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Scouting the York Dukes

By Kevin Schmit

kschmit@dailyherald.com

With receivers like this, you play to your strength.

That’s why York — known in recent years for its ability to pound the running game at teams — plans to exclusively utilize the spread offense this season. The Dukes still will lean on the run, but the personnel dictates an offensive shift.

“This is a really good group of receivers,” said Dukes coach Bill Lech. “We need to try and get them in space and make plays.”

Six-foot-three David Byerley and 6-5 Jordan Preuss combined for 54 catches, 1,100 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns last season. With Austin Wagner, tight end Mike Despinich, running back Ken Boesenberg and others in the mix, defenses will have their hands full trying to keep up with York’s passing game.

Boesenberg, who rushed for 385 yards, brings experience to the running game, but he won’t need to carry the load like graduated Ryan Kent, a 1,600-yard rusher last year. Returning guards Jacob Ruprecht and Lucas Rasnic anchor the line and Paul Golen moves from the defensive line to add depth.

The Dukes have two quality quarterbacks to lean on in senior Joe Lucca and junior Andrew Iwaszkiewicz.

“The offense will definitely look a little different,” Lech said. “If we can protect the ball we’ll score. We need to sustain drives and finish them.”

The Dukes may return only three defensive starters, but they have a clear leader in fourth-year varsity player Nick Skuteris. The 6-4, 240-pounder will play a mix of defensive line and linebacker.

Jason Scally returns on the line while Jason Rzeszutko is back at safety.

York may not have the defensive experience from a year ago, but Lech expects the group to mature quickly. The Dukes’ explosive offense should be able to carry the load early as they gear up to challenge Glenbard West in the West Suburban Silver.

“This is a different looking group, but there’s some talent,” Lech said. “We’ll be OK.”

— Kevin Schmit

The breakdown

Coach: Bill Lech (seventh year, 45-19; 67-45).

2010 record: 9-2, 5-1, tied for first in West Suburban Silver.

Top players: Nick Skuteris (DL-LB, 6-1, 240, sr.); David Byerley (WR, 6-3, 200, sr.); Jordan Preuss (WR, 6-5, 180, sr.); Ken Boesenberg (RB, 5-9, 185, sr.); Jason Scally (DL, 6-2, 225, sr.); Jason Rzeszutko (DB, 5-8, 175, sr.); Joe Lucca (QB, 6-2, 185, sr.); Andrew Iwaszkiewicz (QB, 6-1, 160, jr.); Jacob Ruprecht (OL, 6-3, 240, sr.); Lucas Rasnic (OL, 6-2, 215, sr.); Paul Golen (OL, 6-2, 265, sr.); Sean McDaid (K, 5-10, 190, sr.); Austin Wagner (WR, 6-1, 160, jr.).

Schedule

Fri, Aug 26 @ Rolling Meadows 7:30 p.m.

Fri, Sep 2 Hinsdale South 7:30 p.m.

Fri, Sep 9 @ Willowbrook 7:30 p.m.

Fri, Sep 16 Oak Park 7:30 p.m.

Fri, Sep 23 @ Proviso West 7 p.m.

Fri, Sep 30 @ Downers North 7:30 p.m.

Fri, Oct 7 Lyons 7:30 p.m.

Sat, Oct 15 @ Glenbard West 1:30 p.m.

Fri, Oct 21 Hinsdale Central 7:30 p.m.