Scouting the Fenton Bison
Where did Fenton’s high-flying passing game take the Bison in 2011?
Straight to the football playoffs for the third straight year. So even though much of that group graduated, the Bison will lean on the same offense to take them to an unprecedented fourth straight postseason appearance.
“We’d like to see that success continue for year four,” said Fenton coach Mark Kos. “We certainly don’t want to take a step back now.”
The Bison begin filling shoes with a pair of quarterbacks — Angel Velasco and sophomore Willie Wassmann — competing for the starting role. Four quality receivers, including Gary Baker and sophomores Cody Quarles and Alex Williams, figure into the hybrid spread formation. Look for Randy Brezell to develop into the feature receiver.
No starters return on offense, and only linebackers Jimmy Stamas and Peter Panos return to the defense that got a boost from linebacker Thomas Corona’s transfer from Immaculate Conception. To bolster the defensive line, Danny Sanchez will move from the offensive line to play nose guard.
The Bison feel they can afford to move Sanchez to defense even though they return no starters on the offensive line. Nikko Avila and Joe Christiansen lead that crew.
The unknown talent is a focal point for the Bison, especially with a number of sophomores in the mix. Kos, however, believes his youngsters are ready to contribute.
“They’re not only building blocks for the future,” Kos said. “They’re ready to play right now.”
The good news for Fenton is that with a 52-man roster it’ll be able to two-platoon almost exclusively. Injuries may change that situation, but the team’s youngsters will get experience in a hurry as they vie to knock Glenbard South from atop the Metro Suburban Conference standings.
“We’ve been pleased with the development of our younger kids,” Kos said. “They’re very dedicated to keeping our success going and leading us into the playoffs.”
— Kevin Schmit
The breakdown
Coach: Mark Kos (third year, 13-7).
2011 record: 7-3, 2-2, tied for second in Metro Suburban Conference.
Top players: Jimmy Stamas (LB, 6-1, 240, sr.); Peter Panos (LB, 5-8, 190, sr.); Randy Brezell (WR, 5-6, 175, sr.); Danny Sanchez (DL, 5-7, 260, sr.); Gary Baker (WR, 5-11, 170, jr.); Cody Quarles (WR, 6-3, 195, so.); Alex Williams (WR, 6-0, 170, so.); Angel Velasco (QB, 5-9, 150, sr.); Willie Wassmann (QB, 5-10, 150, so.); Nikko Avila (OL, 5-9, 205, jr.); Joe Christiansen (OL, 6-3, 270, sr.).
Schedule
Fri, 8/24, Leyden at Fenton, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 8/31, Fenton at Maine West, 7 p.m.
Fri, 9/7, Fenton at Rich South, 7 p.m.
Fri, 9/14, Bloom Twp. at Fenton, 7 p.m.
Fri, 9/21, Fenton at Fort Wayne (Ind.), 7 p.m.
Fri, 9/28, Fenton at Ridgewood, 7 p.m.
Fri, 10/5, Glenbard South at Fenton, 7 p.m.
Fri, 10/12, Fenton at Elmwood Park, 7 p.m.
Fri, 10/19, Riverside-Brookfield at Fenton, 7 p.m.