Scouting the Schaumburg Saxons
For years it is has been quickness and speed that has carried Schaumburg. This season, the Saxons add a new dimension to their arsenal - size.
This season it will be the largest Schaumburg team to take the field in recent memory. That group is hoping to the get the Saxons back to the playoffs after missing the cut last year with a 4-5 record.
"We believe that we have the makings to compete for the MSL West if we can stay healthy," said Schaumburg coach Mark Stilling, who is in his 15th year as head coach and has compiled a record of 74-66.
"I think athletically, we are pretty comparable to where we have been. We are looking to make the playoffs. This is the expectation. Anything less would be a disappointment."
Nowhere will the size of Schaumburg be moire noticeable than at quarterback. Luke Jessie, who is 6-foot-5, 185-pound junior, will be at the helm. Jessie played wide receiver for the Saxons last year.
"He is athletic and really gives us the ability to extend plays with his feet," Stilling said. "Luke is one of our better athletes, period, but especially mobile for a kid his size."
While Schaumburg may be moving some pieces around, the Saxons will still look to the solid running of junior Mike DiGioia for most of its ground work. DiGioia, who is 5-9 and 190 pounds, rushed for 550 yards last season on 128 carries and figures to have that workload increase this season. AJ Prowell will also see some action.
"Mike DiGioia is a throwback," Stilling said. "He competes extremely hard at everything he does and is committed to doing things the right way. His football ability and IQ make people around him better."
The Saxons also will feature a group of wide receivers that could give defenders fits with their size and speed. It will be led by 6-2 Shamaree Brown, who had 19 receptions for 220 yards last year. Tony Rofrano (6-foot) and Isaiah Garcia (6-3) and Anthony Komperda, along with Takumi Fred, Tyler Fortune and Ricky Chevarria give Jessie lots of options to throw to.
The Saxons also feature a large pair of returning offensive linemen in seniors Allen Okanovic (6-1, 300) and Dane McMahon (5-10, 240). Seniors Jose Parra (6-2, 230), Tyler Madl (6-2, 230) and Malik Moore (5-11, 230) and junior Derek Kulak (6-4, 255), could give the Saxons the largest offensive line in the MSL West.
Although not as large, the defensive line could be as formidable.
Brown and Ayobami Arokoyo (6-3,225) will be at the defensive end spot. They will be joined by Jeremy Serio, Jose Rodriguez, Okanovic and Brendan Rodatz.
The linebackers will feature a number of different combinations. They will include Michael Connolly, Fred, Blake Buchanan, JJ Calabria, Komperda, and Jeff Hermosillo.
The defensive back position also has tons of depth. Anthony Hernandez, DiGioia, Tyler Fortune, Rofrano, Chevarria, and Prowell all should make huge contributions.
"I really like the way we get to the ball," Stilling said. "Jose Rodriguez and Jeremy Serio are undersized, relative to the teams on our schedule, but they are tough and we like what we see out of them so far. Blake Buchanan, Tyler Fortune and Anthony Hernandez, who are juniors, got some great experience last year and have made huge strides in their second year on varsity. Ayobami Arokoyo is in only his second year playing football and has the potential to be an impact kid for us."
Stilling feels that the Saxons' opener with York will be a firm test for his team.
"York is a great challenge for us week one," Stilling said. "They made some big strides last year as a program. They are well-coached and talented. Their size up front is typical for what we will see from some teams in the West. We feel like this game will be a good barometer to gauge where we are at as a team."