ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — After being postponed since the fall due to the pandemic, high school football is finally back. Though teams will only be competing in a shortened six-game season with no postseason, players, coaches and fans alike are excited about the return of Friday Night Lights.
Practices officially began just over two weeks ago on March 3. The local slate in Arlington Heights for week one includes:
- Hersey at Rolling Meadows, 1 p.m. Saturday
- Buffalo Grove at Elk Grove, 1 p.m. Saturday
- Wheeling at Prospect, 1 p.m. Saturday
Last week, the Illinois High School Association announced more fans will be allowed in the stands for outdoor competitions in the state. The news followed updated guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health and will allow regions in Phase 4 to increase spectators from 50 people to 20 percent capacity for outdoor sports only
More Fans Allowed At IHSA Outdoor Games, State Finals Back
“We have been adamant in our discussions with IDPH that we believe we can safely and responsibly expand spectator guidelines without risking the general public to greater exposure to COVID-19,” IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson said.
Here’s a quick look at some of the local teams:
JOHN HERSEY HIGH SCHOOL HUSKIES
Courtesy of Coach Joe Pardun
Last season: 9-2 record, lost in the 2nd round of the playoffs to Lake Zurich
Key players:
- Quin Carpenter (Senior – RB/DB)
- Michael Somary (Senior – FB/DB)
- Max McCall (Senior – FB/LB)
- Ben Randall (WR)
- Josh Bontje (WR/DB)
- Ben Clawson (WR/DB)
- Anthony Morris. – RB/LB
- Ryan Gudaitis – OL/DL
Total players out for team this season (Varsity, JV, Fresh): 125
What has preparing for this unique season been like?
“Different than anything I have ever prepared for. All the routines, schedules, traditions, installs, practices, etc. have had to be altered. Yet, I believe it is a good lesson to learn how to adapt and not focus on what you can’t do, but focus on what we get to do and figuring out a way to do it well.”
What are some of the areas you expect this team to excel at, and how would you describe your offensive/defensive concepts?
“Our LB’s and Skill players are our most experienced groups on the team. Defensively we are a multiple 4-3 defense and offensively primarily spread with multiple variations/packages as well.”
With a short season, what goals have you set for this team, and what are some of your expectations for a successful season?
“It is always one of our goals to win the MSL East Division. Luckily that is still a possibility as we get to play all of our conference games. From my perspective a successful season would be playing all of our games, making the most of our time together and learning to prepare no matter what the circumstances are, as well as giving our seniors a great experience and some closure to this year.”
Interesting notes about your team:
“We have a small but tight and committed senior class. Their leadership throughout the entire
last year has been nothing short of outstanding. The classes really have a special and unique
bond that is evident when they are together. We will be young, especially on the OL/DL, but the
work of the players and the coaching staff will have them ready to compete.”
Any current players who agreed to play in college and where?
- Ryan Gudaitis – Scholarship to Illinois State University
- Max McCall – WashU
ROLLING MEADOWS MUSTANGS
Courtesy of Coach Sam Baker
Last season: 12-1 MSL East Champs, 7A semifinalists.
Key players and captains:
- Nick Tannhauser, senior captain, OL/DB
- Daniel Sobkowicz, senior captain, WR/DB
- Charlie Schmidt, senior captain, RB/LB
- Anthony Lara, senior captain, OL/DL.
Newcomers:
- Michael Radon, senior, QB/DB
- PJ Ford, junior OL/DL
- Ethan Groark, junior, WR/DB
What has preparing for this unique season been like?
This is my first season at Rolling Meadows. It has been extremely unique. It was hard to get consistency because of all the different protocols and starting stopping trying to figure out if we were going to have a season. It was also unique preparing in a short amount of time when you normally have a full summer. I’m just really happy for these kids and these seniors that they finally get to play.
What are some of the areas you expect this team to excel at, and how would you describe your offensive/defensive concepts?
We will still be utilizing a spread offense and an aggressive 3-4 defense. These have been staples of Mustang football and we want to continue this, along with making specific tweaks for our different talent this year.
With a short season, what goals have you set for this team, and what are some of your expectations for a successful season?
Our seniors have set a goal of winning the MSL East. They want to carry on this tradition. With us being inexperienced this year and the league being up again, it is going to be a big challenge for us. But one that we are chomping at the bit for.
ELK GROVE GRENADIERS
Courtesy of Coach Miles Osei
Last season: 2-7
Key players:
- Ian Ridge – Sr – RB/DB
- Joe Gaskill – Sr – QB
- James Trost – Sr – OL/DL
- Sebastian Batko – Sr – OL/DL
- Josh Bilodeau – Sr – LB/WR
What has preparing for this unique season been like?
“Ever-changing daily guidance and environment.”
What are some of the areas you expect this team to excel at, and how would you describe your offensive/defensive concepts?
“We expect them to exceed previous years standards and expectations.”
With a short season, what goals have you set for this team, and what are some of your expectations for a successful season?
“Make the most out of the 6-week season. This is borrowed time we can use to move our program forward.”
PROSPECT KNIGHTS
Courtesy of Coach Dan DeBoeuf
Last season: 8-3, 2nd round playoffs
Key players:
- QB Gary Moeller
- RB Luke Zardzin
- WR Tyson Splinter
- WR Noah Marx
- WR Frank Covey
- OL Matt Pankauscas
- OL Sam Tsgallis
- LB Peyton Burgh
- LB Jacob Grziak
- DB Jake Winski
- DB Wes Neumann
- DL Ben Sahakian
- DB Gino Paredes
What has preparing for this unique season been like?
“Constantly changing schedules and plans. Our team has done a great job adapting and improving.”
What are some of the areas you expect this team to excel at, and how would you describe your offensive/defensive concepts?
“Offense broke school record for PPG last season and we return all listed above.”
With a short season, what goals have you set for this team, and what are some of your expectations for a successful season?
“HAVE FUN! Enjoy being together, and compete for an MSL Title.”