Low profile, but high hopes at Schaumburg
While other teams in the Mid-Suburban West have been receiving lots of attention, Schaumburg's football team is quietly readying itself for a central role in the battle.
"We are excited," Schaumburg coach Mark Stllling said. "The kids have have been working hard in the off-season and all summer."
Schaumburg just missed the playoffs last season, losing their final game to finish 4-5. That left the Saxons hungry for 2017.
"I like our combination of a seasoned offensive line and our skill players," Stilling said. "We have a sensibility where we can be explosive on offense, and a balance of who can touch the football for us."
Jordan Salgado will pick up most of the offensive load at running back for the Saxons. Salgado is coming off a terrific junior year where he gained 910 yards on 180 carries and scored 12 touchdowns.
"He had a real good off-season," Stilling said. "He is clearly skilled and talented. He shows up and goes to work. He doesn't get caught up in the flash, he just plays."
Salgado should get lets of room to operate behind a veteran offensive line that returns four starters.
David Drs (6-4, 225), Jaylen Young (5-11, 210), Robert Grasse (6-1, 210) and Paul Anderson (6-1, 255) are seniors and worked together as a unit. They will be joined by Tristin O'Connor (6-2, 220), who is also a senior and saw some action a year ago, and Michael Dan (5-11, 250).
"I can't say enough about this group," Stilling said. "They have been reliable since Day 1."
The wide receiver group will be young, but not completely untested. Heze Trotter, who started last year as sophomore, is quick and athletic and will give defenses fits. Marcus Ross, who is also a junior, along with sophomores Shamaree Brown and Tony Rofrano, complete the unit.
They key to the Schaumburg offense will be how quickly Deontae Arnold can step up. Arnold, who is a senior standing 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds, missed most of last season with an injury.
"Missing last year was difficult," Stilling said. "But he has a tremendous off-season in terms of his development."
It will be a very young defense for the Saxons, who could start seven juniors.
"On the surface, it could be a little concerning," Stilling said. "But they will work hard together."
The Saxons should also be strong in the secondary, where Victor Olaitan and Logan Knox return to clamp down on opposing wide receivers. Brendan Reid-Robson, who is a junior, will also start along with Joe Devine.
Jacob Bishop will move from fullback to linebacker to help shore up that position for the Saxons. He will be joined by a pair of juniors, Andy Ayala and Connor Barry,
Jack Lancaster will lead the defensive front, which could get some support from the offensive linemen. The defensive line will feature a trio of juniors - Alvaro Esparza, Joe Jamison and Joel Routhowski - and they'll be counted on to contribute quickly.