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Scouting the Grayslake Central Rams

A trio of linebackers epitomize the enthusiasm at Grayslake Central football practice.

"We have three linebackers who love to hit people," senior strong safety Brendan Veenstra said of senior John Poprawski, junior Joey Jens and junior Payton Waigand. "They get very excited and hyped. It's good to have that energy."

The Rams have needed a boost of energy-drink proportions, as years of losing takes its toll on any program. Grayslake Central (2-7 last year) hasn't had a winning season since 2011, when it earned the program's fifth playoff berth in school history.

In May, former Marian Central coach Mike Maloney was named the Rams' seventh coach this century, replacing Jason Schaal, who stepped down after five seasons.

"We've come a long way between summer camp and now, and I'm excited about the group," said Maloney, who makes his GC debut at Vernon Hills on Aug. 30. "We started some buzz in the building, and we're getting more kids out because there's a little bit of a change in identity. It's a fresh start."

With all due respect to anyone associated with the Rams program in recent years, a new start was in order.

"I think a lot of us are just ready for change," said the hard-hitting Poprawski, a returning starter and a leader on defense. "Obviously what was going on before wasn't working out too well. We're ready for something different to happen. I think we're all excited about that."

Nothing energizes better than success on the field. Maloney inherited a group that includes, in his opinion, playmakers. Sophomore running back Maurice Edwards (6-0, 175) played one varsity game last season and made it memorable, rushing for 223 yards and 4 touchdowns in a 41-6, Week-5 win over Round Lake.

"He's an all-around, explosive athlete," Maloney said. "He's probably our best offensive and defensive lineman based on his powerful hips and kneebend and ankles. I can put him anywhere on the field."

Junior wide receiver Colin O'Malley (5-9, 158) ran on the Rams' state-qualifying 1,600-meter relay team last May. Senior Grant Spicer (6-5, 190) provides a large target at wide receiver. Sophomore Kurt Heerdegen (6-3, 182) is another big body who can catch.

Either junior Anthony Butvilas (6-3, 160) or sophomore Darryl Overstreet (5-9, 158) is expected to start at quarterback.

"The fabric of my coaching identity is being able to control the line of scrimmage, so we're going to want to run the ball," Maloney said. "We're going to be a balanced offense. We got guys who can get up and go and guys who can make you miss. My 'balance' in our offense is getting those guys enough touches to make a difference."

Former Vernon Hills star Jason Newburger, new on staff, will run the offense, which could include quick passes and screens in an effort to get the Rams' athletes opportunities to make plays.

Former Rams head coach Ben Ault serves as defensive coordinator.

"Defensively, I think our strength right now is our linebacking corps," Maloney said of the group that features Poprawski (6-0, 190, Jens (5-10, 185) and Waigand (6-0, 160), all of whom played a lot last season.

The secondary features returning seniors Veenstra (5-8, 165) and Ethan Richardson (5-10, 150).

"Everyone's here grinding to get better," Veenstra said. "Everyone's here grinding to get to the playoffs. The energy levels are sufficient compared to last year. Just the amount of hard work our boys have already put in since this summer to now, we've seen extraordinary changes."

Since he arrived, Maloney hasn't been disappointed. It's about practicing with what he calls "championship standards" every day. The on-field results should take care of themselves.

"(Since being hired), I saw a group of young football players that were hungry to learn how to do things right and how to identity some tangible goals that were going to be a progression to success," Maloney said. "Every goal that I've put in front of them, from a structural standpoint and tempo standpoint, they've achieved."

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