latoria. Receivers Kobe Whirl, Danny Spejcher and Rashad Kwaja give Behles plenty of options.
"We've built up to this moment," Roll said. "As young and inexperienced as we are, this group has some talent."
One to watch: Week 3
A playoff appearance may hinge on the lone nonconference game against DeKalb.
The breakdown
Coach: Chris Roll (sixth year, 21-24).
2015 record: 4-5, 4-4, tied for fourth in DuPage Valley Conference.
Top players: Jacub Panasiuk (DL, 6-4, 265, sr.), Matt Paulauskas (DL, 6-2, 260, sr.), Thomas Zablocki (LB, 5-9, 180, jr.), Marc Vatch (OL, 6-0, 250, sr.), Tyler Davis (WR, 5-8, 150, sr.), Diamante Smith (WR, 6-1, 185, jr.), Anthony Gulyk (OL, 6-1, 210, jr.), Matt Latoria (WR-RB, 6-0, 200, sr.), Will Corliss (LB, 5-10, 185, sr.), Jarkeyse Brackett (RB, 5-9, 160, sr.), Darius Allen (DB, 5-8, 160, jr.), Jackson Behles (QB, 6-2, 180, jr.), Patrick Panasiuk (OL, 6-3, 250, so.), Kobe Whirl (WR, 6-0, 190, sr.), Perrion Winfrey (DL, 6-3, 250, jr.), Danny Spejcher (WR, 6-2, 185, jr.).
- Kevin Schmit
Schedule
Lake Park
Fri, 8/26, Waubonsie Valley at Lake Park, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/2, Lake Park at WW South, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/9, DeKalb at Lake Park, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/16, Naperville North at Lake Park, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/23, Lake Park at Wheaton North, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/30, Metea Valley at Lake Park, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/7, Lake Park at Glenbard North, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/14, Neuqua Valley at Lake Park, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/21, Lake Park at Naperville Central, 7:30 p.m.