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York Dukes build up strength

If there's one thing York's Matt Monken learned during his first season coaching football in the West Suburban Silver, it's that his team must get stronger.

Committing to the weight room in the off-season, 30 players benched more than 225 pounds - a vast improvement from the eight players who accomplished that the year before.

Monken is confident the results off the field will translate to results on it.

"You feel much better going into the season after having that kind of success," Monken said.

Another key element of Monken's first year was getting as many players on the field as possible. That should pay off as well because most of this year's seniors saw at least some playing time.

The Dukes rushed for 2,100 yards last season, and that'll be an emphasis again with Lucas Alexander returning 562 yards and 10 touchdowns. Tommy Helton's the lone returning lineman, and there isn't much line depth, but York will get a boost from 6-foot-7, 316-pound Montini transfer Chuck Walsh.

After throwing for about 500 yards, the Dukes need a boost in the passing game. Johnny DiCanio and Layne Davis both could see time at quarterback.

"We really struggled throwing the ball last year," Monken said. "That's been a focus for us."

The strength of the defense is clear with three returning linebackers: Robert Hanrahan, Quinn Gaughan and Sam Rasnic. That trio combined for 83 tackles.

The signs of improvement are evident, which means the program's first playoff berth since 2011 - even in the rugged WSC Silver - is a definite goal.

"That's the goal for all our kids," Monken said. "We want to be more competitive in the conference and make the playoffs."

The breakdown

Coach: Matt Monken (second year, 4-5).

2014 record: 4-5, 1-5, sixth in West Suburban Silver.

Top players: Marc Bernard (DL, 6-2, 235, sr.); Lucas Alexander (RB, 5-8, 160, sr.); Robert Hanrahan (LB, 5-9, 200, sr.); Quinn Gaughan (LB, 6-1, 200, sr.); Jack Julian (DB, 5-10, 165, sr.); Sam Rasnic (LB, 6-1, 190, sr.); Matt Wozny (WR, 6-2, 180, sr.); Nick Brown (TE-FB, 6-2, 215, sr.); Tommy Helton (OL, 6-0, 240, sr.); Matt Ricker (WR, 6-3, 180, sr.); John DiCanio (WR-QB, 5-9, 160, sr.).

- Kevin Schmit

Schedule

York

Fri, 8/28 York at New Trier, 7:30 pm

Fri, 9/4 Leyden at York, 7:30 pm

Sat, 9/12 York at Glenbard West, 1:30 pm

Fri, 9/18 Hinsdale Central at York, 7:30 pm

Fri, 9/25 York at Willowbrook, 7:30 pm

Fri, 10/2 Oak Park-River Forest at York, 7:30 pm

Fri, 10/9 York at Proviso West, 7:30 pm

Fri, 10/16 York at Downers Grove North, 7:30 pm

Fri, 10/23 Lyons Township at York, 7:30 pm

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