Breakdown: Aurora Christian football 2009
Conference: Suburban Christian Gold
2008 record: 13-1
Post season advancement: Class 4A runner-up
Returning starters: Dean Griffing (OL), David Benson (OL), Dylan Smith (OL/LB), Donald Patterson (LB), Dan Earwood (LB/RB)
Key newcomers: Grayson Roberts (QB), Sheldon Magee (QB/WR), John Magee (RB/WR), Matt Luckman (WR)
What to watch for: The Eagles lost 10 defensive and eight offensive starters off last year's history-making team -- many of whom were varsity players for several years. This is almost a brand new Eagles team, but they still return some experience and speed. How quickly the new QB executes the offense will definitely set the tone for the season.
Coach says: "I'm real encouraged by the off season we had. It was really successful. I was encouraged with what I saw, how hard they worked. The bonding that went on was important for the chemistry because it is a lot of new guys playing new positions and playing time. When you have that combination, the hardest thing to get is that cohesiveness and that togetherness and caring about each other. That's such a big key for success on the field and I think that we really found it."
Key games: The Eagles travel to Montini in Week 5, which will be their first real test against the Blue division of their conference. The Broncos are annually tough, and this will be a great test for a rebuilt Eagles team. That game is followed by a home game against Class 2A state champs Immaculate Conception and then Week 8 features a contest against Class 5A state champs St. Francis.
Schedule:
8/28 DuSable, 7:15
9/4 Mendota, 7:15
9/11 at Chicago Christian, 7:30
9/18 Wheaton Academy, 7:15
9/26 at Montini, 1
10/2 Immaculate Conception, 7:15
10/9 at St. Edward, 7
10/16 St. Francis, 7:15
10/24 at Guerin, 1
