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Scouting Lake Zurich: Defensive excellence has Bears thinking big again

Losing last year's Class 7A state championship game still doesn't sit well with the Lake Zurich Bears.

And the fact that it happened in overtime still makes it hurt all the more.

But by now, the Bears have been able to channel most of their hurt and disappointment into more productive energies, such as inspiration and motivation.

Lake Zurich, with many standouts from last year returning, is aiming high again, and is intent on returning to the Class 7A state championship ... and finishing the job this time.

"All of us accept the fact that last year is last year and it is what it is," Lake Zurich coach Luke Mertens said. "It was a great game and we lost to a great team. But it was disappointing for our kids with the way it ended. It's been a great motivator for us. All we want to do moving forward is to win and to win the most important game.

"Teams that have had success in the past will put pressure on themselves but I think you have to set the bar high for yourself in order for the success to continue."

As is often the case for Lake Zurich, which went 13-1 last year, the team will be driven by the defense. Defense has been a focal point for the program for years and typically the Bears are one of the stingiest programs in the state.

Last year, the Lake Zurich defense allowed a North Suburban Conference-low 9.9 points per game.

"It's all belief in the system by the kids," Mertens offered as an explanation for Lake Zurich's consistent defensive excellence. "It's about learning the system and believing in it. And our kids take a lot of pride in continuing that tradition of defensive excellence."

Lake Zurich graduated one of its best defensive players in program history last year in linebacker Jack Sanborn, who is now playing at Wisconsin. But fear not, Bears fans, for there is more top-shelf talent in the pipeline.

This year, the defense will be anchored by senior linebacker Luke Dwyer, who will be playing next year at FCS heavyweight North Dakota State, which has won six of the last seven FCS national championships, including the 2017 title.

"He's so versatile," Mertens said of Dwyer. "He can play the run and the pass so well. He's long and quick. He heads up a very veteran group."

The Bears boast eight starters back on a defense that pitched three shutouts last year and allowed only five opponents to score more than 10 points.

Defensive back Austin LePage, who set a school record with 11 interceptions last year, is also back.

The offense returns only four starters, but Mertens is optimistic the Bears on that side will once again be able to keep up with the defense.

"Last year, there was so much good publicity for our defense that sometimes our offense didn't get the proper credit," Mertens said. "Our offense put up big numbers too and I think we can be just as productive this year."

Lake Zurich will feature a new look at quarterback with the graduation of Evan Lewandowski, the Daily Herald's Lake County player of the year in 2017. Lewandowski put up eye-popping numbers, passing for nearly 2,800 yards and 30 touchdowns.

Senior Matt McGraw, a transfer from Grant, will slip into the starting spot. McGraw features a strong, accurate arm and started as a sophomore and junior at Grant.

"He came into a tough situation transfering in as a senior," Mertens said of McGraw. "But he's handled it really well and didn't come in expecting anything. He just wants to win. I think he's doing really well and he's also starting to develop a lot of friendships and bond with his teammates."

The Bears have three other quarterbacks on the team who could also contribute. Junior backup Jack Moses is quick and versatile as a passer or runner, but will mostly be moved around the field wherever Lake Zurich needs him. He will see time at receiver, running back and even some defense.

Two other quarterbacks, juniors Jake Roberton and Don Volante, have also impressed Mertens over the summer.

"We have four quarterbacks who are really good and that is a blessing," Mertens said. "I don't think I have ever had that many quarterback at one time or been so deep at quarterback.

"We will 100 percent do whatever we need to do to win."

In terms of an offensive style Mertens is committed to doing what he always has in the past: a balanced attack.

"I'm a big believer in that you can't be one-dimensional," Mertens said. "We will pass and run and from what I see right now, I am very confident we can do both and that we will be balanced."

The wide receivers are led by Michael Gallus, Marek Enters and James Piggot while multiple runners will get reps at running back, including Jason Sayre, Tommy Vages, Chuck Gifford and sophomore Jack Dwyer.

"We have a good group of kids," Mertens said. "We don't really talk about goals, but I really think that if your goal is not to win a state championship, then I don't know what you're playing for. I don't think we really have any other goals."

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