Winning season isn't good enough

For a lot of prep football teams, a 5-4 record would be something to cheer about, but for Deerfield High's program, last season was a bit of a disappointment.

The Warriors are focused in 2008 to erase the memories of last year's struggles to concentrate on bigger and better things.

"Five-and-four isn't a bad record, but for our kids expectations, it was definitely a down year for us," said coach Steve Winiecki. "We plan on turning things around, and once again , battling for the (Central Suburban League North) conference title and make a serious run into the play-offs."

If the Warriors have any chance of doing that, the pressure might fall on the shoulders of senior quarterback Jason Hendel.

"He's our trigger man (last season)," said Winiecki. "He has a great grasp of the offense and everything we do goes through him."

Joining Hendel in the backfield will be running back Sean Sally, who along with junior Kyle Magnus , will see the bulk of the carries. Magnus will also play some wide receiver.

On the line, Deerfield has three returnees in Nate Atkins at tackle, James Fisher at guard and center Greg Larmore .

"I feel we will be much better offensively then last year," said Winiecki. "In addition to the guys returning, we have some underclassmen really battling for playing time."

On defense, the Warriors have only three returning starters in do-it-all linebacker Milos Antic, defensive lineman Andrew Rixon and outside linebacker Austin Crittenden .

"That's a pretty good nucleus," said Winiecki. "Again, we have a lot of players vying for the open positions."

Deerfield goals for the season are simple according to coach Winiecki: "Win our first game, win the conference and make some noise in the playoffs."

In the CSL North Division, Deerfield should be in the hunt along with usual rivals Highland Park and Glenbrook North.

"It should come down to one of the three of us," said Winiecki. "Highland Park should be pretty good and Glenbrook North is always one of the teams to beat, so we have our work cut out for us but we should be right in the thick of things."

If recent practices are any indication, the Warriors have put last year behind and Winiecki feels very confident in this bunch.