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Staying healthy will be key for St. Edward

The injury report and game results intertwined as St. Edward's 2016 season unraveled.

The Green Wave opened with 4 straight wins, but an already modest roster was diminished almost weekly by a rash of injuries to key players, many season-ending.

By the time the Wave limped into the Metro Suburban Blue opener in Week 5 against eventual Class 3A state champion IC Catholic Prep, coach Mike Rolando's team was a shell of the version that broke camp. Only 18 players dressed for a 53-50 loss at Fenton in Week 6 and 17 suited up for a 42-21 loss at Glenbard South a week later.

Larger schools can absorb multiple injuries and remain competitive due to their depth, but that's a taller order for a Class 4A program like St. Edward, which has averaged 26 players since Rolando took over 13 years ago.

With electric performers like safety/wideout Saveon Smith and running back/linebacker Angel Garcia out of last year's lineup due to injury, the Green Wave didn't possess the depth to remain competitive for four quarters.

Fast forward a year and the now healthy Green Wave return starters at 20 of 22 positions, a statistic that includes multiple two-way performers. That listed is headed by returning all-state quarterback Dylan Mlinarich. He broke every program passing record last season, mainly because the offense had no choice but to throw the ball after Garcia was lost to a broken ankle in Week 4.

Mlinarich attempted 376 passes, breaking the previous record of 219 set by Ben Lehman in 2009. He completed 214 passes, eclipsing Joe Mullen's 107 in 2014. The left-hander's 2,812 passing yards dwarfed Lehman's old record of 1,799 and his 33 touchdowns topped Mullen's 28.

Tyler Holte (5-foot-11, 170 pounds) was one beneficiary of the Wave's penchant for passing. He set new program records in receptions (57) and yardage (677) and scored 7 touchdowns. Before his ankle injury, Smith caught 26 balls for 446 yards and 7 touchdowns.

Rounding out the talented group of returning receivers are Ryan Pomeroy (40 rec., 556 yards, 5 TD) and David Madden (37 rec., 521 yards, 6 TD).

However, St. Edward doesn't intend to throw the ball 40-plus times per game like last year with a healthy Garcia back in the fold. Before his injury, Garcia rushed 61 times for 391 yards (6.1 avg) and 4 touchdowns.

He'll run behind an offensive line Rolando calls "the biggest and strongest we've had." The group includes returning starters Brett Kruska (6-3, 260) at right tackle, guard Chase Migut (6-2, 265), center James Estes (5-11, 245) and left tackle Matt Pettey (6-1, 260).

"Dylan looks great and he's a senior who has been there and done that," Rolando said of a quarterback who has passed for 3,845 yards and 41 touchdowns in two varsity seasons. "If we can put a running game around him, he has a chance to be very efficient and effective. He doesn't have to go 26 of 50. He can go 13 of 18 and capitalize when we need him to."

The defense is led by Smith, who in three varsity seasons has 72 tackles, 4 interceptions and 45 pass breakups. He's joined by linebacker Ben Harrington, who led the 2016 team with 76 tackles. He plays alongside linebackers Garcia and David Madden (38 tackles, 10 pass breakups).

Jimmy Harkins (32 tackles, 3 ints.) will play defensive and Jordan West (25 tackles, 2 sacks) anchors the defensive line.

"We have some experienced playmakers," Rolando said. "We have a lot of athleticism on the defensive side of the ball. I think this will be a lot of fun. We've just got to stay healthy."

  Quarterback Dylan Mlinarich passes the ball at St. Edward football practice. John Starks/jstarks@dailyherald.com
  Saveon Smith looks for the ball over his shoulder as Sidney Muhammad defends at St. Edward football practice. John Starks/jstarks@dailyherald.com
  Parker Frey catches a pass at St. Edward football practice. John Starks/jstarks@dailyherald.com
  Tyler Holte stretches for a pass at St. Edward football practice. John Starks/jstarks@dailyherald.com
  David Madden reaches for a pass at St. Edward football practice. John Starks/jstarks@dailyherald.com
  St. Edward football coach Mike Rolando. John Starks/jstarks@dailyherald.com
  Jordan West carries the ball at St. Edward football practice. John Starks/jstarks@dailyherald.com
  Linebacker Ben Harrington reacts to a play at St. Edward football practice. John Starks/jstarks@dailyherald.com
  Jake Floyd carries the ball at St. Edward football practice. John Starks/jstarks@dailyherald.com
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