Proviso E., Schaumburg on watch list

Corey Coooper and Proviso East will meet Downers Grove North in the second round.
(Pioneer Press)

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What do Proviso East, Schaumburg, Warren and Highland Park have in common? They haven't been very successful in the state football playoffs. But they are making up for lost time this season.

Proviso East qualified for the football playoffs for only the second time, the first since 1998. Schaumburg, which was second in 1999, has qualified for only the second time in the last seven years. Warren and Highland Park have never advanced beyond the quarterfinals.

Proviso East is 8-2, is having its best season in 50 years, and coach Aaron Peppers believes his Pirates could be 10-0 with a break or two in losses to St. Patrick (17-13) and Downers Grove South (14-10). In his fourth year, Peppers is getting his players to buy into his philosophy.

"People say we're a basketball school but I want them to start talking about us as a football school," he said. "Last year, we missed by one point of getting into the playoffs. This year, we are using our athletes more. Next year, we will be better."

Peppers said the key to his team's success is a defense headed by linebacker Jawon Spivery, end Anthony Blackburn, tackle Billy Rogers and safeties Devonte Duerson and junior Corey Cooper, who is committed to Illinois. Cooper, a 6-2, 200-pounder, also excels as a receiver.

The offense is triggered by four juniors -- William Crowder III, who has passed for 1,400 yards and 16 touchdowns, running back Darnell Swanigan (1,000 yards rushing), Cooper (30 catches, 670 yards) and receiver Antoine Lewis (25 catches, 550 yards, 10 touchdowns).

Schaumburg coach Mark Stilling believes his team, led by quarterback Anthony Iannotti, receiver Josh Spandiary and sophomore running back Shepard Little, is for real. Iannotti, a 6-5, 220-pound senior, has completed 72 percent of his passes for 2,073 yards and 20 touchdowns. He scored a 35 on his ACT. But he has no scholarship offers.

"He hasn't even received one call," Stilling said. "He was a receiver last year so he is hugely under the radar. We have sent out film. He has running speed (4.8) but I think he is best suited for a pro-style offense at the next level. I think he is a better candidate than a lot of other quarterbacks who are being looked at."

Spandiary, a 6-5, 215-pound senior who ranks No. 40 in a class of 650, has caught 74 passes for 800 yards and 10 touchdowns. If he doesn't get more recruiting interest, Stilling said he might walk on at Iowa. He also is an excellent long snapper.

Stilling projects Little as a rising star. The 5-9, 165-pounder has rushed 195 times for 1,287 yards and 15 touchdowns. He has fumbled only once.

"He makes up for what he lacks in size with explosiveness and power. He gets better every week," Stilling said.

Warren also has an outstanding sophomore in fullback Tom Lindal, a 6-0, 190-pounder who has rushed for more than 1,200 yards and is rated among the best ball-carriers coach Dave Mohapp has produced in 12 years. Receiver Ryan McGuire, tackle James Poliquin (6-4, 255), linebacker Tyreese Woodard and cornerback Leonard Brady also stand out.

Highland Park coach Kurt Weinberg isn't surprised by his team's 8-2 effort, its best performance in 40 years. In four years, the seniors were 19-1 in conference play.

The leaders are quarterback Anthony Kopp, who passed for 250 yards and three touchdowns against Prairie Ridge last week, 5-6, 155-pound running back Courtney Frison, 6-3, 220-pound linebacker Owen Kugler, receiver/defensive back Brian Wilneff and receiver Jordan Reisner.