Preview capsule: Lemont football

Eight starters return from a Lemont team that went 13-1 and placed second in the 6A playoffs, including six on defense.

So, naturally, Indians coach Eric Michaelsen is planning to hang his hat on his "D" in the early going. And why not?

Lemont allowed 7 points or less seven times last season, highlighted by wins over Richards (43-0) and Morgan Park (21-7).

"We're going to rely on our defense to give our offense time to gel," Michaelsen said. "But with the guys we have coaching on offense, I'm sure they'll find something we'll be able to be successful with."

Backfield: Senior running back Danny Hayes is back for an encore after rushing for 1,886 yards on 291 carries -- a 6.5 average. He led Joliet-area large schools in scoring (27 TDs, 162 points) and ranked second in rushing. He'll be surrounded by a new cast. Junior Mike Medwed and senior Kyle Cyr entered fall camp in a battle to take the QB reins from departed leader Nick Lawrence. Lawrence completed 83-of-155 for 1,396 yards.

"Nick was a smart player," Michaelsen said. "He did a nice job running our offense. The guys we have now are working hard and learning on the fly. But they don't have a ton of experience."

Senior Cody Kamberos and junior Danny Arenberg will play fullback. Jack Forrest is another running back to watch.

Linemen: Jimmy Purvin (5-11, 220) returns for his third year as a starter. Justin Schultz, Zach Howell, Alex Gikas, Dan McKevitt, Denny McAuliffe, Jared Bruns, Matt Gallet and Sean Connelly put the Indians in a situation to go 8-9 deep up front.

"We just have to develop some continuity and learn to work together," Michaelsen said.

Receivers: Trevor Murphy, Matt Aleman, Tyler Larek, Ross Kwasneski and Anthony Alvarez will rotate at the wideout slots. Matt Walaszek and Derek Nagel are the tight ends.

Linemen: Two three-year starters are entrenched up front -- Angel Cabral and Pat Driscoll. Cabral is the reigning 2A state heavyweight wrestling champion. Pete Vjestica and Stathi Giafis will play alongside them.

Linebackers: Three-year starter Connor Nagel heads a strong group. He was credited with 77 solo tackles and 44 assists in the Indians' drive to a second-place finish in 6A last season. Included were 9 sacks. Allan Wielgus, Mark Kaminski, Mike Jaeger, Bobby Whittingham and Kyle Krull look to feed off his energy. Krull is a sophomore.

Secondary: Nick Forzley is a three-year starter. He'll be flanked by James Tuscher, Rob Gialessas, Dan Lombardo, Clayton Fejedelem, Jeff Peters and Kevin Gallagher.

Medwed and Forzley are the leading contenders to take over placekicking and punting jobs. Hayes and Larek give the Indians a 1-2 combo of returners. The Indians, under Michaelsen, have become a perennial powerhouse in the South Suburban Blue and in the 5A/6A playoffs.

He has won nearly three-fourths of his games (59-21) since returning home to coach at Lemont in 2002.

"We want to continue the tradition," Michaelsen said. "Our first goal every year is to make the playoffs. Our second goal is to win conference. And, our third goal, is to win as many games as we can in the playoffs. We'll follow that same plan."

Hayes likely will show the way on the offensive side.

"He's worked hard in the offseason," Michaelsen said. "He's stronger. He's just as fast -- if not faster -- and he has that good vision. He knows he'll have to carry a load for us. He's going to be a leader. Hopefully, the other kids around him will fill in the roles for the team."