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Scouting St. Viator: Lions hope good things come in threes

St. Viator is looking for a three-peat.

St. Viator coach Dave Archibald arrived two years ago as head coach for the Lions. Prior to his arrival the Lions had been to the playoffs only two times in a seven-year period.

Should St. Viator qualify for the playoffs this season, it would mark the third consecutive trip to the show for the Lions. It would also mark only the third time in school history that the feat was accomplished, the last coming from 2004-2006.

"If we stay healthy, we feel we can get back to the playoffs again," Archibald said. "We need to win those 50/50 games. We were able to do that last year and if we stay healthy, we think we can do that again this season."

It is always a tall task for Viator, which plays in the tough East Suburban Catholic Conference. The league saw 6 of its 10 teams qualify for the playoffs last year.

The Lions did lose perennial power Nazareth Academy from its schedule this season, but replaced them with Marist and an improved Joliet Catholic, a program St. Viator has never defeated.

"Our schedule just doesn't get any easier," Archibald said. "It is a challenge. We have some size and some speed, if we stay healthy. I know the guys will be battling."

The offensive line will huge - but a bit inexperienced.

The Lions return just one starter in sophomore Jeremiah Pittman (6-2, 260), who is already catching the eyes of recruiters. Athan Huelskamp (6-2, 305), who is a junior, and senior Javier Sanchez (6-6, 300), are sure starters. They will joined by juniors Mark Crouse (6-0, 215) and Ryan McGuire (6-0, 215), sophomore Brandon Taylor (5-11, 220) and senior Cole Burky (5-10, 215).

"We do have size up front," Archibald said. "They have great feet, and that helps. We will play lost of teams that we will be bigger than up front."

Elijah Black, who has a scholarship offer from Ohio State for lacrosse, will return. He rushed for nearly 900 yards last season. He will be joined in the backfield by senior Hunter Loprino and sophomore Lucas Barisas.

The Lions will turn to junior Jack Mahoney for their quarterback play this season. Mahoney, a three-sport athlete committed to South Carolina for baseball, should give them plenty of run/pass options.

"We are very excited about his positive competitive mentality," Archibald said. "We also like his ability as a multi-threat kind of guy. He has some size, he as some speed and he offers a lot to the quarterback position."

Mahoney will look to throw to seniors Kevin Murphy, who is coming of a broken leg from last season, and Zach DeJohn. Owen Hickey, a junior, will also be in the mix at the wideout spot.

Depth will be an issue for the Lions, as many of their offensive players will bounce on over to the defensive side of the ball.

Pittman, Huelskamp and Burky will be up front along with Mark Crouse. There should be others rotating in to keep the players fresh.

Michael Purk, Eric Adams and Niko Weder, who was all conference last season, will be at linebacker with Weder the only starter returning there.

The secondary should be strong and is the only place where the Lions have great depth. Murphy, DeJohn, Loprino, Nate Peters, Barisas and Hickey will all see time there.

"We need all our athletes ready to go on both sides of the ball," Archibald said.

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