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Rolling Meadows retools with winning tradition in mind

One one level, it would be really easy to write off Rolling Meadows' football team this year.

After all, the Mustangs graduated 17 players, four of whom were all-area choices, from a team that roared through the Mid-Suburban East last year and finished 11-1 on the season.

But in another way, writing off the Mustangs would be risky. Very risky.

Consider that Rolling Meadows has won or shared the MSL East title for five consecutive seasons. The Mustangs have also qualified for the playoffs the last six years and in 13 of the last 14 seasons.

"We have had a good run, but every year is a new journey," Rolling Meadows coach Matt Mishler said. "We are young. We have only five players returning that had significant time last year."

Mishler will need to rebuild at the top, where he lost two-year all-area quarterback Asher O'Hara. Arek Kleniuk, a junior, won the starting nod over Alex Hoffman, also a junior.

"Arek has had to learn quickly," Mishler said. "He has been progressing and getting better every day. He is trying to get enough reps under his belt."

Mishler says he has three running backs he really likes, and all will get plenty of playing time. Jared Axelrad, a senior, will be the starter while Jace O'Hara, Tim Szylak will also see time.

Willis Goodwin and Justin Masters, who both started at corner last year, will add wingback to their roles this season. Charlie Svoboda will get some time spelling the duo. Luke Nordman, who saw some time last year at wide receiver, along with Justin Kretz and Greg Bouraoui, should be passing targets.

The real strength in the Mustangs' offense comes from its line, which is experienced and huge. Andrew Neville (6-4, 250), Patrick Crilly (6-0, 240) and Will Rezny (6-0, 260) all return, with Rezny moving to center. Joe Boyer (6-4, 290) and Dawson Krull (6-1, 250), both juniors, also solidify the front five.

"Our line is our strength this year," Mishler said. "I think we are very good up front."

The defense will have some experience in key positions.

Neville, a three-year starter, and Nate Pedraza, a sophomore, will both be at defensive ends while Mick Szlak will be at nose in the Mustangs' three-man front.

Juniors Max Salahani and Kevin Faghir will play at linebacker along with senior Emmett Dessmoz. The outside linebackers will be Tim Szlak and Riley Mueller, with O'Hara seeing some time as well.

With three starters back in the defensive backfield, the Mustangs look to contain opposing quarterbacks and wide receivers. Goodwin and Masters are back; Bouraoui will be at free safety, and Jack Kane will be at strong safety.

"Obviously we would like having more experience," Mishler said. "There is no substitute for that. But everyone is in the same situation. We have guys that have to fill in and play at a high level."

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