|
|
 |
 |
|
|
Football Ready to Kick-off 2007 Campaign
August 21, 2007
Dan Galante enters his seventh season as the Head Coach at Saint Patrick, where he has posted a record of 33-29. After reaching the IHSA State Playoffs four times in Galante’s first five seasons at Saint Patrick, the Shamrocks stumbled to a 2-7 record last season. Galante is determined to re-establish the Shamrocks as a winning team, and he is relying on a strong senior class to make it happen. “Our 44 seniors worked hard and took ownership of the program,” said Galante. “They have re-energized our team, and they have paid the price to win!”
Playing in the tough East Suburban Catholic Conference, the Shamrocks have their work cut out for them. Throw in non-conference games against New Trier and Notre Dame, and the Shamrocks face a total of six teams that qualified for the IHSA State Playoffs last season. Saint Patrick brings back a total of forty-four seniors. The Shamrocks open the season at their traditional rival, Notre Dame on August 24.
The foundation of success in the game of football lies in being able to control the line of scrimmage. Saint Patrick should be able to dominate the line of scrimmage offensively. The Shamrocks feature an exceptionally talented and experienced offensive line of: Justin Pagan, Mike O’Neill, Mike Hogen, Art Bielowicz and Ferdinand Velez, a group of seniors that averages six feet, three inches tall and two hundred and seventy-three pounds. They saw significant playing time as juniors, providing them with valuable experience and the opportunity to develop the chemistry to perform as a cohesive unit. Griffin Lucas, Colin Vail, John Szeszol, and Steve Holmes will provide depth on the offensive line. The tight end position will be handled by Brian Konopka, Chris Iverson, and Nick Casey. Konopka caught six passes for 61 yards last year, Casey caught four balls for 54 yards, and Iverson had one grab for nine yards.
Behind that experienced line will be a whole new backfield. Quarterback Mike Fabrizio takes over at the helm of the Shamrock offense. Fabrizio saw limited time as a junior, completing 11 of 26 passes for 100 yards, but learned what it takes to compete in the E.S.C.C. After a year as the backup, and lots of offseason work, he has a greater understanding of Offensive Coordinator Phil DeWald’s system. The coaches are convinced that Fabrizio will have a fine season. “Mike is ready to step up and have a great year, said Galante. “He is a natural leader, a great athlete, and the team believes in him.” Luis Sanchez, who rushed for 94 yards and a touchdown on 25 carries as a junior, will start at halfback, and Chris Zepeda and Nick Krauss will handle the fullback duties. DJ Stern will provide a change of pace at tailback.
The wide reciever position features several players who could step up and have big seasons: Jeff Dicks, Brian Falagario, Jeff Dohnal, Eddie Ortiz, Tim Fogarty, Dan Donovan, and Pat Browne. This group gives the Shamrocks depth and flexibilty at the wide receiver position.
The defense will have a new look with Denny Hall taking over as Defensive Coordinator. Hall, a 2007 Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame Inductee, brings 35 years of experience, having served at New Trier for the last 30 years, most recently as the defensive coordinator.
The linebacking corps should be the strength of the defense. David Giese, who recorded 44 tackles and four quarterback hurries as a junior, returns at outside linebacker. Giese’s combination of size, speed, and athleticism make him a player that opponents will need to account for on every play. Anthony Odarczenko will battle for the other outside backer spot, with Mike Draniczarek, and Charlie Fuentes. A lighter and more agile George Vitzileos moves from nose tackle to inside linebacker. Vitzileos had 38 tackles and four tackles for loss in 2006. Vitzileos will be joined at inside linebacker by Mark Cradick, Mike Kusinski, and Nick Hyland.
The defensive line is anchored by tackle Nick Madsen (29 tackles, four tackles for loss) and defensive end Steve Odarczenko (eight tackles, one forced fumble). Madsen wreaks havoc on opposing offenses with his strength and quickness. Luis Ortiz, Walter Hill and Peter Geba will all contribute on the defensive line.
Tim Platt, Eric Silva and Albert Tentler lead the defensive backfield, while Jon Persangi, T.J. Lally, Jason Gilham, and Matt Hansen complete the secondary.
On special teams, Zepeda, who was a perfect three for three on extra points in limited duty last year, will handle both the punting and place kicking duties. |
|
| |
|
|
|
