South Elgin has speed to burn
South Elgin’s revamped lineup boasts the kind of overall team speed that could make Storm chasers of opponents this season.
The fastest player of all for the Storm is tailback Jeff Broger (5-foot-11, 190 pounds), the reigning sectional champion in the 400-meter dash. He won the St. Charles North sectional last May as a junior (49.32) and went on to place ninth in the event at the state track meet. Broger did not play football last year.
“He’s a real hard worker and he gets after it,” South Elgin coach Dale Schabert said. “He’s obviously a very good athlete, and he can make some cuts. He’ll also return kicks. We’ll find ways to utilize his speed.”
Schabert said he’s pleased with the offensive line’s development. The line returns three starters. Senior Nick Zimmerman (6-4, 265) started at guard last season as did Zach Saldivar (6-4, 230), who moved from tight end to tackle at midseason. Senior Jose Montenegro (6-2, 275) returns at left tackle. He became a starter two days before the 2011 season opener when returning starter Christian Guerrero broke his ankle and was lost for the season.
Stepping into the starting role at quarterback is senior Joey Balaja (6-0, 165), who backed up Zach Gross last year. He’ll throw to experienced wideouts Joe Crivolio (6-3, 195) and John Stanko (5-11, 160). Junior Nate Marotta (6-2, 200) is another big target and big blocker at tight end.
Marotta started last season at linebacker and will be a mainstay on that side of the ball, as will third-year starter Chris Bingham (6-1, 210). Others who could see time at linebacker include seniors Brad Simmons (5-10, 195), Mario Calero (5-8, 175), Jake Marshall (5-10, 195) and a transfer from Lake High School, Dalton Garland (6-0, 210), a transfer from Lakes High School.
Returning to the secondary is senior Jon Ortega (5-9, 170), who started at cornerback. Senior free safety Tyler Thorsen (6-0, 175) has played so well in practices “he made my happy list,” Schabert said.
The biggest question mark for South Elgin lies in the defensive line, where no experienced starters return. As many as three offensive linemen may rotate in to stiffen the run defense.
“If we can get four guys to play the defensive line, that would be great,” Schabert said. “But we have a real good group of linebackers and that helps.”
The Storm enjoyed solid kicking and punting for the past four years thanks to David Reisner, now a Midshipmen at the U.S. Naval Academy. Taking over the kicking duties for the red and navy blue is Matt Bree (5-11, 165).
The Storm will open the season with three afternoon home games at its on-campus stadium: Downers Grove South, Benet Academy and the Upstate Eight Valley Division opener against Neuqua Valley. The Neuqua Valley game has been moved to 4 p.m. to accommodate ACT testing.
South Elgin concludes the regular season with road games at Bartlett and St. Charles North, games that could determine whether the program returns to the playoffs for the third time in four seasons after slipping to 4-5 in 2011.
“It’s a lot of new faces, but we’re definitely faster than last year overall, so we’ll see,” Schabert said. “So far it’s been fun and exciting to coach this group, In practice the kids are working hard and they’ve been lifting. There haven’t been a lot of distractions or goofing off, which makes it easier to coach. The kids have stayed on task and done a good job. It’s been good, quiet learning.”