Scouting the Burlington Central Rockets
Burlington Central's mission is clear for its final year in the Kishwaukee River Conference.
"I'm excited for the future, but I'm also excited to leave this conference with a bang," said Rockets coach Brian Melvin. "That's kind of our goal this year. We have some unfinished business in this conference before we leave."
The Rockets finished 5-4 a year ago to barely miss the playoffs. That serves as plenty of motivation in Burlington Central's last chance before becoming the smallest school by about 400 students next year in the Fox Valley Conference.
"Last year was disappointing being so close to the playoffs but we didn't take care of what we needed to take care of," Melvin said. "That's on us. The kids this year know that and are ready to take the next step."
This is Melvin's third season at Burlington Central, team No. 67 as he likes to say. The numbers are low at 32, and the Rockets are thin in returnees in areas like the offensive line where they will start five newcomers.
"We are low on numbers right now," Melvin said. "You have to be creative now as a football coach on how you practice, how you use the kids. We're lucky because out of the roster we have we have really good football players. We have 32 kids right now that can play on Friday nights. Our numbers are low but they are all going to be used."
Senior James Estes (6-0, 280), a transfer from St. Edward, will anchor the line at center. Guard Keandre Holmes (5-8, 299) is the only other senior on the line.
They will be joined by sophomore Jake Borman (6-3, 260), junior Matthew Muetterties (6-4, 238) and junior Ryan Joseph (5-10, 190).
One area the Rockets look to be in good hands is at quarterback where they have two starters back. Senior Johnny DiCostanzo is a third-year starter, and junior Jake Lenschow also returns after taking over the final six games last year after DiCostanzo was injured.
Melvin declined to say who will start. Both will be on the field at all times, DiCostanzo at running back and Lenschow at receiver.
"Johnny is the runner and Jake is the passer, they both do different things," Melvin said.
Senior Matt Ganziano returns at running back, and his younger brother Mark Ganziano, a sophomore, is starting at defensive back.
"The Ganziano family is just phenomenal, they are just great kids," Melvin said.
Senior wide receivers Kyle Moring and Layn Reynolds, who both started last season, will be two of the Rockets' main weapons when they look to throw. Junior Andrew Solomon returns at kicker after only missing 2 extra points last year.
"We have a lot of athletes on this team," Melvin said. "It's just can they play under the lights."
Defensively, DiCostanzo will play linebacker and Lenschow defensive back.
Melvin said two players to watch on that side of the ball are defensive ends Travis Schambach (6-2, 210) and Muetterties. Schambach led the conference in sacks last year.
Burlington Central hosted its first 7-on-7 this summer, bringing South Elgin and Hampshire. That's just another sign of progress, says Melvin, with leaving the Kishwaukee in style next on his list.
"It was a proud moment for me as a head coach," Melvin said of the 7-on-7. "We are excited because the kids are really buying into the system. They are flying around, they are enjoying playing football. That's what we are trying to build here."