Scouting the Fenton Bison
By Kevin Schmit
kschmit@dailyherald.com
It’s a phase of football not often seen at Fenton through the years, but you’ll see it plenty this season.
With the off-season hiring of longtime Riverside-Brookfield coach Otto Zeman as the team’s offensive coordinator, head coach Mark Kos is introducing a dynamic passing game to the Bison’s offense.
Kos insists the program’s traditional focus on the run is still an emphasis after the Bison rushed for more than 1,700 yards last season. Zeman’s legendary penchant for high-flying passing schemes at Riverside-Brookfield, however, more than hints at a change in philosophy.
“The kids were eagerly curious about the changes,” Kos said. “We’re not going to abandon the run but we’ll give defensive coordinators some trouble because we’ll prove we can run the ball and pass the ball.”
The focus of the offense turns to Sean Havlovic and Alan Geneva, last season’s offensive player of the year in the Metro Suburban Conference after he accounted for nearly 800 yards and 9 touchdowns running, catching and throwing the ball. Both players — Havlovic threw for 650 yards last year — will contribute at quarterback.
As with all of Zeman’s offensive schemes, several receivers figure in the passing game including Gervonta Walls, Frank DiLauro, Adam Kadlec, Dylan Fritz and others. Two linemen return in third-year starter Freddy Joyner and Ryan Rogers.
“We have a nice complement of skill guys,” Kos said. “Making changes is never easy but we’re coming along.”
Defensively look for several two-way players rotating through the lineup. Roman Castellanos at linebacker and Kadlec, who had 8 interceptions last season, in the defensive backfield lead the unit.
As two-time defending MSC champions, the Bison are no doubt aiming for a three-peat. They’ll just look a little different trying to achieve it.
“I sense a real hunger with our kids this season,” Kos said. “They believe in themselves and what we’re trying to do. They’re really looking forward to this season.”
— Kevin Schmit
The breakdown
Coach: Mark Kos (second year, 6-4).
2010 record: 6-4, 4-1, first in Metro Suburban Conference.
Top players: Alan Geneva (QB-RB, 5-10, 165, sr.); Sean Havlovic (QB, 6-2, 160, sr.); Freddy Joyner (OL-DL, 6-2, 250, sr.); Frank DiLauro (WR-DB, 6-2, 185, sr.); Roman Castellanos (RB-LB, 5-10, 205, sr.); Gervonta Walls (WR-LB, 5-10, 185, sr.); Eron McCoy (RB-DB, 5-6, 150, sr.); Ryan Rogers (OL-DL, 6-1, 195, sr.); Adam Kadlec (WR-DB, 6-4, 165, sr.); Josh Carasquillo (OL, 6-0, 265, sr.); Dylan Fritz (WR-DB, 6-2, 175, sr.); Joe Butz (LB, 5-11, 180, sr.).
Schedule
Fri, Aug 26 @ Leyden 7:30 p.m.
Fri, Sep 2 Maine West 7 p.m.
Fri, Sep 9 Rich South 7:30 p.m.
Fri, Sep 16 @ Springfield SE 7 p.m.
Fri, Sep 23 St. FrancisdeSales 7 p.m.
Fri, Sep 30 Ridgewood 7 p.m.
Fri, Oct 7 @ Glenbard South 7 p.m.
Fri, Oct 14 Elmwood Park 7 p.m.
Fri, Oct 21 @ Riverside-Br. 7 p.m.