Scouting the Lisle Lions
As with all football teams, health and consistency will help determine Lisle's season.
The Lions certainly have got the players.
A wealth of starters returns to the offensive and defensive lines, in addition to senior quarterback Jay McGrath, who missed the last two games of 2017 due to injury.
"A two-year starter, he's our leader. He'll be very good," said Paul Parpet Sr. coach.
Since most players who ran the ball last season have graduated, the power wing ground game will be retooled.
Senior A.J. Casmer, junior Demetrius King, 2017 backup quarterback Aidan Lombardo, varsity newcomer Dylan Laue and sophomore Michael Walker - a gifted linebacker prospect, Parpet believes - are part of the package.
When McGrath play-fakes he'll have returning tight end Nick Martich, Demetrius Kellie and Connor Nigro to pass to, plus newcomer Jakub Kowal.
Supporting them all will be a veteran offensive line that includes Martich as a key blocker. Conner Keebaugh and three-year starters Charlie Waldusky, Zach Zikuda and Kevin Paz are back and mentoring incoming linemen such as center Aaron Harris.
Defensively, Paz led last year's squad with 66 tackles, 8 for loss, to earn all-Interstate Eight Small honors. Zikuda's 3 sacks tied for the lead, and Zikuda, Nigro and Waldusky each made at least 20 tackles last season.
Again, they must remain healthy. Particularly playing four IEC Large opponents, Lisle also can't afford untimely penalties and turnovers. Last season the Lions were minus-7 in turnovers.
As Parpet often says, his boys' effort is never an issue.
"Our first-line players have been there before and they know what it takes, and I think that's the big thing," he said.
One to watch: Easy. Ten-time defending conference champ Wilmington visits Week 3.
The breakdown
Coach: Paul Parpet Sr. (fifth year, 16-21; 34th year overall, 174-143).
2017 record: 3-6, 2-3, tied for third in the Interstate Eight Conference.
Top players: Conner Keebaugh (OL-DL, 5-10, 185, sr.), Demetrius Kellie (RB-DB, 5-8, 155, sr.), Aidan Lombardo (QB-RB-DB, 5-10, 165, jr.), Nick Martich (TE-LB, 6-3, 190, sr.), Jay McGrath (QB, 6-1, 195, sr.), Connor Nigro (RB-DB, 5-11, 165, jr.), Kevin Paz (OL-DL, 5-10, 240, sr.), Charlie Waldusky (OL-DL, 5-11, 210, sr.), Michael Walker (RB-LB, 6-1, 245, so.), Zach Zikuda (OL-DL, 5-9, 230, sr.).
- Dave Oberhelman
Schedule
Lisle
Fri, 8/24, Lisle at Harvard, 7 p.m.
Fri, 8/31, Manteno at Lisle, 7 p.m.
Fri, 9/7, Wilmington at Lisle, 7 p.m.
Fri, 9/14, Lisle at Peotone, 7 p.m.
Fri, 9/21, Herscher at Lisle, 7 p.m.
Fri, 9/28, Reed-Custer at Lisle, 7 p.m.
Fri, 10/5, Lisle at Streator, 7 p.m.
Fri, 10/12, Sandwich at Lisle, 7 p.m.
Fri, 10/19, Lisle at Coal City, 7 p.m.