Leyden hopes fresh faces lead to encore achievement
Leyden is looking for a repeat performance.
The Eagles, who qualified for the football state playoffs last year for the first time since 2012, are looking to qualify in back to back years for the first time in school history.
"That's our plan," said Leyden coach Tom Cerasani, who has led the Eagles to the playoffs four times in his 12-year career.
"That's what we have told the kids, that we have never qualified for state or won the conference two years in a row. That is obviously the goal and something the kids are going after."
Leyden has made the playoffs just five times since East and West combined their sports in 1981. But four of those postseason trips have come in the last 10 years.
Leyden, which won the West Suburban Gold before bowing out to Barrington in the first round of the playoffs last fall, is coming off a 7-3 season. That team graduated 17 starters, leaving the Eagles inexperienced at some positions this year.
"We are replacing a lot these kids, Cerasani said. "We have a lot of untested players that will playing this year as varsity players. You can't replace experience."
Two of those players will key the Eagles' backfield.
Kyler Britten, a junior, is the new quarterback. Featured running back Gabe Guardenas (5-11, 210) is also a junior.
"They are both very good athletes," Cerasani said. "They both played on the sophomore team and did very well. They just need some experience."
Fortunately, the duo will have a very large offensive line behind which to operate. But that, too, lacks some varsity experience. Carlos Castillo (6-5, 325) is the only senior while Ryan Jaffrey (5-11, 200), Brian Borrowski (6-3, 240), Gerrardo Castillo (6-2, 230) Anthony Aguillar (5-11, 200) are all juniors.
The receiver group does have some experience in senior Ata Hinnawi, who is a returning starter. Split end James Hana, slot receiver Robert Elem and tight end Miguel Cooper will also contribute.
All eyes will be on junior defensive standout Trevon Thomas (6-3, 230). He started last year as a sophomore and was a force for a defense that allowed just 14 points per game. He was also named player of the year at a USA Football regional camp.
"He is almost unblockable," Cerasani said. "Teams are not going to look forward to game-planning against him."
Teams will most likely attempt to double-team Thomas. That should free up Fernando Corona, who will be at nose, and Borrowksi, who will play the other tackle. Inside linebackers Jason Kemp and Nick Motyka, both sophomores, should also benefit from the attention Thomas receives.
Vinny Fredrickson will be at outside linebacker while Miguel Cooper will be at strong side backer. Hinnawi will be at strong safety with Hana at free safety, while Robert Elem and Joel Monarez will play corner.
Cerasani feels his team can contend for the West Suburban Gold title again.
"The conference is pretty wide open," Cerasani said. "It is up for grabs. It is who stands up and takes it."