St. Francis Spartans counts on formula for success
Many faces have changed but the formula remains the same from St. Francis' outstanding 2014 season.
In his first year as a head coach Mike Fitzgerald guided a selfless group into the Class 6A semifinals, where the Spartans lost to eventual champion Nazareth.
“A lot of people were surprised, but we weren't surprised because we know how hard we worked. That's kind of how we define our program,” said Fitzgerald, the former Marist offensive coordinator who installed a spread offense where the Wing-T had ruled.
“It's the same mentality, and I think it's just building that culture within your program. I think it rubs off,” he said.
Such 2014 staples as all-state lineman Quinn Calcagno and quarterback Clint Bobowski, 2014 DuPage County All-Area honorary captain, have graduated. Back are 18 seniors including Will Purdom, the Spartans' second-leading rusher last season with 566 yards; and Peter Fassnacht, who played much more defense than offense but enters as starting quarterback.
Last season 14 Spartans receivers caught a pass. The goal remains to keep foes guessing not only between pass and run but also who to cover among athletic receivers Purdom, Michael Beach, Dom Cosentino and others such as good-sized tight ends Tristan Bolin and Brett Whelton.
Starter Kevin Killian returns to anchor an offensive line where strong competition emerged for spots. Fitzgerald hopes added bulk up front, like 6-foot-4, 260-pound junior Shane Walker, can win the trenches.
Defensive coordinator Joe Horeni is now Highland Park's coach. In comes Geoff Durian, who did that job for years at Marmion.
“It's definitely huge for our program,” Fitzgerald said.
As was the 2014 semifinal season.
“I think it's similar to last year where people are going to say we don't have a lot of starters back,” Fitzgerald said. “They just focus on the day and focus on getting better.”
The breakdown
Coach: Mike Fitzgerald (second year, 10-3).
2014 record: 10-3, 3-1, tied for first in the Chicago Catholic League Green.
Top players: Michael Beach (WR-DB, 6-2, 180, sr.), Tristan Bolin (TE-LB, 6-0, 180, sr.), Dom Cosentino (WR-DB, 5-5, 150, sr.), Peter Fassnacht (QB, 5-8, 160, sr.), Nick Kavouris (OL-DL, 6-2, 225, sr.), Kevin Killian (OL-DL, 6-1, 250, sr.), Liam Marren (RB-DB, 5-10, 165, sr.), Mike Mayor (WR-DB, 5-10, 170, sr.), John Perry (OL-DL, 5-11, 200, sr.), Will Purdom (RB-DB, 5-11, 175, sr.).
Schedule
St. Francis
Fri, 8/28 Kelvyn Park Academy at St. Francis, 7:30 pm
Fri, 9/4 at St. Francis, 7:30 pm
Fri, 9/11 St. Francis at Marmion Academy, 7:30 pm
Fri, 9/18 St. Francis at Brother Rice, 7:30 pm
Fri, 9/25 Catalyst/Maria at St. Francis 7:30 pm
Fri, 10/2 St. Laurence at St. Francis, 7:30 pm
Fri, 10/9 St. Francis at Montini, 7:30 pm
Fri, 10/16 DeLaSalle at St. Francis, 7:30 pm
Fri, 10/23 Fenwick at St. Francis, 7:30 pm