Chargers dealing with lack of experience
A favorable early season schedule might be just what Dundee-Crown needs this fall.
The Chargers return only four players who made significant contributions during last year's 3-6 varsity campaign, so coach Mike Davis' squad will need plenty of time to work out the growing pains.
Coach: Mike Davis (11-34 in 6th season)
In a welcome change of pace, for the first time in three years D-C doesn't open the season against state powerhouse Geneva. Instead, the Chargers travel to nearby Elgin in Week 1 before taking on Streamwood, Johnsburg and Grayslake North the following three weeks.
Those four non-conference opponents were a combined 6-30 last season. As D-C continues its quest to return to the postseason for the first time since 1994, gaining confidence early will be critical before entering into the always difficult Fox Valley Conference Valley Division portion of the schedule.
"The first three or four games I would hope are games we could be competitive in," Davis said. "But the guys have to learn quick. If we learn quick, we'll be OK. If we don't, we're going to struggle."
Senior Mateusz Drozdz (5-foot-10, 205 pounds) is the top returner on both sides of the ball and he'll be asked to carry heavy loads at linebacker and as the team's fullback.
Senior Mike Camacho (6-0, 260) returns at offensive tackle and senior Josh Boyle (5-11, 210) is also back on the offensive line. Senior tight end Geoff Clifford (6-6, 200) is the only other member of the team with noteworthy varsity experience.
"Our biggest weakness is that with the exception of about four guys, we don't really have anybody that played a lot last year," Davis said. "I guess the best way to put it is we are really inexperienced."
Junior quarterback Tanner Kotlan (5-9, 170) will guide the offense while juniors Danny Sharp (5-8, 170) and Steve Schwartz (5-8, 165) will handle running back duties. Schwartz will also see time at receiver with junior Nick Torres (5-9, 170).
Senior Mike Gaffney (6-0, 190) will start at center. Camacho, Boyle and senior Mike Hubbell (6-1, 305) will anchor the defensive line.
Drozdz will be joined at linebacker by seniors Dan Freund (5-10, 190) and Ryan Hagan (6-1, 180). Torres and Sharp will fill the cornerback positions while junior Miles Adkins (5-10, 190) and sophomore Julian Duarte (6-0, 180) are slated to play safety.
