Expectations high for Lyons after successful 2010

Updated: August 22, 2011 7:49PM

With a couple of game-breakers such as Jaime Jones and Matthew Harris back, Lyons has even higher expectations than last year.

But how do you top the winningest season in school history?

Lyons went 10-2 last season and claimed a share of the West Suburban Conference Silver Division title for the first time since 2007. Lyons has won only nine games in four previous years (1929, 1943, 1983 and 1987) and reached the state quarterfinals for the first time since 1983. Lyons’ only other quarterfinal appearance came in 1978. Last year’s quarterfinal appearance ended with a 41-10 loss to eventual Class 8A state runner-up Mount Carmel.

“It’s our only goal, to be a state champion,” Lyons coach Kurt Weinberg said. “Last year we gave it a shot. We do talk about it. I warn them not to be satisfied with it.”

Jones, a 5-foot-9, 195-pound senior from LaGrange Highlands, is the top returning rusher in the conference. He rushed for 866 yards and 11 TDs last season. He scored three touchdowns in Lyons’ 31-13 upset at Glenbard West Oct. 23 against the 2009 Class 7A state runner-up.

“He’s bigger and just as fast,” Weinberg said. “At 195 (pounds), he’s a big kid and runs well. He has tremendous balance and vision.”

Lyons’ first three games are at home against YourSeason.com’s No. 14-ranked Stevenson (11-1 last season), No. 20-ranked Downers Grove South (7-3) and Glenbard West (10-2), a top-three ranked team.

Harris might be the only two-way player for Lyons as a 5-10, 160-pound defensive back and wide receiver. Harris, a standout hurdler from the track and field team, also handles kick returns. The La Grange resident may see part-time duty at receiver since Lyons appears pretty deep on that side of the ball with Rennick Thompson, baseball state champion Evan Booth, Michael Thomas, Will Konstant and newcomer Jemari Burks able to catch the ball.

Lyons has nine returning starters, but none on the offensive line. Defensive lineman Anthony Simonelli (6-1, 220) could see snaps on the offensive line. Weinberg sees a lot of potential for new senior right tackle Grant Fosberg (6-4, 270).

“We’re definitely inexperienced up front,” Weinberg said. “We had a very good offensive line last year. It was one of the best we’ve ever had.”

The starting spots for the offensive line is yet to be determined, but Weinberg expects it will be comprised of three seniors and two juniors.

The other area featuring newcomers is at linebacker, where Lyons will start two juniors and senior Robert Mitchell is the only returnee in Lyons’ 4-3 defense. Mitchell will start at middle linebacker.

The defensive line is led by Simonelli and Corey Jefko.

Harris is one of three returning defensive backs, along with Thomas and Konstant, and that group makes up the strongest unit on the team.

“Two of them are safeties. That’s probably the best defensive returnees we have from last year since we have one to two defensive linemen,” Weinberg said.

Lyons’ new quarterback is Connor Onion, a 5-11, 170-pound junior who saw a little varsity playing time last season as a late-season backup to graduate Brian Kelley.

Weinberg said there are three different players vying for time as the team’s punter and placekicker.

Lyons

Aug. 26 STEVENSON 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 2 DOWNERS SOUTH 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 9 GLENBARD WEST 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 16 at Downers North 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 24 at Hinsdale Central noon

Oct. 1 OPRF 1:30 p.m.

Oct. 7 at York 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 14 PROVISO WEST 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 21 at Leyden 7:30 p.m.

HOME GAMES IN CAPS

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