Scouting the Addison Trail Blazers
Addison Trail's football tradition is all about defense.
Tradition may be tweaked this season as the Blazers' offense preps for a big year. A return to the playoffs, though, still hinges on defense ... inexperienced or not.
"Usually it's defense or bust for us," said Blazers coach Paul Parpet Jr. "This year we're definitely more experienced and explosive on offense. We'll score some points. I'm just very concerned about how we're going to stop people on defense."
Last year, for the second straight season, Addison Trail suffered an injury at quarterback that forced a junior into action. Now with a few varsity games under his belt, Bobby Daniels will be under center with a slew of confidence.
He'll also have a slew of targets to throw to, a list headed by Stevan Jones and Darrion Conrad, who last season combined for 37 catches, 544 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns. Throw the experience of Ricky Perez into the mix, and the passing game appears strong.
Three offensive linemen return in senior Jack Simko and juniors Mike Renc and Randy Petrbok, but for the first time in a few years the Blazers don't have an experienced running back to carry the unit. Nick D'Ambrose had 27 carries as a sophomore and scored 3 touchdowns.
Addison Trail's most important defensive player might be an offensive convert. Andrew Felix, an offensive lineman last year, is shifting to linebacker. Two returners include defensive backs Conrad and D'Ambrose, whom Parpet hopes will be the team's only two-way players.
Linebacker Nick DiBernardo and lineman Zach Ullrich bring back varsity playing time, but that's about it for the defense. Cornerback Chris Purdy and linebacker Dom Zumpano will be welcome additions to the back seven.
"No matter what side of the ball we're talking about, we have to take advantage of the opportunities we get," Parpet said. "If we have a scoring chance on offense or we have a chance to get a three-and-out on defense, we have to do it."
One to Watch: Week 3
WSG play opens with the District 88 rivalry game at home against Willowbrook.
The breakdown
Coach: Paul Parpet Jr. (seventh year, 30-28).
2015 record: 4-5, 3-3, tied for third in West Suburban Gold.
Top players: Darrion Conrad (WR-RB-DB, 5-10, 170, sr.), Nick D'Ambrose (RB-DB, 5-7, 180, jr.), Mike Renc (OL-DL, 6-0, 275, jr.), Randy Petrbok (OL-DL, 6-3, 185, jr.), Jack Simko (OL, 5-10, 200, sr.), Stevan Jones (WR, 6-2, 180, sr.), Ricky Perez (WR, 6-2, 170, sr.), Bobby Daniels (QB, 6-0, 180, sr.), Andrew Felix (LB, 5-8, 200, sr.), Nick DiBernardo (LB, 6-0, 180, jr.), Zach Ullrich (DL, 6-1, 215, sr.), Chris Purdy (DB, 5-6, 143, sr.), Dom Zumpano (LB, 6-0, 170, sr.).
- Kevin Schmit
Schedule
Addison Trail
Fri, 8/26, Glenbard South at Addison Trail, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/2, Oak Park-River Forest at Addison Trail, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/9, Willowbrook at Addison Trail, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/16, Addison Trail at Downers Grove South, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/23, Addison Trail at Leyden, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/30, Hinsdale South at Addison Trail, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/7, Addison Trail at Morton, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/14, Proviso East at Addison Trail, 7:30 p.m.
Sat, 10/22, Addison Trail at Glenbard West, 1:30 p.m.