Talent, experience have Bartlett thinking big

Bartlett coach Tom Meaney is on record saying that this year's team might rank as one of the best in school history.

Although that history doesn't extend that far back given that the school is only 12 years old, Meaney's statement still carries some weight considering the Hawks own the area's longest postseason streak with eight straight trips to the playoffs.

So what makes this team stand out among the others? Simply put, Bartlett has ample talent returning on both sides of the ball. Senior quarterback Josh Hasenberg (6-2, 195) and senior inside linebacker Kyle Zelinsky (6-1, 215) headline the group of 13 returning starters.

Hasenberg set a single-season school record with 1,593 passing yards last year and threw 10 TDs. He welcomes back his top two receivers in seniors Cory Brown (6-0, 180) and Alex VanNess (6-1, 185) and two talented tight ends in junior Greg Partyka (6-3, 235) and senior Matt Pashawitz (6-2, 215).

Zelinsky -- a two-time first-team All-Area selection -- is back for his third varsity season after leading the Hawks with 76 tackles last fall. He currently has offers from five Division-I schools.

The Hawks also boast plenty of experience in the defensive backfield. Junior Mike Banks (6-0, 165) played every down last year. Seniors Steve Seemann (6-0, 185) and David Palma (5-9, 160) also return.

Two points of concern for Bartlett rest on the offensive line and in the offensive backfield. After losing their top running back and fullback to graduation, the Hawks will turn to senior running backs Corleon Richardson (5-9, 180), Fabian Libreri (5-10, 185), Eric Millon (5-7, 155) and Eric Elleman (5-7, 165) and senior fullbacks Andrew Gorski (5-11, 215) and Joey Lehto (5-8, 205).

Senior center Max Yep (6-1, 244) is back for his third varsity season. Senior right guard Sean Matheney (6-1, 210), senior right tackle Gianni Pietanza (6-4, 245), junior left guard Brendan Bauers (6-0, 220) and senior left tackle Mike Aiello (6-2, 265) will also contribute.

At defensive tackle, seniors Matt Paladino (6-0, 210), Dean Brady (5-11, 255) and Kyle Kirchoff (5-11, 270) and junior Joe Quartullo (5-8, 205) are in the mix. Seniors Dante Perez (5-11, 190) and Jason Massey (6-0, 185) and sophomore Brian Polubinski (6-2, 185) will see time at defensive end.

Joining Zelinsky at inside linebacker are senior Mike Andreuccetti (5-10, 190) and junior Grant Becker (5-11, 190). Junior James Crain (6-0, 195) returns as a starter at outside linebacker and will be joined by seniors Brandon Burck (5-10, 175) and Eric Ruzalski (5-10, 190).