Streamwood expecting to take next step up
Streamwood football wants to take that next step in 2016.
The Sabres went 1-8 in 2012 and 2013, improved to 3-6 in 2014 and repeated that finish in 2015 under first-year coach Don Guindon.
Stocked with 20 seniors and a dynamic junior quarterback, Streamwood hopes to cast off the shackles of mediocrity and take a permanent place in the upper echelon of the Upstate Eight Conference's River Division.
"That's the goal," Guindon said. "We're trying to move forward as a program. We're always trying to take that next step. We have to take a step forward from 3-6 at some point and we do that by taking advantage of the situations that present themselves on Friday nights."
The Sabres welcome back 6-foot-5, 190-pound quarterback Brendon Marton, who last year showed flashes as a sophomore starter on varsity. One of the top students in Streamwood's junior class, the coachable three-sport athlete completed 74 of 160 passes for 959 yards. He threw 7 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. Guindon said the football "explodes out of his hand."
Also a standout basketball player, Marton ran track last spring, which should help him roll away from trouble in the pocket this fall, his coach said.
The Sabres graduated their top two receivers. That means expanded roles for 5-foot-7 senior Jesse Rico, who last year had 14 catches for 139 yards, and 5-11 senior Joe Droll (3 rec., 53 yards).
Streamwood's coach expects big things from tailback Malcolm Davis-Wilder, who as a junior last season carried 61 times for 259 yards and a touchdown.
"He's a speed back, probably our fastest kid," Guindon said. "He really understands all the ins and outs of playing running back. Last year, he was just being an athlete. Now he knows the concept behind the plays and has really grown into the role."
The offensive line could be a strength, anchored by third-year starter Jordan Ryan (6-2, 235) at right guard and returning center Matt Hoeffleur (5-11, 190). Tackles Julian Flores (6-3, 250) and Elijah Beach (6-2, 220) protect the edges.
Defensively, returning linebacker David McMahon moves to the middle and calls the defensive signals. He is joined by returning stack backer Ka'Vari Allen (5-11, 175).
The defensive line is fortified by Hoffman Estates transfer Jay Daniels, who will play nose guard against his former school when those teams square off in the season opener at Millennium Field. Daniels should benefit from experienced returning ends on either side of him: Sam Pendry and Edgar Gutierrez.
Many of the same offensive skill position players will draw double duty in the secondary, but no one is complaining about the workload.
"What I love about these kids is that they aren't overly talented but they work extremely hard," Guindon said. "Day in and day out it's so much fun to be at practice because it's competition day every day. These kids are great.