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Ilich brings straight-on approach to Bartlett

New Bartlett football coach Eric Ilich's goal for his team is straightforward.

Row the boat.

In the same direction.

All at once.

Though few starters return from last year's 5-5 playoff squad, Ilich figures if everyone involved with the program - all 54 players on the 2016 varsity roster, their coaches, parents, support staff, cheerleaders, you name it - work together toward the same goal, the result can astound.

Through a full summer of workouts and two weeks of fall camp, the third coach in Bartlett history continues to imbue his philosophy upon his players .

"There really is a row-the-boat type of mentality we're looking for, guys that understand that they're a part of something bigger than themselves," Ilich said. "If they concentrate on doing their job, the results from that will be great. It's an opportunity for all these seniors that didn't get a lot of playing time last year to prove to themselves, to their school or even to last year's team that they're good football players."

Ilich, former head coach Tom Meaney's longtime offensive coordinator, again calls the offense. He count on 6-foot-1, 180-pound quarterback Joey Daum, a senior. Described by his coach as a hard worker with good size who can throw the ball or run it, Daum is the player Ilich said "will keep our boat going straight."

Daum, in turn, will count on some experienced linemen to keep him in one piece. Center Eric Cook (5-10, 275) played every snap last season and right tackle David Snyder (6-0, 280) is also back.

Other seniors who rotated into the action last season include guard Nick Dawson (5-11, 200), speedy 5-foot-7 running back Vanshon Lindsey, wide receiver Chris Sanft (6-0, 175) and tight end T.J. Nicoll (6-3, 225).

Defensively, the Hawks are starting nearly from scratch. Senior Alex Rodriguez contributed at linebacker last year. Otherwise, only a couple of players gained any experience beyond special teams.

Third-year defensive coordinator Rob Kirsch will look for big performances from senior linebackers Joey Waltz and Ryan Temesvary and junior linebacker Tyler Renella, hybrid lineman/linebacker Cam Montbriand (6-2, 185) and Cornelius "Neil" Carroll, who plays defense, offense and special teams.

Can 54 Hawks rowing in unison gain enough forward momentum to challenge defending champion South Elgin for the Upstate Eight Valley title while claiming a second straight playoff berth?

"I think our guys are making the most of their opportunities by working hard and getting better," Ilich said. "They know it's all about them and what they want this team to be. They're working toward something better than themselves."

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