JT building on team play

Spirits are high at Township High School as the Steelmen begin the process of returning to a separate football program at each of the two campuses, Central and West.

The freshman team at Central is being coached by Jason Cappel, who last season was the defensive coordinator for JT coach Jason Aubry. Thomas Williams, late of Rich Central, has taken over that role for the combined Steelmen.

JT did not win a game a year ago, going 0-9 against its rugged Southwest Suburban Blue schedule. But the Steelmen played well defensively for the most part and consequently were in many of their games.

The key this season is a togetherness that began building in the summer.

"We're stressing no individuals," Aubry said. "We want to be a team, be together as a team. Individuals make great plays, but teams win games. That's what we're trying to stress."

Backfield: Senior Justin Stephenson, who completed 97-of-228 passes for 1,062 yards last season, will be the quarterback in JT's one-back set. Three seniors -- Maurice Larkins, Mike Olson and Jerome Sharpe -- are vying for time at running back. "They'll all have to be able to catch the ball besides run with it," Aubry said. "Maurice is a big, quick athlete. Michael is smaller and has a lot of energy. He weighs about 140 pounds but you aren't going to outwork him. Jerome is a fireplug. He's just ripped, strong and fast."

Linemen: The offensive line, led by four-year varsity player Joe Guenther at tackle, "had a tremendous offseason," Aubry said. "Those guys are partners. They love being together. This will be the strongest line on and off the field that I've had here." Guenther will be joined by left guard Mike Galvin, center Joe Orlando, right guard Jordan Johnson and sophomore right tackle John Hosey. The others are seniors.

Receivers: The receiver candidates are many. Juniors Merrick Hunter and Jordan Broadway join seniors Ronald Jordan, D.J. Foster and Alex Kershaw. Jordan caught 24 passes as Ronald Mitchell a year ago, before changing his name. "It's a nice mix of big kids and shorter ones with great speed," Aubry said. "I'm pleased with their work ethic."

Linemen: Senior Nick Zamora, a returning starter, moves to defensive end after spending last season in the middle. Senior Michael Flores is likely to man the other end spot. Three underclassmen -- sophomore Marlon Richard and juniors Joe Davis and Chris Ward -- are battling for time at tackle.

Linebackers: Joey Riddle, a standout at defensive end last season, moves to linebacker in the 3-5 set. He will be joined by seniors Anthony Monte and Isaiah Allen. Perry Adams, a starter at cornerback two years ago as a sophomore, and baseball standout Chad Carlson, a receiver last season, will play the outside linebackers. "Perry is a hybrid safety/outside backer who can run and bring the wood," Aubry said. "And Carlson we call 'The Wrecker'. He's another one who will hit you."

Secondary: The leader in the secondary is returning cornerback Wesley Powell, the basketball point guard. Kevon Craig, also a basketball player, is likely the other corner, with junior Mike Dziadyk and senior Stanley Moore leading candidates at safety.

Junior Tyler Kelly went through wide receiver drills during the summer, but Aubry has decided to have him concentrate on being the placekicker and punter.

"Field-goal kicking is his No. 1 asset right now, but he's working on his punting, too," Aubry said. "I think he'll do some great things for us. When we eclipse the 20- or 25-yard line, we're going to need to be able to get three points."

Aubry is entering his third season at JT, and he is searching for that something to put the Steelmen over the hump.

"It's there," he said. "We got what we need to get it done. Our guys did great things over the summer and they're continuing to work hard. If they continue that way, the winning will take care of itself."