OPRF FOOTBALL WEEK 1 PREVIEW
Matchup: Oak Park and River Forest at Lincoln-Way East
Where: Lincoln-Way East High School, 201 Colorado Ave., Frankfort, IL.
When: 7:30 p.m. kickoff
Last year’s records: OPRF (9-2); Lincoln-Way East (9-3)
Preview: One of the best non-conference matchups you’ll find to open the season. To paraphrase Terrell Owens, get your popcorn ready because it’s gonna be a show! Both teams qualified for the playoffs last year, with OPRF advancing to the second round of the Class 8A state playoffs (lost to Maine South) while Lincoln-Way East made it to the 7A quarterfinals (lost to Edwardsville).
Led by outstanding head coaches in John Hoerster (OPRF) and Rob Zvonar (Lincoln-Way East) expectations are as high as ever with both highly skilled squads possessing the potential to compete for a state title.
“We feel as though we have crossed all the ‘t’s and dotted all the ‘i’s,” Hoerster said about the Huskies’ opener. “We feel as though our team has prepared well physically, mentally and emotionally. But you never really know what you are about until you throw yourself into the fire.
“That’s why we love all of these multi-sport kids on our team. They spend their entire year competing–mentally preparing for moments like these. Whatever the outcome, we are going to get better tonight.”
OPRF scouting report: The Huskies return senior quarterback Lloyd Yates, who completed 120 of 190 passes for 1,958 yards and 20 touchdowns with only four interceptions last season. He also rushed for 849 yards and 10 touchdowns on 117 carries. Yates, who has committed to Northwestern, also handles punting duties for the Huskies, while Sebastian Medala also returns as a solid kicker.
Yates is hardly the Huskies’ lone offensive threat as running backs Antonio Cannon, De’Viaughn Benion and Jamarri Watson comprise a versatile and potentially explosive offensive backfield. Returning 6-3, 185-pound KeJuan Ratcliff leads the wide receiving corps. Mundelein High School transfer Cole Fields, Dallis Flowers, Kamal Bey and Breshawn Wilkerson round out the rest of Yates’ primary passing targets. Northwestern-bound left tackle Adam Lemke Bell (6-5, 265) and right tacke Phil Berton (6-4, 255) anchor a talented offensive line.
On defense, OPRF should have a good pass rush led by junior standout Allen Stallings and Jelani Onigbinde, a transfer from Glenbard South. Returning starters in linebacker Marty McAndrews and safety Nathan Godwin are poised for stellar senior campaigns. Keep an eye on junior cornerback Dallis Flowers who possesses nice size and speed.
In terms of style, the Huskies like to give multiple looks offensively and utilize their speed and depth by stretching out the field and creating one-on-one matchups. Yates is the perfect dual threat quarterback to lead the attack. If Stallings, Onigbinde and friends can hold the line of scrimmage and provide some rush against Lincoln-Way East, that would go a long way towards securing a tough road win. Finally, the Huskies enter their fourth season under Hoerster (19-12 career record at OPRF), which means the system should start to look more seamless than previous season. How well the Huskies’ highly touted junior class adjust to the speed and physicality of varsity football will also be interesting to watch.
Lincoln-Way East scouting report: Since the school opened in 2001, the Griffins have qualified for the postseason every year. Lincoln-Way East won the Class 8A state title in 2005, defeating Maine South in double-overtime. In 2012, the Griffins finished as state runner-up in 7A. In short these guys know how to win….consistently.
Senior quarterback Mike Weller (690 yards passing) and senior running back Alex Kraft (5.8 yards per carry, five touchdowns) last season comprise a dangerous offensive backfield. 6-4, 220-pound tight end Bobby Paulson provides a nice target in the passing game for Weller, along with wideuts Paul Gossage and Jon Zelenika. Like OPRF, the Griffins also offer size along the offensive line led by 6-4, 245-pound Tim Vyhnanek.
Whereas the Huskies’ defense is primarily comprised of juniors, the Griffins are senior-laden, led by bruising 6-2, 225-pound linebacker Luke Epich. Brad Toepfer, Dan Stewart, Jake Attar, Jeremy Suda, Deji Olaleye, Kyle Keuch and Nate Rogers, among others, all provide plenty of talent and experience.
Lincoln-Way East fun fact: Did you know its mascot, the Griffin, is a legendary creature with the body tail and back legs of a lion, the head and wings of an eagle; and an eagle’s talons as its front feet. Griffins, known for guarding treasures, are viewed as the king of all creatures. Griffins are most common in the art and lore of Ancient Greece.
Not sure how Griffins handle Huskies, will know more after tonight.
Outlook: Unlike last year’s opener when OPRF cruised to a 55-8 demolition of Fenger, this season starts off with a major test on the road. How well the talented albeit relatively inexperienced Huskies handle a tough environment in Frankfort will be interesting to see and beneficial for their development.
“We need to overcome the inevitable adversities that arise when you push yourself in competition,” Hoerster said. “I want our players to stay optimistic and compete for 48 minutes, whistle to whistle. It’s also important we minimize mental mistakes. I will be happy, regardless of result, if we can identify these things when we watch film on Saturday.”
Farmer’s fearless prediction: OPRF 27, Lincoln-Way East 21
While the Griffins rate a slight edge healthy and at home, I believe Yates’ leadership and ability coupled with the Huskies’ overall speed gets the job done in a squeaker.
