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New-look St. Charles North aims big

It was big of Rob Pomazak to retain Jared McCall as offensive coordinator after Pomazak, Elk Grove’s former defensive coordinator, was hired in February to succeed retiring Hall of Famer Mark Gould as St. Charles North’s head football coach.

“I’d be a fool not to have him on my staff,” Pomazak said.

It was big of McCall, who had applied for the North Stars’ head spot, to shelve his disappointment and continue as a coordinator and assistant head coach.

Unity and not divisiveness at the top of the food chain can only help team leadership. That’s important for a team that looks to have a big year in more ways than one.

“We’re really trying to focus on what we can do to get better. And I’m confident that with a good work ethic we can return to the playoffs,” said Pomazak, who will lead St. Charles North to his former school for the Aug. 30 season opener. He helped Elk Grove to four straight playoff seasons; after an eight-year postseason run, St. Charles North has been a bystander the last three seasons.

On Pomazak’s side is size up front highlighted by three-year starter Chase Gianacakos, a Michigan State recruit; and returning starter Camden Cotter lining up at left and right offensive tackle, respectively. Gianacakos goes 6-foot-7, 275 pounds while Cotter added 30 pounds of mass to weigh in at 245 pounds on a 6-foot-4 frame.

Garrett Johnson, another three-year starter, is a 6-5, 245-pound tight end headed to Ball State. He played on the defensive line in the past and may again depending on his workload as both a blocking tight end and receiving threat in space.

“He’s kind of a mismatch for anyone he goes against at the high school level,” Pomazak said. “The great thing is teams are going to have to account for him no matter where he is on the field, and we hope to exploit that.”

Quarterback Erik Miller, an all-state high jumper last spring, returns from shoulder surgery that held him out all last fall. He’ll target receivers including Nate Newbill and Dylan Hunter, among more than 40 returning seniors.

In 2012 the North Stars averaged 140.9 yards rushing to 119.4 yards passing. Crucial to continuing the first mark is returning senior running back Evan Kurtz, who Pomazak called a “hidden gem.” Complementing Kurtz will be junior back Chris Cage, a north-and-south runner.

Defensively St. Charles North returns a fixture from a team that allowed 160 points, best in the Upstate Eight River Division. Linebacker Reece Conroyd — assisted there by Kurtz, Jordan Bergren, Carson Schmitt and Brendan McCarthy — is a three-year starter 27 tackles away from Jake Rigert’s career program record of 258.

The North Stars return safety Mitchell Riggs and cornerback Jonathan Elliot and have a strong rotation of linemen such as nose tackle Logan Hanson and tackle James Glavin.

“I’ve never had a defense this big across the board,” Pomazak said.

Overall depth must be addressed and special teams improved, the first-year head coach said. Those common concerns shouldn’t detract from the stated goal.

“We’ve talked about playing when there’s no leaves on the trees,” Pomazak said. “The kids have bought into that.”

John Starks/jstarks@dailyherald.comNew St. Charles North football head coach Rob Pomazak. MUG 2013
John Starks/jstarks@dailyherald.comSt. Charles North lineman Chase Gianacakos during the first day of practice Wednesday at the school.
John Starks/jstarks@dailyherald.comNew St. Charles North football head coach Rob Pomazak watches a 7-on-7 drill during the first day of practice Wednesday at the school.
John Starks/jstarks@dailyherald.comNew St. Charles North football head coach Rob Pomazak directs the North Stars during the first day of practice Wednesday at the school.
  St. Charles North tight end Garrett Johnson leaps for a pass during the first day of practice Wednesday at the school. John Starks/jstarks@dailyherald.com
John Starks/jstarks@dailyherald.comA St. Charles North football player heads back to the drills after a quick water break during the first day of practice Wednesday at the school.
John Starks/jstarks@dailyherald.comNew St. Charles North football head coach Rob Pomazak watches his team during the first day of practice Wednesday at the school.
John Starks/jstarks@dailyherald.comSt. Charles North tight end Garrett Johnson grabs a pass during the first day of practice Wednesday at the school.
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