Aurora Christian begins season full of confidence

Updated: August 19, 2011 10:44PM

Few teams, on any level, go into a season with a reasonable expectation of contending for a championship. So many things have to set perfectly to have such confidence — from the coaching staff to the strength of the bottom of the depth chart.

During head coach Don Beebe’s tenure at Aurora Christian, the Eagles have been able to have such expectations a couple of times, due in large part to all-state quarterbacks Nate Peterson and Jordan Roberts.

This year is no different, with Western Michigan-bound senior Anthony Maddie under center.

“As far as the team as a whole, I’ve never felt this optimistic and I know I’m not the only one,” senior linebacker Mitch Holtz said. “There’s definitely a different feel this year as far as the team.”

But the confidence, the expectation of success, isn’t just based on Maddie’s right arm, or Chad Beebe’s hands, or Brandon Mayes’ legs.

It’s because for the first time in Beebe’s tenure, the Eagles have plough horses up front that can not only protect a future Division I quarterback — but blow off the ball and get the key yardage when it matters most.

“When I talk to the O-line, they love the running and the hitting more (than pass blocking),” senior center and captain Roman Czerwinski said. “We can do that more this year with the personnel we have.”

Czerwinski’s the “small” guy this year for the Eagles — weighing in at 212 pounds — yet he can squat about 500. Flanking him are four guys that average 247 pounds, led by guard R.J. Morris at 6-foot-3, 291 pounds.

“This is the biggest line that we’ve had,” Beebe said. “This is unheard of.”

Beebe said that the size up front —with Jonah Walker, Josh Cook and Nick Larson joining Morris and Czerwinski — has allowed for some new wrinkles to be added to his already diverse playbook.

“(Depending on the defense) we’re going to line up in pro style and a three-back set and pound the ball,” Beebe said. “Or, if you’re going to put eight guys in the box we’ll go 5-wide. We have the ability to be able to do that.”

Several of those linemen will see some double-duty on the defensive side of the ball, which hopes to improve upon a season in which it allowed 22.9 points per game and 32.6 within the Suburban Christian Conference Blue division.

Now back in the Gold division, the team has eyes on another conference title and a run back to Champaign.

But, it all starts in Week 1 with defending Class 4A champion Stillman Valley coming to Aurora. The Cardinals bounced the Eagles out of the playoffs last year.

“We have a lot to prove, to be honest,” Holtz said. “I remember I walked off the field (at U of I in 2008) and I was like ‘We’re coming back here,’ and this is my last shot to make that dream come true.

“I’m excited. I think we’ve got a really good shot to make it happen. Skills wise, we’ve got all the right guys in place. We have our six home games, so we’re bringing everybody into our place where we like to play. There’s a lot to be excited about for Aurora Christian football, that’s for sure.”

Aurora Christian Eagles

Coach: Don Beebe

2010 record: 7-5

Top returners: Anthony Maddie (Sr., QB), Grayson Roberts (Sr., WR), Mitch Holtz (Sr., LB), Brandon Mayes (Jr., RB), Chad Beebe (Jr., WR).

Key newcomers: Cody Slamans (Sr., DB), Anthony Cassara (Jr., DB).

Outlook: With a move to the SCC Gold, the Eagles are looking to win a conference championship and make another run to the state finals. Aurora Christian advanced to the quarterfinals last year and returns many key starters on both sides of the ball.

Schedule

Aug. 26 Stillman Valley 7 p.m.

Sept. 2 Chicago Academy 7 p.m.

Sept. 9 at Chicago Christian 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 16 Guerin 7 p.m.

Sept. 23 at Montini 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 30 Walther Lutheran 7 p.m.

Oct. 7 at Immaculate Conception
7:30 p.m.

Oct. 14 St. Edward 7 p.m.

Oct. 21 Aurora Central 7 p.m.

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