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Huntley primed for improvement
Updated: August 22, 2011 9:53PM
After a 4-5 starting point in the first year of coach Matt Gehrig’s program, Huntley High School displays all the signs of team ready to take a big step forward.
“Our team has a lot of dedication, there are a lot of high-character kids who are coachable,” Gehrig said. “Our juniors and seniors have been diligent in putting in the off-season work and being another year in our program we’re really happy with where we’re at.”
One of those dedicated seniors promises to be the breakaway threat Huntley needs to compete in the Fox Valley Conference Valley Division. James Davis, a 5-foot-9, 170-pounder with sprinter’s speed, could be a focal point both on offense as a running back and on defense at cornerback.
Davis will split carries with junior Ethan Connor, a 6-foot, 192-pounder who came up as a sophomore last year.
The Red Raiders passing attack will revolve around senior Jake Brock in his first year starting for the varsity.
“He still needs some improvements, but made some progress throughout the summer, got better with his timing and accuracy,” Gehrig said. “He’s the kind of kid who does everything you ask him to do.”
Returning 6-3, 200-pound, All-Fox Valley Conference tight end Josh Symbal will be on the end of some Brock tosses, as will tight ends Zack Borring, Brandon Maybry, and wide receivers John Walker, Brice Beschorner, and Tyler Oslance.
The offensive line won’t start from scratch, either, and has decent size with tackle Ryan Davenport (6-2, 215), and guard Michael Silvestri (5-11, 240), returning, and Jordan Hyatt (5-9, 212) playing guard after playing fullback last year. New starters on the line include center Joe Kostalek (5-9, 225), and tackle Michael Velasco (6-1, 260).
“We’re not as big as some of the lines that play around here, but I wouldn’t call us below average,” Gehrig said.
With Hyatt at guard, senior Devin Kennedy will be expected to lead the way as a blocker at fullback in an offense that likes to run first.
The Red Raiders possess enough depth that only some players will need to go both ways, or a “1 1/2-platoon system,” as Gehrig called it.
Defensively, a pair of young, large defensive tackles will try to plug the middle. Mykle McBeth (5-11, 290) has been impressive enough as a freshman to get one of those starting defensive tackle spots after moving to Huntley from Aurora. Sophomore Darren Erath (6-2, 275) is the other.
“We’ve got some linebackers who are hoping they’ll be able to run around those big guys
Connor, Davenport, Hyatt and Symbal will rotate at linebacker. Joe Tanke (5-11, 245), Silvestri, and Velasco will rotate at ends.
In the secondary, there is experience besides Davis at corner as senior Frank Recchia returns following a full year as a starter. The safeties will be a question mark in terms of experience with junior Tyler Schwartz and sophomore
Mark Skonieczny there.
“They’re both hard workers who are coachable, and workout warriors in the weight room,” Gehrig said.
With 12 total returning starters on both sides of the ball, there’s enough experience to encourage Gehrig.
“There’s still a lot we have to prove,” he said, pointing to Cary-Grove, Crystal Lake South, McHenry, Jacobs and Prairie Ridge as powers that will challenge the Red Raiders in the high-powered Valley Division.
“Our whole league is going to be tough,” Gehrig said.
Huntley Red Raiders
2010 record: 4-5
Coach: Matt Gehrig (4-5 in second season at Huntley)
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