Bartlett’s attack might look new, but it’s not
It’s not a new formula, more like Bartlett “classic.”
The Hawks enjoyed multiple successful seasons in the 2000s by combining two hallmarks: a punishing defense and a smash-mouth, run-oriented offense that featured a power-blocking fullback and multiple-tight end sets.
The punishing defense part has rarely wavered since, but the offense took on a distinct aerial flair over the past several seasons under former offensive coordinator Eric Ilich, a former Neuqua Valley quarterback now in his first season as head coach at Hoffman Estates.
His attack plan leaned less on fullback play and more on talented quarterbacks like Josh Hasenberg (Colgate) and, for the past three seasons, AJ Bilyeu (Air Force).
Hawks coach Tom Meaney spoke highly of the off-season development of senior starting quarterback Steve Hrbacek (6-2, 170) — Bilyeu’s backup last season who started six junior varsity games — and his ability to throw the ball efficiently when necessary. However, Meaney also said the offense would “get back to using the fullback more” and “use more three-tight end sets” than recent incarnations.
Even in years when throwing the football was a Bartlett strength, the Hawks still tried to establish the run first. With only two starters returning on offense this season, the Hawks may try to establish their old-school running game first, second and third.
“With Ilich gone the offense has changed a little bit,” Meaney said. “
We’ll still run a lot of the same stuff, but we’ve always believed we have to fit things to our personnel.”
The workhorse in a more run-oriented attack will be senior tailback Aaron Everson (6-0, 200), a track sprinter who qualified for the state meet last spring in the 100-meter dash (11.18 seconds) and the 200 (22.53).
Everson rushed for 291 yards and 7 touchdowns on 44 carries as a junior.
“He should carry the ball 20 times a game,” Meaney said. “He’s our go-to guy on offense.” Everson will be backed up by fellow sprinter Alex Bailey (5-7, 155) and juniors Titus Ayomidele (5-6, 160) and Hurshel Ross (5-5, 145). Paving the way at the critical fullback position will be senior Nick Mazzei (6-0, 225) and junior Matt Callahan (6-1, 195).
The team’s lone experienced offensive lineman is senior tackle George Danek (6-3, 250). He started the last few games of the 2011 season.
Defense should be a team strength. The Hawks return five starters on that side of the ball from a 7-3 team that lost in the first round of the playoffs.
Bartlett’s defense is powered by two bona fide run stoppers in third-year starting inside linebacker Kevin Kirchhoff (5-11, 225) and senior defensive end Chris Kantzavelos (6-4, 250). Kantzavelos, who Meaney describes as “physical” and “an animal,” gave a verbal commitment to Central Michigan over the summer.
Returning in the secondary are senior cornerbacks Nick Andreucetti (6-1, 190) and Nick Garcia (5-6, 160) and senior safety Kyle Garcia (6-0, 170).
They helped limit opposing offenses to an average of 92.7 yards passing per game last season. Everson could see time in the defensive backfield situationally.
“That’s a good nucleus,” Meaney said of his returning defenders. “We try to load up the defense and be solid on that side of the ball.
“Overall, we really like this group. They work well together and they’re hard workers. And we have good leadership in guys like Kantzavelos, Kirchhoff, Danek, Hrbacek and Andreucetti. We can’t complain.”