Scouting: Brooks at Kaneland
By Dave Oberhelman
Brooks
at Kaneland
Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Last year: Did not play.
Outlook: Having lost its last six games in the seven-year series and also seeking to maintain another nonconference rivalry, Burlington Central opted out of its usual season opener against Kaneland. Knights coach Tom Fedderly hooked up with Sycamore coach Joe Ryan and Rochelle coach Kevin Crandall, who also needed Week 1 opponents, to find somebody. They each got teams out of the Chicago Public League to fill the open slot. “They wanted to come here and we’re going there next year, so it worked out for us,” Fedderly said of Brooks. The Eagles last season finished 3-6 but went 6-4 with a playoff berth in 2009. About all the coach knows about Brooks, which plays in the CPL’s Illini Heartland Division, is the Eagles will run multiple formations, from Pro I to spread. Kaneland will have to be on alert for anything, in other words. “That’s kind of how it always is in the first game,” Fedderly said. “You never really know how people are going to come out. They might put new stuff in over the summer.” Brooks coach James Brooks might feel the same way given Kaneland graduated many players from last year’s outstanding 12-1, Class 5A semifinal season. What he should know is the Knights will still go with the spread offense, just led by sophomore David Drew instead of graduated veteran Joe Camiliere. With a rookie behind center — a big perk is Kaneland returns its offensive line nearly intact, headed by two-way senior Ben Kovalick — Fedderly may find creative ways to get stellar senior receiver Quinn Buschbacher the ball. Buschbacher himself doesn’t need much help, and may end up at least approximating the 27.3-yard average he gained returning kickoffs. With a bevy of experience gone from the skill positions this is now the team of players like Buschbacher, Sean Carter — himself an all-conference wideout in the Northern Illinois Big 12 last season — Kory Harner and two-way guy Jacob Razo. This game may also provide a showcase for untested young speedsters like Jesse Balluff. “We always have to be ready for anything,” Fedderly said, and so will Brooks.
Next week: Kenwood at Brooks, Sept. 3; Huntley at Kaneland, Sept. 2.