Eagles look to maintain success in new conference

We've all been told to be careful what we wish for, but there are those certain few who not only wish for the best, but relish the challenges that come along with it.

The 2009 Aurora Christian Eagles are in that situation. This season is exactly what Aurora Christian has worked toward in the last six years, on a variety of levels.

1. They are now included in new, stronger conference.

2. They are coming off a state title game appearance, and a two-year stretch with a 25-2 record.

3. There is now an expectation of success.

While all positive, this also brings with it a new set of issues for a small, private school. The Eagles have graduated 18 of 22 starters from last year's Class 3A state runner-up team and lost another starter -- Matt Morse -- to baseball.

So 2009 represents another step in the process for the Eagles.

Maintenance.

"The positive is they've tasted success now two years in a row and they know what it takes to beat the really good programs in the state and win the big games," Beebe said. "The negative is now everybody is gunning after you. There are no 'easy' games. And high school kids, sometimes that's difficult for them to do, to play at a very high level every week."

Couple that with a few roster questions that head coach Don Beebe hasn't had to answer in a long time -- especially who is at quarterback? The Eagles enjoyed a stability at that position that very few, if any, high school programs have ever had -- two quarterbacks in five years.

Interestingly enough, there is no answer to that question yet. The competition has been between sophomore Grayson Roberts and junior Sheldon Magee. If it is Roberts, Jordan's younger brother, that gets the call on Friday, Magee is versatile enough to start at a skill position.

What is clear however is that Beebe is not a fan of the platooning at quarterback, so barring injury or subpar performances, the man under center Friday is in it for the long haul.

Another new issue to deal with is the Suburban Christian Conference's Gold Division and two crossovers with the Blue Division's top teams -- Montini Catholic and defending 5A champ St. Francis.

"This is exactly where I wanted the program to go when I took it over," Beebe said. "I've always been a person (that believes) if you want to be a great program and be a par to something big, you've got to play the best. With us being really a 2A team and playing the best programs in 5A, that's where you want to be.

"It's kind of like academics -- if you settle for mediocrity, you're going to be mediocre. If you strive to be the best, play the best. And now, we're playing the best and we have go try match them."

jowczarski@scn1.com Prep Football