Kradman, Maine W. embrace opportunity

It's his first season at Maine West, but new coach Jason Kradman wants to see the Warriors compete with the best in Central Suburban North.

"As a program, our goal is to take it one game at a time," said Kradman, who coached Miami Beach (Fla.) High School to the program's first back-to-back 7-plus win seasons.

"That being said, we believe that this group can compete in the CSL North and we'd be selling the seniors short if we didn't do everything possible to make a run at a playoff berth."

That senior group includes offensive Jovaun Woolford, Kyle Cook and Chaz Velasco, tight end Keaton Steele, running back Chris Asuncion, defensive lineman Ackeem Morgan and linebacker Joey Vogeney.

Kradman, also welcomes back junior defensive back Jake Riportella.

"Our offensive line is our most experienced group and will help determine how quickly our offense progresses as a unit," said Kradman, who has also served on the staff of Dr. Krop High School in Florida along with Oak Park-River Forest and Proviso West in Illinois.

Matt Acevedo and Joe Swanson have been running the Warriors' offense in pre-season practice.

"We've had strong quarterback play from Matt and Joe throughout the summer and into fall camp," added Kradman, who has also coached at Florida Atlantic, Wisconsin and Wisconsin-Oshkosh on the collegiate level.

Vogeney and Riportella will be relied upon for their experience and physicality.

"The defense has a solid group of defensive linemen and some nice additions at linebacker and in the secondary," Kradman said. "It will be a physical unit up front.

"The back seven grew up quickly over the summer when they more than held their own (at the Homewood-Flossmoor 'Battle of the Border 7-on-7')," Kradman said. "With six sophomores up on varsity, the young players have raised our level of depth, and created real competition for starting spots."

Kradman expects Asuncion to be a key part of the offensive game plan.

"He's a solid between-the-tackles runner who also possesses top-end speed," the coach said.

Cook, a four-year starter, is one of several offensive linemen with college potential according to Kradman.

"He's (Cook) the unquestionable leader of the group and will anchor a very under-rated offensive line that should surprise people with its size and athleticism," Kradman said.

Other key offensive lineman are Jovaun Woolford, Chaz Velasco, Jake Murphy, Mike Boyd, Gisev Teli and Sammy Martinez.

Riportella, a defensive back and running back, is versatile.

"He will be someone who's counted on to play both sides of the ball," Kradman said. "He always seems to be in the right place at the right time."

The Warriors will be in a multiple pro-style offense.

"That puts our personnel in the best position to be successful week in and week out," Kradman said. "The infusion of young talent on defense makes that unit more athletic and gives us an opportunity to better leverage the football and create big plays."

Kradman calls his team an enthusiastic group.

"They are a group of young men excited about Warrior football," he said "And the possibilities the upcoming season brings."