Clearly, Elk Grove’s worth watching
Last year was kind of a fog for Elk Grove coach Larry Calhoun, who took over the job as head coach just weeks before the season began.
“The first year was such a blur,” Calhoun said. “But I have been with my staff for some time now and have people in the right places. The kids as well. Things are more comfortable now.”
Calhoun and his squad cleared most of that fog away to win their first two games of the season last year. They went on to make the playoffs and finish 5-5 last season.
Calhoun thinks that with a full year at Elk Grove, his team is ready to break out.
“I like our chances this season,” Calhoun said. “We are very athletic. The only downside is that we are not extremely deep. But the kids have been working hard.”
Part of that comfort has to come from the arm and legs of quarterback Adam O’Malley. Voted the MVP of the Red Grange 7-on-7 tournament in Wheaton this past summer, O’Malley is a three-year starter who brings poise and leadership on and off the field.
“He is very talented,” Calhoun said. “He is comfortable in the pocket and he can run well too. He is a great kid to have to run our offense.”
With the extra time he has had this off-season, Calhoun has made some changes to the offense.
“We stayed in the same structure,” Calhoun said. “They are some subtle changes. I am not sure that people in the stands will notice. But we will be different.”
O’Malley’s favorite target will be the 6-foot-3, and aptly named, John Pass. Mike Bishoff, who has committed to Western Illinois as a defensive back, along with Matt Wary and Mark Lahitnen will also be spread out wide for the Grenadiers.
Elk Grove also will have the speedy and tough Travon Royal returning to the backfield. His ability to catch the ball out of the backfield gives O’Malley and Calhoun even more options on offense.
The line lacks experience, but Calhoun has liked what he has seen thus far in practice. It will be made up of Brandon Soriano, who Calhoun says is the strongest player on them team, along with Mike Parisi, Tony DiBenedetto, Austin Sautler and Steven Szumylo.
Bishoff will lead the Grens’ 3-5 defensive scheme.
“He is so solid as a football player,” Calhoun said. “He will be our anchor there.”
Johnny Assimakoupolos, who Calhoun describes as “tenacious,” will be on the defensive line along with Marquis Sanabrais, who will be at defensive end but may also play some power running back, and Dan Pauscher.
Ryan Tickner, who led the team last year in interceptions, returns to play safety. The Grens also have Nick Quirindongo, who will slide from corner to safety to linebacker. Robert Fox, Sean Oldenburg, Brandon Post, Billy Hefley, Daniel Larucci and Anthony Bongiovanni will also be key contributors on defense.
The Grens will host former defensive coordinator and new head coach of St. Charles North Rob Pomazack in the season opener.