Maroons embracing optimistic attitude
Changes in store for offense
Additionally, Bierman is encouraged by his team's overall speed and the camaraderie shared by his players.
Add in that this year's junior class enjoyed a winning season on the sophomore level last year and there is reason to believe the Maroons can improve on their 1-8 record in 2008.
Add in that this year's junior class enjoyed a winning season on the sophomore level last year and there is reason to believe the Maroons can improve on their 1-8 record in 2008.
"All those intangible things will hopefully make a difference," Bierman said.
Coach: Dave Bierman (1-8 in 2nd season at Elgin; 46-95 career)
"All those intangible things will hopefully make a difference," Bierman said.
Expecting Elgin to bounce back from its first one-win season since 1981 and make the playoffs for the first time since 2001 might be asking a lot, but Bierman said he is setting the bar high for this year's group.
The Maroons will have a notably different look on offense this fall as Bierman scraps the spread attack he's relied on the past few years both at Elgin and Larkin for a more conventional approach.
The change is largely the product of a crowded and talented backfield that could help the Maroons establish an effective ground attack.
Senior Cory Michalik (5-foot-11, 190 pounds) returns at tailback and will be joined by juniors Jordan Dean (5-11, 175) and Earl Holloway (5-7, 165). Senior Craig McKenzie (6-0, 235) and junior Larry Lockett (5-11, 185) will handle fullback duties.
"With our personnel we have right now, it doesn't make much sense to do a one-back offense because we have a lot of backs," Bierman said. "It's our job as coaches to take what you have and make the best hand you can out of the thing. You have to look at your personnel and do your job to develop an offense around your best players."
Quarterback duties will likely be handled by senior Ryan Parks (5-9, 155) while junior Jake Meyer (6-0, 165) could also see time under center.
Senior Tim Newcombe (6-3, 183) is back at receiver after averaging 18 yards per catch last year. Senior Alan Walker (5-7, 145) and juniors Dan Muenzer (6-0, 192) and Will Wood (5-10, 170) will also contribute at wideout.
Senior center Kashev Dalmia (5-10, 205), senior guard Hector Hernandez (5-9, 203) and senior tackle Brad Kruse (6-1, 225) all return to the offensive line. Senior Erik Thiel (6-1, 175) moves to tight end and will be joined by senior Jeremy VanDerpluym (6-3, 205).
Junior tackle Toby Schimel (6-2, 217) is also expected to be a key contributor on the line. Junior guards Adrian Martinez (5-11, 210) and Will Lewis (5-10, 225) will be in the mix as well.
Improving defensively will be critical for the Maroons, who ranked last in the area in 2008 when they allowed 39.7 points per game.
VanDerpluym, Michalik and Martinez will handle inside linebacker duties while Muenzer and junior Tyler Lake (5-11, 160) will see time at outside linebacker.
Schimel, Hernandez and McKenzie are expected to bolster the defensive line. Senior Nikil Satish (5-11, 145), who played soccer last year, will wear a football uniform for the first time and join Walker, Newcombe and Lockett in the defensive backfield.
