Excitement, optimism key words for Minooka

Updated: August 19, 2011 11:52PM

Wait till next year!

It’s the annual battle cry of Cubs fans.

Shortly after Minooka wasted a 17-14 fourth-quarter lead in a 21-17 loss to Belleville East in a Class 7A playoff quarterfinal in 2010, Indian Nation began salivating over the thought of the 2011 season.

It’s here.

Minooka returns plenty on both sides of the ball and will feature a young but talented offensive line in the hopes of taking the season a step further than a year ago.

Last season, the Indians went 10-2 overall and 6-1 to tie Plainfield North and Plainfield South for the Southwest Prairie Conference championship.

“We are very excited and optimistic,” said Minooka coach Bert Kooi, who is 36-32 entering his eighth season. “It has a lot to do with the excitement that was generated by our 2009 and 2010 teams. They laid the foundation and gave us a blueprint for future success.”

Minooka’s strength will be its wealth of experience on defense and skilled offensive weapons, not the least of which is senior running back Kalvin Hill.

The 160-pound wrestling state champion rushed for nearly 1,300 yards and 19 touchdowns a year ago.

“Everyone will try to stop Kalvin Hill,” Kooi said. “We do have other weapons on offense that can hurt opposing defenses if they commit too many guys to stopping one man.”

They include senior running back Taylor Salazar and junior wide receiver Max Brozovich. He is the younger brother of 2011 graduate and three-year quarterback Mitch Brozovich.

The questions surround the Indians’ inexperienced offensive line and a new quarterback, who is yet to be determined.

Seniors Ken Creasman and Cody Cloud and junior Joe Carnagio all are capable of commandeering the Indians’ revamped offense, which could feature a more balanced attack this season. Kooi’s brother, Bret, has joined the staff as an offensive coach, joining Frank Yudzentis.

Bret Kooi coached 17 seasons at Lockport, compiling a 107-69 record and back-to-back Class 8A state titles in 2002 and ’03.

Senior Alec Vesper is the only returning offensive lineman for the Indians.

“Our offensive line lacks experience, but is very well coached and will be challenged day in and day out by a more experience defensive line,” Bert Kooi said.

Vesper and classmates Jake DeGraaf and Alex Hamilton anchor the defensive front for Minooka, which allowed just 159 points in 12 games last year.

Seniors Jake Petrovic and Dillon Haase at linebacker and Luc Carey and Tyler Grigus at defensive back lead those respective positions.

“We have a number of key guys back on defense,” Kooi said. “Our defensive line is well coached and with their experience should be one of our strengths this season.”

Minooka’s top newcomers include senior offensive linemen Jordan Brod and Hank Gronlund and senior running backs Nate McGuire and Darrien Thompson. Leading the juniors making the jump to the varsity are offensive lineman Blake King, receiver Luke Stoval, running back Josh Pullara and defensive backs Dan Ingram and Chris Hise.

The SPC race could be just as exciting as a year ago, when the championship was shared after Plainfield North beat Plainfield South in week nine. Minooka rallied to beat Oswego 27-21 in week nine to earn a share of the league title.

2011 SCHEDULE

Aug 26: at Morris, 7:30 p.m.

Sep 2: Providence, 7 p.m.

Sep 9: at Plainfield Central, 7 p.m.

Sep 16: Plainfield East, 7 p.m.

Sep 23: Plainfield South, 7 p.m.

Sep 30: at Oswego East, 7 p.m.

Oct 7: Plainfield North, 7 p.m.

Oct. 14: Romeoville, 7 p.m.

Oct 21: at Oswego, 7 p.m.

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