Dundee-Crown has gotten stronger
A lack of strength was Dundee-Crown's weakness last season.
A junior-heavy team that also featured multiple sophomores in starting roles was too often pushed around by stronger, more mature opponents en route to a 2-7 finish and an 0-5 showing in the Fox Valley Conference's unforgiving Valley Division.
After being outscored 388-169, the Chargers decided to do something about it.
"I think as players they understood what they needed to do to not be embarrassed on the field," second-year coach Mike Steinhaus said. "We have really great kids and they've been in the weight room working. They've gotten way stronger than we've been in the past."
Eight players on Dundee-Crown's 53-man roster now squat 400 pounds. Three of them squat 500 pounds, and one - nose guard Levi Ziegler (6-foot-1, 340 pounds) - squats 600.
Ziegler transformed his body in the off-season by shedding 65 pounds. He increased his overall strength and dropped his 40 time by 1.5 seconds. "I'm super proud of this kid," Steinhaus said. "He worked his butt off and has done everything we've asked."
Returnees on defense include third-year linebacker Albert Putlak (6-0, 188), 5-foot-8 senior cornerbacks Nick Musielewicz (2 interceptions) and Patrick Sprouse (1 interception) and safety Eddie DeLuga, a 5-foot-11 junior who started as a sophomore.
Senior Joe Flores and juniors Tommy Koniewicz and Nick Pellegrino join Putlak as linebackers.
Offensively, the line is developing into a team strength, thanks to four returnees who hit the weight room hard. The unit is led by three-year starting tackle Josh Mosley (6-3, 310).
Another senior tackle, Jake Kieltyka (6-0, 200), missed the last 2 games of 2014 after a benign brain tumor was discovered and successfully removed. He was cleared to play baseball in the spring and returns to football at full strength.
Junior center Gage Efken (6-1, 250) and junior guard Oscar Nava (5-10, 250) both started as sophomores. They are joined on the line by junior guard Chase Raap (5-10, 190). Junior Chandler Cowan (6-3, 302) will also be in the mix.
Senior tight end Matt Wiechmann (6-3, 180) "is a smart kid who always lines up in the right spot and does what he's supposed to do" in D-C's one-back, prostyle offense, according to his coach.
Overall, the Chargers intend to run the ball behind their improved offensive line and pass when given the opportunity. Junior quarterback Conor Ryan gets the starting nod in Week 1. His older brother, Garrett, also played quarterback for the Chargers.
Ryan will hand the ball off to a three-headed monster of Greg Williams, Sprouse and sophomore Lavonte Jones. Sprouse is the backup quarterback.
Seniors Jim Welzien (6-2, 190) and Nick Shydlowski (5-7, 160) and junior Sean Jay (5-6, 145) are Ryan's targets at wide receiver. Last year Welzien caught 13 passes for 111 yards.
"We'd like to be balanced offensively, but we'll do what it takes to win the game," Steinhaus said. "Our offense puts playmakers in position to make plays. It's not like we're set on doing one thing. We can adjust."