Libertyville’s back to expecting success
The banner that hangs from Libertyville’s press box offers a reminder that it was 10 years ago that the Wildcats began the most magical run in their history. They finished as the Class 7A state runner-up in 2003, before winning it all the following year.
After a downward spiral a few years after their run of glory, the Wildcats appear to have reestablished themselves. They have gone to the state playoffs in each of the last two seasons, after missing out in three of the previous four years.
“That’s their expectation now,” coach Mike Jones said of his players. “We had a couple of years where it may not have been.”
Last season ended in Round 2 against eventual Class 7A state champ Glenbard West. The previous year, eventual state champ Rockford Boylan ousted Libertyville.
Playing the best can only help the Wildcats, who won eight games in Jones’ first season last year.
“After being able to play the eventual state champion last year, they’ve seen up close and personal what it takes to be successful,” Jones said. “It’s good for us to be exposed to that.”
Whether the Wildcats’ winning ways continue this season might depend on how quickly a relatively new group adapts to each other. A veteran group last year included quarterback Jack Deichl (Wisconsin-Whitewater), talented receivers Justin Guarnaccio and Austin Williams, defensive back Joey Salata and linebackers Drew Kinitsky and Kevin Verkler.
“Last year we knew what we had because we had 38 seniors coming back,” Jones said. “We basically had to replace one or two starters on offense. Now, we’ve got to work to get kids into spots where they can be successful.”
The returning talent includes senior running back Conor Simpson, who was productive both running and catching the ball last season. The all-conference selection had been promoted to varsity during his sophomore year.
“He can do a lot,” Jones said. “He’s going to play some defense this year, as well.”
Wide receiver Bryan Scanlan missed the first half of last season with an injury but finished strong. An unexpected loss came during the summer when tight end Justin Jost tore his right ACL in a non-contact drill. He will miss his senior season.
“That hurt,” Jones said. “He turned into a very good receiver.”
Tim Grote (6-3, 220) and three-year varsity player Ryan Martin (5-10, 230) return on the offensive line. Junior Aleks Dragin (6-2, 225), who also plays linebacker, is another offensive lineman who boasts varsity experience.
In addition to playing offensive guard, Martin will start at defensive tackle. Pat McKiernan returns in the defensive secondary. Ryan Borgeson started Opening Night last season and gained valuable experience during the season.
Replacing Deichl at QB will be either senior Anthony Monken (6-5, 195), junior Jake Mansfield (6-0, 165) or sophomore Riley Lees (6-0, 170).
“Riley will be a varsity athlete, regardless,” Jones said. “He’s that good of an athlete. He’ll either be a running back, defensive back or quarterback. But we’re going to give him a fair shot at the quarterback position.”
Besides Lees, other sophomores who should contribute include twins Sean O’Malley (6-2, 240) and Kyle O’Malley (6-3, 190), both of whom are two-way linemen, and tight end/linebacker Ben Kimpler (6-6, 200).
“We’re just fine tuning some things,” Jones said. “Last year we had to change some things based on necessity. We started out with one idea that we were going to be able to do ‘this,’ and then as the year went on we kind of said, ‘In order for us to be successful, we need to do some other things.’ ”
The Wildcats started last season trying to focus on running the ball. They became more of a passing team as the season progressed, and because they were so successful at it, their running game improved.
Junior wide receiver Nick Rossetti (6-3, 165) should help make up for what the Wildcats lost due to graduation.
“There are some weapons,” Jones said. “We just need to get them in the right places.”