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Hersey looks to maintain lofty position this football season

Hersey football coach Joe Pardun knows that the view from the top can be breathtaking. He also knows that one slip and your fall isn't much fun.

The Huskies are coming off winning the Mid-Suburban East title last season outright for the first time since 2009 after sharing it with Rolling Meadows and Elk Grove in 2013. Now the goal is bring the title home again for the third consecutive year.

"I think the team feels that higher expectation, even with playoff loss we had at the end of the season," said Pardun, whose team was 6-4 with a loss to Geneva in the opening round of the state playoffs. "But the kids are looking to pick things up from there. They have been working hard in the off-season and hopefully that will show results."

Hersey returns about half of its squad from last season and again defense will be the key to the Huskies' success.

"We lost about half our starters, with more of those on the defensive side," Pardun said. "We honestly feel that the guys waiting in the wings have got better and they have stepped in with ease."

Gibby Eshoo, Kyle Stenzel and Spencer Krueger will be up front for the Huskies in their 3-5-3 scheme.

Grant Warner and Danny Nicholson will line up at outside linebacker, while Nate Lebherz, Joe Samperi and Joe Desmond will be working inside. Kamil Jackowski, Matt Abfall and Buzz Lindgren will roam the secondary.

Just like last season, Hersey will go with a two-quarterback system.

Tommy Jackson, who is senior, and Owen Goldsberry, a sophomore, will see action based on down, distance and situation.

"They both have work well together in practice," Pardun said. "And both are really mature.

"Each brings a different skill set with them and they each can do different things. We are going to try them in different scenarios."

The offensive line will be active to support both quarterbacks. It will consist of Clayton Smith (6-1, 230), Luke Schmiederer (5-8, 175), Sean Johlie (5-10, 200), Jack Steines (6-1, 225), Mitch Carlisle (5-8, 215) and Spencer Krueger (6-1, 235).

Jackowski, along with Nate Stefaniak will be at wide receiver while Zach Cooper will be at tight end for the Huskies. Danny Blair (5-11, 195) and Jordan Edwards (5-7, 170) will split most of the carries.

"We feel we have lots of different weapons on offense," Pardun said. "We have a good system in place."

Pardun said the conference race looks wide open, with each team in the East ready to challenge for the top spot Hersey claimed last fall.

"We are working together and trying to keep things going forward," Pardun said. "We need to stay healthy and grab some momentum early. Hopefully we will be up there in the end."

After playing Glenbrook North the last four years in their opener, Hersey has switched to another Central Suburban North foe. The Huskies open their season by hosting Highland Park.

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