Mentor ready to encounter protege

First year Larkin coach Matt Gehrig is looking forward to facing Elgin and his former coach Dave Bierman. Bierman coached Gehrig at Burlington Central in 1996.
(Tyler Stoffel/For the Courier News)

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Matt Gehrig recalls it as one of the best times of his life.

The first-year Larkin football coach had no choice this week but to reflect on his days as a player at Burlington Central. The former Rockets two-way lineman played under Dave Bierman during those days, helping the program to a 7-3 record and a playoff berth in 1996.

"We really had a good group of guys who meshed together and worked hard together," Gehrig said. "And we really meshed well with coach. We loved playing for him."

On Saturday, Gehrig will oppose the man he still calls coach. The Royals will play host to the Maroons in the 48th meeting between the schools. Larkin leads the Town Jug series 29-17 in varsity competition. Kickoff is set for 11:30 a.m. at Memorial Field.

"One of the great things about coaching is when you go against a former player or coach of yours," said Bierman, the first-year Elgin coach who leads his alma mater after three seasons as the Royals sideline boss. "I think it adds a little something special."

Bierman won all three games against Elgin as the Larkin coach and Gehrig was on the Royals' staff for each of those victories.

Now, Elgin is trying to end a six-game losing skid against its crosstown rival. Bierman brings his 1-6 team in after its first victory of the season, a 47-13 whipping of East Aurora. The Royals (3-4) are still entertaining playoff thoughts.

Bierman and Gehrig have emailed each other at times this season, but visiting during the nine-week grind is difficult to do.

"It's not like we don't have many, many other things that we have to get done," said Gehrig, laughing.

Bierman, in his mid-40s will play the role of mentor in a battle in which he's accustomed.

The former Maroons player matched wits against Jim Hoffman years ago when Bierman coached Central and the ex-Maroon Hoffman led St. Edward.

Bierman also faced off against former Elgin coach Dick Stephens when he coached Bartlett while Bierman was at DeKalb.

Surely Gehrig will have a chance to visit with Bierman on Saturday.

"It's hard not to think about everything that's led to this point," Gehrig said. "The feeling is hard to describe."