'O' could carry Maroons

QB Roth has capable receiving corps

After three years of engineering offensive fireworks shows at Larkin, Dave Bierman is ready to bring his high-octane spread offense to his alma mater Elgin High.

Bierman takes over as the Maroons' new coach this year -- the fourth team he's led during his coaching career -- and it appears he might just have some of the pieces in place to duplicate the offensive success he enjoyed at Larkin.

Or at least it seems that way, judging from some of Bierman's comments.

"We've got the capability or the potential to be a team that can score at any time," Bierman said. "I think the kids understand not to worry if things don't go right early on in a game."

Matching Larkin's offensive exploits under Bierman won't be easy. After all, the Royals averaged 35.6 points, topped the 45-point mark three times and threw for almost 3,000 yards last year.

However, Maroons senior quarterback Tom Roth (6-0, 170) represents a step in the right direction toward a big offensive season. Roth, who is back for this third varsity campaign, was second to only Larkin's Cam Kinley in area passing stats last year when he threw for 1,686 yards and 16 touchdowns.

Roth has plenty of viable targets, starting with senior Jamal Cook (5-9, 173), who averaged 27.9 yards per catch last year when he tallied 559 receiving yards and eight touchdowns on 20 receptions.

Joining Cook in the receiver corps are juniors Tim Newcombe (6-2, 170) and Ryan Parks (5-9, 154), who will also back up Roth at quarterback.

"I think we've got some kids that if we can get them a little room and let them operate in some kind of space, they can do some great things for us," Bierman said.

Problems could arise for Elgin due to its lack of numbers. Only 29 players were on the varsity roster as of last week.

That could cause some issues on the offensive line, where the Maroons will lack size. But Bierman is encouraged with the play of senior guard Eric McGinn (5-9, 186) and junior guard Hector Hernandez (5-9, 205). Junior Erik Thiel (6-0, 170) will also be in the mix along the line.

Junior Cory Michalik (5-10, 180) is expected to get some carries at running back and senior Cody Thomas (5-5, 201) returns at fullback. Cook could also see some time in the backfield.

Senior tight end Joe Wade (6-0, 177) will also be a vital part of the offense.

On defense, Cook, Roth and Wade could all see time at defensive back while Thomas and McGinn are in the mix at linebacker.

Junior defensive end Julian Smith (6-0, 176), Hernandez and Thiel headline a group that will make up the defensive line.

Senior Adam Jazwiec (5-10, 228) and junior Jeremy VanDerpluym (6-2, 205) also figure to be key contributors on both sides of the ball for the Maroons, who are in search of their first trip to the postseason since 2001.

"We're going to have to be open with different schemes and formations and personnel groupings," Bierman said. "Hopefully we'll be able to rotate some kids through so they're not on the field for 48 minutes."