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Scouting the Montini Broncos

At this point Montini is a football program with one distinct mission: a state title.

Having won the 2015 Class 6A trophy at a perfect 14-0 - its fifth championship in seven seasons - Montini is hard-pressed to match that playing such foes as Mt. Carmel on top of its Chicago Catholic League Green slate. So what?

"We need to get five wins. Then we're a playoff team. Then look out. Our chances are as good as anybody's," coach Chris Andriano said.

The Broncos graduated a lot from a team that outscored foes 512-123, but they return a lot, too.

Western Michigan-bound tailback Prince Walker ran for 1,266 yards and 21 touchdowns and figures to be even more of a factor. So does Purdue recruit Mitch West, a sprinter who averaged 20.3 yards a catch when he wasn't making 60 tackles and 3 interceptions at cornerback.

Montini will find ways to get slotback Will Smith the ball. Receiver depth includes Brandon Shilgalis, Matt Quaglia and Tommy Morrissey, a York transfer whose younger brother, Matt, will be backup quarterback.

The starting quarterback is a legacy. Junior Brad Norgle's brother Chuck is a 2015 grad. Andriano said, "We just need him to be solid and take care of the ball."

Senior lineman Joe Spivak plays with what hockey commentators call "snarl" and brings 12 Division I offers. Big Michael Ross joins Spivak on both offensive and defensive lines.

Aside from Spivak, Ross, West and blitzing speedster Nick Foster, defense will be the more untested unit. Making a bid is sophomore middle linebacker Jackson Bruscianelli, kid brother of former star Franklin Bruscianelli. Another sophomore to watch is 6-3, 310-pound offensive lineman Michael McNicholas.

In 2015-16 Montini celebrated its 50th year in style. The Broncos are ready to start out the next 50 right.

"I don't know how we'll top all that," Andriano said, "but the great thing about football is it's all in your rearview mirror now. You've got to live for the moment."

- Dave Oberhelman

The breakdown

Coach: Chris Andriano (38th year, 293-124).

2015 record: 14-0, 4-0, first in the Chicago Catholic League Green.

Top players: Michael Cooney (K-P, 5-9, 170, jr.), Nick Foster (LB, 6-1, 190, sr.), Tom Morrissey (WR-LB, 6-2, 195, sr.), Brad Norgle (QB, 5-11, 190, jr.), Matt Quaglia (WR-DB, 5-10, 180, jr.), Michael Ross (OL-DL, 6-3, 310, sr.), Brandon Shilgalis (WR, 6-0, 195, sr.), Will Smith (WR-RB, 5-9, 185, sr.), Joe Spivak (OL-DL, 6-1, 295, sr.), Prince Walker (RB, 5-9, 185, sr.), Mitch West (WR-DB, 5-11, 185, sr.).

Schedule

Fri, 8/26, Montini at Maine South, 7 p.m.

Fri, 9/2, Lake Zurich at Montini, 7:30 p.m.

Fri, 9/9, Montini at Fenwick, 7:30 p.m.

Fri, 9/16, Montini at Brother Rice, 7:30 p.m.

Fri, 9/23, Marmion Academy at Montini, 7:30 p.m.

Fri, 9/30, Montini at DeLaSalle, 7:30 p.m.

Fri, 10/7, Montini at DePaul College Prep, 4:15 p.m.

Fri, 10/14, Mt. Carmel at Montini, 7:30 p.m.

Fri, 10/21, St. Francis at Montini, 7:30 p.m.

One to watch: Week 8

A heavyweight Chicago Catholic League crossover between programs that have combined to win 18 state championships - six for Montini, 12 for Mt. Carmel.

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