Storm eyeing breakthrough season
Whether South Elgin can break through for its first winning season in the four-year history of the program could hinge on this year's highly touted junior class.
While the Storm couldn't quite get over the hump on the varsity level during back-to-back 3-6 seasons, the Class of 2011 was busy doing damage on the lower levels. This year's juniors enjoyed a 7-2 record as freshmen and were 9-0 as sophomores a year ago.
(Andrew A. Nelles/For The Courier-News)
Coach: Dale Schabert (6-21 in 4th season at South Elgin; 67-68 career)
With several key seniors returning to the fold, the infusion of the junior class might just be enough to turn the tide.
"The juniors are a very close group, they have good camaraderie, they want to win and they are very competitive with each other," coach Dale Schabert said. "It's pretty neat to watch. If something breaks down, they keep hustling and keep flying around and they find a way to make a play."
Quarterback John Menken (6-foot-2, 185 pounds) will be in the most high-profile position among his junior classmates. Schabert praises Menken's willingness to listen and learn and calls his signal caller "an excellent athlete."
Menken will have several big targets to work with at receiver. Senior Jake Kumerow (6-4, 180) headlines the group and could be in line for a breakout campaign.
"Jake has grown up a ton," Schabert said. "He's gotten a lot stronger and a lot bigger. He had great hands to begin with. We challenged him on improving his athleticism in the offseason and he certainly has."
Senior Sean McGinn (6-0, 180) and juniors Domico Failla (6-4, 185), Ken Lowden (6-3, 180) and Derek Hurschman (6-0, 185) will also be key contributors at wideout.
Junior Bradley Birchfield (5-10, 180) is back for his second varsity season at running back. He'll be joined in the backfield by seniors Trevor Hansley (5-9, 190) and Desmond Perry (6-0, 165). Junior fullback Jake Randich (5-11, 225) is a key addition for the Storm after transferring from now-defunct Driscoll.
Schabert said the biggest concern for the offense is on the line as senior Jack Viverito (6-2, 200) is the only returner up front. Junior Jon Murillo (5-10, 220) could also be in the mix.
Senior Sean Kolber (6-3, 215) will be a force on both sides of the ball in his third varsity season. Not only will he provide another big target at tight end, but he'll also be the leader of the defense at linebacker.
Juniors Justin Wright (5-11, 200) and Brandon Vonsaga (5-9, 195) will also contribute as linebackers. Meanwhile, Hurschman and fellow junior end Andre York (5-8 180) will anchor the defensive line along with seniors Anthony Mastropieri (5-11, 240) and Nathan Reichold (6-4, 210).
Senior Mike Oskorep (5-9, 160) and junior Robbie Green (5-6, 140) are South Elgin's top cornerbacks while Failla leads a group of players that will see time at safety.
Last but not least, sophomore kicker David Reisner (6-0, 175) returns as a notable member of the special teams after an impressive freshman season.
