In coach Dan Galante's blitzing defensive system, the linebackers are expected to make plays all over the field. Mark Dietz, an All-Conference choice at linebacker, led the team in tackles (65), tackles for loss (20), sacks (6.5), forced fumbles (2) and quarterback hurries (7) from his linebacker position. Dietz will be joined in the linebacking corps by returning starter Brian Risa (34 tackles) along with seniors Kevin Golden (32 tackles), Joe Burgess (14 tackles), and Cory Kotowicz (six tackles).

Dietz was the Shamrocks' most versatile player in 2003.Dietz handled all of the Shamrock kicking duties, punting 39 times for 1347 yards (34.5 per punt), pinning opponents inside their own 20-yard line nine times with only one touchback. As a place kicker, Dietz made two field goals and eight extra points. In addition to his other duties, Dietz played halfback as part of a rotation with Jeremy Stephen.

The Shamrock defensive line features standout Mike Bertini (41 tackles, 15 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks) along with a host of talented players. Bertini, an All-E.S.C.C. selection in 2003, anchored the Shamrock defensive line from his nose guard position. Seniors Greg Kuczer, Jariberto Rivera, Tino Santiago, and several juniors will compete for playing time on the defensive line for the Shamrocks.

In order to be successful, Galante's scheme requires defensive backs with the skills to play man to man coverage. The Shamrocks return three starting defensive backs in Jason Genova (31 tackles, 13 passes defended, two interceptions), Brian O'Connor (31 tackles), and Joe Nee (27 tackles, three interceptions). Seniors George Hickey, John Kusinski, Jack Lonquist, and Steven Rivera will round out the secondary.

Left tackle, Tim Mayerbock earned All-E.S.C.C. recognition in 2003, clearing the way for Shamrock runners and protecting their passers. Last season the Shamrock ground attack racked up 1,682 yards rushing, averaging 5.3 yards per carry as a team. Returning starters Pat Graney and Larry Rategan, as well as seniors Dan O'Hagan, Ahmad El-Ali, Mark Pufundt, and Tim Whitmer should allow the Shamrocks to control the line of scrimmage when they have the ball.

Junior quarterback Tom Barrett will start at the helm of the Shamrock offense. Barrett played in five varsity games as a sophomore, completing 18 of 49 passes for 229 yards. Barrett should be physically stronger and far more comfortable running the offense this season. Barrett's is both a leader and a student of the game, two qualities that should help him develop into a terrific quarterback.

Barrett will be throwing to a deep and talented group of senior receivers, led by returning starter Steve Rivera. Nick Infante, Matt O'Brien, Genova, Hickey, O'Connor, and Nee will compete for playing time at receiver. The tight end position will be manned by Luke Scanlon, along with Risa and Santiago.

Joining Barrett in the backfield will be a pair of seniors that will be doing double duty this season. In addition to their play at linebacker, Dietz (42 carries, 268 yards, 3 TDs) and Golden (33 carries, 141 yards, TD) will serve as the Shamrocks' starting backfield. Brian Felke (six carries, 24 yards) will spell Dietz at tailback.

Dietz will be challenged on special teams by a pair of juniors as Mike Kotz will compete for placekicking duties and Luke Vail will get a look as a punter.

The Saint Patrick football team has high expectations heading into the 2004 campaign. The Shamrocks return 12 starters and three All-Conference players from last year's team, which finished 4-5 on the season. The Shamrocks play in the toughest football conference in the state. The East Suburban Catholic Conference produced two state champions last season (Joliet Catholic & Carmel), and qualified three other teams for the 2003 IHSA State Football Playoffs.

In coach Dan Galante's blitzing defensive system, the linebackers are expected to make plays all over the field. Mark Dietz, an All-Conference choice at linebacker, led the team in tackles (65), tackles for loss (20), sacks (6.5), forced fumbles (2) and quarterback hurries (7) from his linebacker position. Dietz will be joined in the linebacking corps by returning starter Brian Risa (34 tackles) along with seniors Kevin Golden (32 tackles), Joe Burgess (14 tackles), and Cory Kotowicz (six tackles).

Dietz was the Shamrocks' most versatile player in 2003.Dietz handled all of the Shamrock kicking duties, punting 39 times for 1347 yards (34.5 per punt), pinning opponents inside their own 20-yard line nine times with only one touchback. As a place kicker, Dietz made two field goals and eight extra points. In addition to his other duties, Dietz played halfback as part of a rotation with Jeremy Stephen.

The Shamrock defensive line features standout Mike Bertini (41 tackles, 15 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks) along with a host of talented players. Bertini, an All-E.S.C.C. selection in 2003, anchored the Shamrock defensive line from his nose guard position. Seniors Greg Kuczer, Jariberto Rivera, Tino Santiago, and several juniors will compete for playing time on the defensive line for the Shamrocks.

In order to be successful, Galante's scheme requires defensive backs with the skills to play man to man coverage. The Shamrocks return three starting defensive backs in Jason Genova (31 tackles, 13 passes defended, two interceptions), Brian O'Connor (31 tackles), and Joe Nee (27 tackles, three interceptions). Seniors George Hickey, John Kusinski, Jack Lonquist, and Steven Rivera will round out the secondary.

Left tackle, Tim Mayerbock earned All-E.S.C.C. recognition in 2003, clearing the way for Shamrock runners and protecting their passers. Last season the Shamrock ground attack racked up 1,682 yards rushing, averaging 5.3 yards per carry as a team. Returning starters Pat Graney and Larry Rategan, as well as seniors Dan O'Hagan, Ahmad El-Ali, Mark Pufundt, and Tim Whitmer should allow the Shamrocks to control the line of scrimmage when they have the ball.

Junior quarterback Tom Barrett will start at the helm of the Shamrock offense. Barrett played in five varsity games as a sophomore, completing 18 of 49 passes for 229 yards. Barrett should be physically stronger and far more comfortable running the offense this season. Barrett's is both a leader and a student of the game, two qualities that should help him develop into a terrific quarterback.

Barrett will be throwing to a deep and talented group of senior receivers, led by returning starter Steve Rivera. Nick Infante, Matt O'Brien, Genova, Hickey, O'Connor, and Nee will compete for playing time at receiver. The tight end position will be manned by Luke Scanlon, along with Risa and Santiago.

Joining Barrett in the backfield will be a pair of seniors that will be doing double duty this season. In addition to their play at linebacker, Dietz (42 carries, 268 yards, 3 TDs) and Golden (33 carries, 141 yards, TD) will serve as the Shamrocks' starting backfield. Brian Felke (six carries, 24 yards) will spell Dietz at tailback.

Dietz will be challenged on special teams by a pair of juniors as Mike Kotz will compete for placekicking duties and Luke Vail will get a look as a punter.