Experienced Larkin eyes a trip to state playoffs
Ever wonder why high school coaches sometimes can't sleep?
Last year Larkin needed just one more win in Week 9 to qualify for the postseason for the first time since 2006, but the offense turned the ball over 6 times in a heartbreaking 26-20 loss to Elgin and the Royals missed the postseason at 4-5.
Coach Dragan Teonic said he endured a few sleepless nights following that disappointing loss to Larkin's previously winless rival. He kept wondering how a ball-secure team that had turned the ball over only 7 times in 8 games could reverse course so suddenly.
Teonic sleeps better these days in the knowledge his players are determined not to let history repeat itself. Forty Royals attended 80 percent or more of practices this summer, a percentage Teonic uses as a benchmark for proper participation. When he started at Larkin four years ago, only 19 players attended 80 percent of summer practices. That number improved to 23 two summers ago and 28 last year.
Not coincidentally, Larkin's record has improved each season. The Royals went winless in 2014, they won one game in 2015 and improved to 4 wins last year.
How will 2017's final record look with 40 players bought in fully?
"I'm not sure about wins and losses but I love coaching this group," Teonic said. "It used to be we couldn't count on certain kids who didn't show up all the time, but this group is taking the next step. They practice hard, they fund raise, they take care of their school work, they push each other and they get in the weight room. They've become more invested in the program."
That investment is paying dividends on the offensive line, the "thickest and most athletic" Teonic has fielded at Larkin to date, he said. The unit features four returnees: senior Gio Feliciano (6-0, 250), part-time starter Mike Villanueva (5-11, 255) at center, three-year starter Ezzry Leon (6-0, 205) and junior Isai Rios (6-1, 240), a returning starter Teonic says is "all muscle." The group is joined by senior Manny Cruz (5-11, 205), a first-time starter.
Behind that line lurk some dynamic playmakers, including seniors Kindrel "Nomo" Morris and DJ Ball and junior Travis Farley.
Morris was named Class 7A all-state honorable mention last year after he rushed for 1,067 yards and 13 touchdowns in 174 attempts (6.1 avg.) and caught 15 passes for 151 yards and 3 more scores. He will also return kicks and see time on defense situationally.
Ball caught 12 passes for 72 yards last year and played on both sides of the line. A three-year starter like Morris, he will play slot receiver, running back, linebacker, kick and punt.
Farley is "nasty like a junkyard dog," his coach said. The 5-11, 155-pound junior started several games as a sophomore at slot receiver and linebacker.
The offense should get a boost from 6-5, 190-pound Isaiah Talley, who started for Larkin's regional championship basketball team last winter. A good leaper, he'll play wide receiver. Another receiver to watch is speedster Jahari Stubbs, who runs track. He'll also play cornerback. The fastest player on the team is junior KJ Redmond (5-7, 135), who will use his 4.5 speed to return punts and kicks and play slot receiver and cornerback.
The defense returns a trio of third-year senior linemen: ends Max Wiskirchen (6-3, 220) and Jesus Facio (6-2, 210) and tackle Aris Johnson (6-3, 245). Also back is junior nose guard Oscar Alcazar (5-9, 210), who gained playing time as a sophomore.
Joining Ball and Farley at linebacker is junior Diego Facio, who last year was ruled ineligible by the IHSA because he attended District U-46's Language Arts program at Streamwood. His 6-foot-2, 210-pound frame will help fortify a defense that allowed 31.4 points and 357 yards per game.
Two prospects to watch include sophomore call-ups Kionne Williams (6-0, 160) and Jashon Neals (6-1, 180). Williams' speed will be put to use at wide receiver, defensive back and special teams. Neals can run with the ball, catch it and play linebacker.
Do the Royals have the right mix to post their first winning record since 2009 and return to the playoffs for the first time in 11 years?
"This is our best group yet," Teonic said. "We had some great athletes last year but Nomo and DJ are trailblazers. It's the best group of linemen and skill we've put together and we have depth."