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Scouting the Lisle Lions

Returning several of its top football players, Lisle looks to continue its ascent.

In 2014 Paul Parpet Sr. surprisingly became Lisle's coach after a hall of fame career at Addison Trail, only to go 1-8. Last year the Lions reversed field to beat the likes of Coal City and Plano, make the playoffs for the first time since 2008, and finish 7-3.

"Last year's last year. We've got to start all over again. But we have the makings of being a very competitive football team," Parpet said.

Key ingredients include the all-Interstate Eight Small trio of seniors Mark McGrath, Grant Haen and Mark Pivek.

Daily Herald All-Area in football and basketball in 2015-16, McGrath both ran and passed for more than 500 yards, led Lisle in receiving and punt return yardage, kicked 4 field goals and made 26 tackles with 2 interceptions. When since-graduated quarterback Alec VanVolkenburg hurt his knee, McGrath took over and now will share that role with younger brother Jay McGrath.

"We're going to use Mark McGrath as an athlete. He'll be all over the field," Parpet said.

Haen led the Lions with 648 yards rushing and was second in tackles with 37.5. A third three-year starter, Pivek led Lisle with 73 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and 5 sacks.

Returning starting lineman Jeff Marach is still a junior, and Parpet likes what he sees up front. Most linemen will play both ways.

Promising newcomers, some up from last season's 7-1 junior varsity squad, include linemen Zach Zikuda and Ben Laning, athletic Cameron Stitt and the Hunter brothers, Isaiah and Jared.

"We have skill. Another strength, I think, is we can be pretty good on defense," said Parpet, who hired his nephew, John Parpet Jr., out of Plano to help coach the double-wing offense.

"If everyone stays healthy," Parpet said, "I think we can make the village pretty excited."

- Dave Oberhelman

The breakdown

Coach: Paul Parpet Sr. (third year, 8-11; 32nd year overall, 166-133).

2015 record: 7-3, 4-1, second in the Interstate Eight Small.

Top players: Kyle Belina (OL, 6-0, 210, sr.), Zach Zikuda (OL, 5-10, 210, so.), Grant Haen (FB-LB, 5-10, 185, sr.), Isaiah Hunter (DB, 5-10, 165, sr.), Jared Hunter (DB, 5-8, 145, jr.), Josh Jamison (RB-DB, 6-2, 170, sr.), Ben Laning (DL, 6-2, 180, jr.), Jeff Marach (OL, 6-0, 255, jr.), Jay McGrath (QB-DB, 6-1, 175, so.), Mark McGrath (QB-RB-DB, 6-2, 200, sr.), Mark Pivek (TE-LB, 6-1, 180, sr.), Steve Populorum (DB, 5-8, 160, sr.), Cameron Stitt (TE-LB, 6-1, 165, jr.).

Schedule

Fri, 8/26, Lisle at Sandwich, 7 p.m.

Fri, 9/2, Coal City at Lisle, 7:15 p.m.

Fri, 9/9, Seneca at Lisle, 7 p.m.

Fri, 9/16, Lisle at Reed-Custer, 7 p.m.

Fri, 9/23, Lisle at Peotone, 7:15 p.m.

Fri, 9/30, Wilmington at Lisle, 7 p.m.

Fri, 10/7, Lisle at Westmont, 7:15 p.m.

Fri, 10/14, Manteno at Lisle, 7:15 p.m.

Fri, 10/21, Lisle at Streator, 7 p.m.

One to watch: Week 6

In order to win its first conference title since 1981 in the Northeast Conference, Lisle must get past eight-time defending IEC Small champ Wilmington.

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