Benet Redwings defense to hold own against powerhouses

When asked about his team's defense, Benet football coach Pat New said this year's unit reminds him of 2012.

That's a definite compliment.

If this season's defense - young as it is - compares to the Class 7A semifinalist group from three years ago, the Redwings will more than hold their own against East Suburban Catholic Conference powerhouses like Nazareth and Joliet Catholic.

"It's a tough deal," New said. "We know going in that every week is going to be tough, so our defense needs to be up to the challenge. I think it'll be a good group."

Only two defensive starters return in all-ESCC linebacker Charlie Weidenbach and lineman Trent Kramer. Not the ideal starting point in terms of experience, but New believes this defense will hit the ground running.

Tremendous depth at linebacker begins with Weidenbach, Jeff Marek, Ryan Liszka and John D'Angelo, whose return to the program after a year away allows Alec McEachern to shift from linebacker to the secondary.

Despite the graduation of 1,500-yard rusher Brad Sznajder, there's plenty of offensive potential thanks to the return of junior quarterback Jack Sznajder, who gained massive experience as a sophomore while throwing for 1,234 yards and 6 touchdowns.

Sznajder will be aided by four tall, athletic receivers headed by 6-foot-2 Karl Schmidt, who led last year's team with 23 catches for 260 yards.

Moving in at running back is Marty Dosen. Built similarly to Brad Sznajder, Dosen will run behind a new offensive line that's deep and physical.

Half the players on both sides of the ball might be juniors, which means the Redwings need to get up to varsity speed pretty quickly before the ESCC grind takes its toll.

"I think we're in a good position to compete this season," New said. "We'll have a lot of new guys out there, but I think they're ready."

The breakdown

Coach: Pat New (sixth year, 29-23).

2014 record: 6-4, 4-3, tied for fourth in East Suburban Catholic Conference.

Top players: Jack Sznajder (QB, 6-1, 180, jr.); Karl Schmidt (WR, 6-2, 185, sr.); Charlie Weidenbach (LB, 6-1, 200, sr.); Trent Kramer (DL, 6-1, 255, sr.); Marty Dosen (RB, 5-9, 180, jr.); Jack Stephens (OL, 6-2, 250, sr.); Frank Scheck (OL, 6-4, 310, sr.); Jeff Marek (LB, 6-2, 195, sr.); Alec McEachern (DB, 6-1, 190, jr.); Michael Sotir (DB, 5-8, 170, sr.).

- Kevin Schmit

Schedule

Benet

Fri, 8/28 Benet at St. Laurence, 7:30 pm

Fri, 9/4 O'Fallon Township at Benet, 7 pm

Fri, 9/11 Notre Dame at Benet, 7:30 pm

Sat, 9/19 Benet at St. Patrick, 11 am

Fri, 9/25 Marist at Benet, 7:30 pm

Fri, 10/2 Benet at Nazareth, 7 pm

Fri, 10/9 Benet at Carmel, 7:30 pm

Fri, 10/15 Joliet Catholic at Benet, 7:30 pm

Fri, 10/23 Benet at Marian Catholic, 7:30 pm