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Things are looking up - again - for Meadows football

All signs are pointing in the right direction for Rolling Meadows' football program.

"I think we've got a chance to be really good this year," Rolling Meadows coach Matt Mishler said. "We still have a lot of question marks to pan out. But if those kids do what they are capable of, it could be a great season for us."

Mishler came into the season with a huge decision to make at the quarterback spot between Luka Pavlakis, who started three games last year and played very well at times, and junior Asher O'Hara, who started at quarterback on the sophomore team last year and is the younger brother of Devin O'Hara, who played at Prospect.

"Tough choice with O'Hara and Luka," Mishler said. "But we decided to go with O'Hara. We think he is going to be pretty good. He just needs to prove it on Friday nights.

"Luka is also too valuable on both sides of the ball for us. He will be a key for us."

Pavlakis will start at slot and join a plethora of receivers for O'Hara to target. They include Devonte Amos and Jack Swindells, who both started last year. Logan Reese, Marco Paibi, Jose Camacho and Mike Dellorto also figure into the mix.

Mishler welcomes back the right side of his offensive line in tackle Jake Maloney (6-foot-3, 280 pounds), who has drawn some major college interest and guard Grant Palmer (5-11, 230). David Murphy (6-1, 250), Tommy Larsen (5-11, 260), and sophomore Andrew Neville (6-4, 220) round out what should be the biggest offensive line in the MSL East.

"They were definitely a question mark heading into the season," Mishler said. "And they have had some learning moments. But they are starting to hit their stride and moving their feet along the way."

The Mustangs also have a pair of running backs to lean on. Kevin Lacosse, who is a junior, should see the bulk of the action, but look for Nick Delporte to garner some important carries.

While the offense looks very good, Mishler said his defense could be even better.

"I am cautiously optimistic," Mishler said. "It really could be the best defense we have had in a while. It is as solid an 11 as we have had while I have been here."

The linebackers will be swift and strong for the Mustangs. Led by Pavlakis on the outside, Rolling Meadows boasts Ryan Golbeck, who started last year and Teddy Golaris, who also saw lots of action. Junior Kevin Haltman will round out the group.

The secondary looks staunch as well. Swindells and Dellorto will be at the corner to give the Mustangs great coverage. Add in Delporte and Camacho over the top at safety, and opponents may find it difficult to throw on Rolling Meadows.

Alex Rezny, who started as a junior, Maciej Pogorzelski and Jesus De laTorre make up the front three and figure to pressure teams.

"There are a bunch of those kids who haven't played varsity ball yet," Mishler said. "They could surprise me in a good way or surprise me in bad way."

Rolling Meadows hosts St. Viator in what many hope will be as exciting a matchup as the two teams had last year.

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