Several area sophomores making contributions
With the 2009 season winding to a close, it's time to look at some of younger players who have made an impact on the varsity level around the area this fall.
Two of the highest profile sophomores we can expect to hear from in the coming years are Bartlett quarterback A.J. Bilyeu and Larkin quarterback Kyle Newquist.
Neither Bilyeu nor Newquist have eye popping statistics, but both have made significant strides that will only help them going forward. The two signal callers also appear to have the physical build for future success as Bilyeu stands 6-foot-4 and Newquist checks in at 6-2.
St. Edward sophomore Evan Finnane has played a key role for the Green Wave defense. Finnane, the younger brother of senior standout Shane Finnane, has 25 tackles and a pair of sacks.
Elsewhere, Streamwood has gotten production from two sophomores. Quarterback Dalton Lundeen threw for close to 300 yards before breaking his collarbone in Week 4. Running back Alex Morrow leads the Sabres with 65 carries.
Jacobs sophomore Kyle Wright announced his arrival in his second varsity game last week by running for 192 yards and two touchdowns against Dundee-Crown.
Last but not least, South Elgin sophomore David Reisner continues to play a key role as the Storm's kicker. In his second varsity season, Reisner has connected for three field goals and 13 extra points.
Conference title outlook -- Two weeks remain in the regular season and the area conference championship picture is taking shape.
Aurora Christian claimed the Suburban Christian Conference Gold Division title by beating St. Edward last week.
In the Upstate Eight, St. Charles East and Lake Park are tied atop the league standings at 5-0. St. Charles North, which plays the Saints in Week 9, is one game back and is the only other team with a shot at the UEC crown.
The Fox Valley Conference Valley Division title will be decided this week when unbeaten titans Crystal Lake South and Cary-Grove square off. The Trojans have won five straight conference titles.
In the Big Northern Conference, Richmond-Burton is in the driver's seat for the East Division title at 3-0 while Stillman Valley is 3-0 and atop the West Division. Both teams can clinch their respective championships with wins this week.
