Sky's the limit for St. Viator football
This could be a season of firsts for St. Viator.
The Lions bring back a group that could end some long-standing streaks. And in the meantime, they could raise quite a few eyebrows.
"This is the first year they dedicated themselves for 12 months," St. Viator coach Brandon New said. "I am excited to see how it translates on the field. They are more confident with their physicality and with their growth. Their speed increased and their size increased as well."
St. Viator won its first playoff game since 2006 last year. But since the IHSA playoffs began in 1974, the Lions have never won two postseason games in a season.
The Lions also have not won the East Suburban Catholic Conference title since 2006. And the never, in its 26 meetings with Joliet Catholic, has St. Viator beaten the Hilltoppers in a varsity football game.
New feels that could change this season.
"In Viator's history of 50-plus football seasons, you would assume that with some of the great teams it has fielded it would have advanced beyond the second round," New said. "Our goal is not to just get out of the second round but advance much deeper into the playoffs. "
The Lions will boast their biggest offensive line in recent history, averaging 244 pounds. The unit will be coached by Steve Spoden, who moved over from Marian Central. It will consist of seniors Connor Phelan (6-4, 240), Adam Kujawa (6-3, 260) and Max Hogan (6-3, 205), junior Tony Valentino (6-0, 255) and sophomore Anthony Maraviglia (6-0, 260).
"We are counting on our O-line to be one of our strengths on offense," New said. "We finally have a great combination of size, strength and athleticism up front."
With that massive offensive line and the fact that the Lions graduated all-area wide receivers Ben Dickey, Matt Darling and Sal Canella, it might seem to figure St. Viator as a run-first team.
That may be true with other teams. But other teams don't have a tight end/wide receiver like Cole Kmet. The 6-5, 230-pound Kmet is a game-changer with 10 Division I offers already, including Notre Dame and Ohio State.
"He is a terrific athlete and great receiver," New said. "He is going to cause matchup problems because we can move him all over the field."
The Lions will also look to Marc Clark, Tom Swiderski and Michael Caputo at the wide receiver spot to fill the holes left from graduation.
St. Viator won't be afraid to run and will have the bruising Joey McIntyre (5-10, 195) to move the ball on the ground.
The real question for the Lions comes at quarterback. The last two seasons St. Viator has had all-area quarterbacks in Bobby Calmeyn and Tyler Johnston. This year it is a battle between junior Tom Majerus and senior Tom Nagle.
The defense is quick and strong and should be able to matchup quite well, according to New.
"We have a good mix of returning starters, returning contributors and some youth," New said. "Our defense can flat-out run. The team speed is very impressive on defense. They will be fun to watch."
The defensive front will also be quite stout. It will consist of Thomas Cleary (6-4, 218), Anthony Barcal (6-4, 320) and Brett Deselm (6-3, 215) with Tommy Durkin (6-0, 205) moving in there as well.
Linebackers Wilson Starr, Austin Ruestche, Bobby Dawson, Bobby Ochoa and Dominic Lamick all look very strong. Defensive backs Patrick Murphy, Denzel Downing, Patton Fitzpatrick and Darreontae Jackson are experienced and quick to the ball.
St. Viator plays at Rolling Meadows to open its season.