Jacobs looking to rebound from rough campaign
A healthy mix of returning senior starters coupled with up-and-coming sophomores and juniors is what Jacobs is counting on to get back to the playoffs for the first time in three years.
The Golden Eagles won their first and last game of the 2008 season to finish 2-7, their worst mark in six years. This year, however, Jacobs is hoping the lumps it took last year translate to more wins and a better showing in the tough Fox Valley Conference Valley Division.
Coach: Dean Schlueter (53-61 in 13th season at Jacobs; 72-104 career)
Offensively, senior running back Dale Cook (5-foot-8, 155 pounds) returns after making an immediate impact last season. Returning senior starters Jason Cha (5-9, 195) and Calvin Huckabone (5-10, 215), along with junior tight end Paul Ehrlich (6-3, 190) look to provide stability on the offensive line.
At quarterback, it's a three-way race between senior Alec Starr (6-2, 180), junior Nate Andersen (6-0, 175) and sophomore Jason Judson (5-11, 160).
"It's a good competition between those three guys," said Dean Schlueter, who is entering his 13th year as head coach at Jacobs. "They're all pretty good athletes and that's what we're looking for at the position. All three can throw and run."
On defense, Brandon Huckabone (6-1, 200) and Ben Albano (5-9, 190) have solidified spots at linebacker while senior Mike Stein (6-0, 165) returns in the defensive backfield.
Judson and sophomore Caz Zyks (5-10, 165) are also looking for spots in the backfield. Sophomores Henry Gigeous (6-2, 175) and Maciej Kozlowski (6-3, 240) will be an outside linebacker and lineman, respectively.
"I think we've got good team chemistry," Schlueter said. "We've got some good balance and competition at every position and I think that competition is going to make us better every day."
