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Panasiuk brothers, Lake Park Lancers ready to rock defense

Lake Park might be a relative newcomer to the DuPage Valley Conference, but it didn't take long for the rest of the league to grow tired of the Panasiuk brothers terrorizing its offenses.

It won't get any easier this football season.

Six-foot-four, 290-pound senior Mike Panasiuk committed to Michigan State in June. His brother Jacub, a 6-3, 230-pound junior, helps the Lancers boast a fearsome defensive line that's ready to carry the program back to the playoffs.

Lake Park missed out on the postseason last year despite notching five wins. The sting remains.

"It definitely still stings," said Lake Park coach Chris Roll. "My seniors have been angry since November. There's an edge to this group. We want that shot."

The Panasiuks, who combined for 89 tackles, including 9 sacks and 24 tackles for loss, are two of five returning starters on defense. It's a list that includes Jontrell Mitchell, a lightning-quick linebacker who notched 4 sacks among his 38 tackles.

Mirroring the defense, the strength of the offense is the line with returning starters Dylan Scheirich, Marco Ibanez and Clay Wagner. They'll be protecting quarterback Jaron Fields, who threw for 457 yards and rushed for 248 while splitting time behind center.

Running back Melvin Smiley rushed for 160 yards and Anthony Marino returns at receiver. Time will tell how potent the offense will be, but Fields' playmaking ability will give the Lancers an added dimension.

Even if the offense does struggle, the defense should be able to keep Lake Park close in every game it plays.

"You always want to be strong up front, and that's what we've got," Roll said. "I'd put our starting 22 against anybody, but we need to stay healthy."

The breakdown

Coach: Chris Roll (fifth year, 17-19).

2014 record: 5-4, 2-3, tied for fourth in DuPage Valley.

Top players: Mike Panasiuk (DL, 6-4, 290, sr.); Jacub Panasiuk (DL, 6-3, 230, jr.); Jaron Fields (QB, 6-2, 200, sr.); Melvin Smiley (RB, 5-7, 170, sr.); Anthony Marino (WR, 6-1, 185, sr.); Dylan Scheirich (OL, 6-3, 265, sr.); Marco Ibanez (OL, 6-0, 260, sr.); Jontrell Mitchell (LB, 6-1, 185, sr.); Jackson Nie (LB, 5-9, 180, sr.); Alex Carusiello (DB, 5-7, 160, sr.); Clay Wagner (OL, 6-5, 265, sr.); Will Moore (DL, 6-2, 215, sr.); Matt Paulauskas (DL, 6-3, 240, jr.).

- Kevin Schmit

Schedule

Lake Park

Fri, 8/28 Lake Park at Waubonsie Valley, 7:30 pm

Fri, 9/4 WW South at Lake Park, 7:30 pm

Fri, 9/11 South Elgin at Lake Park, 7:30 pm

Fri, 9/18 Lake Park at Naperville North, 7:30 pm

Fri, 9/25 Wheaton North at Lake Park, 7:30 pm

Fri, 10/2 Lake Park at Metea Valley, 7:30 pm

Fri, 10/9 Glenbard North at Lake Park, 7:30 pm

Fri, 10/16 Lake Park at Neuqua Valley, 7:30 pm

Fri, 10/23 Naperville Central at Lake Park, 7:30 pm

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