Scouting the Lisle Lions
In his new position as Lisle's football coach, Paul Parpet Sr. won't demand victories.
He will demand his players' absolute best, that they respect the game, represent Lisle with class, think on their feet and be tough as a cheap steak. These aspects have typified Parpet's hall of fame career.
The goal, he said, is this: "That we have quality, consistent performances each and every Friday night. In order to have quality, consistent performances you need to have a great mental approach and great physical effort, because you can't control anything else."
Adjusting to Lisle's Class 3A status and accompanying roster size after more than three decades coaching in larger classes, strength on the offensive line eases Parpet's transition. All-Interstate Eight center Jared Arellano is a three-year starter, guard Alex Lange and tackle Jack Hennessy two-year starters. Juniors Isaac Wilk and John Eckard likewise have adopted Parpet's power-wing offense - and must stay healthy since they'll probably turn around and play defense.
A new set of skill players includes junior quarterback Alec Van Volkenburg and running backs Grant Haen, Mark McGrath, Tijuan Kelly and potential "home run hitter" Michael Metoyer.
Having graduated last year's top four tacklers, including two-way stars Kevin Coppin, Cliff Krause and Griffin Huba, Hennessy's 32 tackles head the returning cast. Linebacker Billy Blystone made 27 stops, 2 interceptions.
While Parpet prepares the boys "to play at Lion speed," he'll encounter some lack of depth and experience. But he's all in, recently joining his players passing out team schedules in downtown Lisle, a community he calls "a special place."
He believes his players have bought in, too.
"Since I met them in April, so far they've been giving me everything I've asked," Parpet said. "We're starting to develop not only a great player-coach relationship but a great friendship. I think those things are going to carry on for a long, long, long time."
The breakdown
Coach: Paul Parpet Sr. (first year; 30th overall, 158-122).
2013 record: 4-5, 3-2, third in Interstate Eight Small.
Top players: Jared Arellano (OL-DL, 5-11, 260, sr.); John Eckard (OL-DL, 6-4, 190, jr.); Grant Haen (RB-LB, 5-9, 165, so.); Jack Hennessy (OL-DL, 6-2, 185, sr.); Charlie Jansen (TE-LB, 6-1, 165, sr.); Tijuan Kelly (RB-LB, 5-7, 180, sr.); Alex Lange (OL-DL, 5-11, 177, jr.); Mark McGrath (RB-LB, 5-11, 175, so.); Mike Metoyer (RB, 5-7, 155, jr.); Alec Van Volkenburg (QB-DB, 5-9, 160, jr.).
Schedule
Fri, 8/29 Lisle at Peotone 7:15 p.m.
Fri, 9/5 Aurora Central Catholic at Lisle 7:15 p.m.
Fri, 9/12 Wilmington at Lisle 7:15 p.m.
Fri, 9/19 Lisle at Westmont 7:15 p.m.
Fri, 9/26 Seneca at Lisle 7:15 p.m.
Fri, 10/3 Lisle at Reed-Custer 7:15 p.m.
Fri, 10/10 Lisle at Herscher 7:15 p.m.
Fri, 10/17 Coal City at Lisle 7:15 p.m.
Fri, 10/24 Lisle at Plano 7:15 p.m.