Jacobs hoping to take that next step
Jacobs has been rising up the Fox Valley Conference charts with a bullet since hall of famer Bill Mitz took over.
The Golden Eagles finished 6-4 in 2010 and 7-3 in 2011, each campaign resulting in a playoff berth.
With nine starters returning to a defense that held opponents to 16.9 points and 248 yards per game, the Golden Eagles aspire to become chart toppers.
“I feel we will play very good defense,” Mitz said, “Offensively, there are some weapons if we get the ball in their hands. We can’t wait to get this thing started.”
The defense is spearheaded by third-year defensive end Adam Kulon, a Toledo recruit. Last season the 6-foot-4, 240-pound senior made 67 tackles, 7 tackles for loss and nabbed 4 sacks.
An all-area pick, the two-way starter also played offensive tackle for a unit that averaged 389 yards per game. No Jacobs player saw more playing time in 2011 than Kulon.
“He had a great summer,” Mitz said. “He worked hard in the weight room, which is evident with the MAC offer he got.”
Nose guard Tim Regan (6-3, 220) and tackle David Woloszyn (5-9, 230) return to form a strong line ahead of experienced linebackers Joe Gonzo (5-9, 190), Dante Petrone (6-1, 210), Steve Varela (5-9, 190) and Connor Conzelman (6-2, 220), all seniors.
The secondary returns pick-off artists Greg Sidor (3 interceptions) and junior Hunter Williams (2).
Despite key graduation losses on offense, Mitz said the attack will be dangerous. Junior quarterback Brett Mooney (6-4, 205) is a big reason.
He was talented enough to play varsity football as a sophomore last year, but his path to a starting role was blocked by returning all-conference player Jason Judson. Mooney stayed with the sophomore team and developed further.
The new quarterback has a strong arm and lots of potential, according to his coach. “He’s itching to unleash,” Mitz said. “The biggest thing is his burning desire to be a great player. He wants to lead the football team to places Jacobs has never been.”
Mooney has a proven receiver in Jake Gierlak. The 5-foot-10, 180-pound senior is the area’s leading returning receiver. He hauled in 34 receptions for 715 yards and 6 touchdowns last season. Williams will also play receiver alongside senior Ryan Billings (6-2, 180) and sophomore Ryan Sargent (6-0, 175).
The backfield has much to replace statistically. Caz Zyks and his 1,225 yards and 13 touchdowns graduated, as did fullback Kyle Wright (564 yards, 9 TD). Mitz said the team has six or seven potential ballcarriers, any of whom could have a hot night.
The Golden Eagles must fill some vacancies on the offensive line, though Kulon and center Joe Samborski (5-11, 200) provide a solid nucleus.
The goal is a third-straight playoff appearance. The Golden Eagles also seek to contend for the FVC Valley title and gain a higher postseason seed.
“We’ve got a good defense and some players who can move the ball, pony express or airmail,” Mitz said. “I think we have the capability to do anything from one back to two or three depending on what we’re seeing on the field. And Brett’s got a cannon, so we’ll see.”