Put to test in 2010, experience on Streamwood’s side in 2011

Updated: August 24, 2011 7:14PM

Streamwood hopes a little more balance and a lot of experience pay big dividends this season.

The Sabres went 2-7 a year ago to score more than a single victory in a campaign for the first time since 2003. Even with the bump in the win total, Streamwood still suffered a spate of injuries that forced a number of younger players into the lineup.

While that hurt the Sabres down the stretch last season, the flip side is that this year’s group comes in with more varsity reps under its belt. Coupled with a more balanced distribution of talent that has Streamwood two-deep at most positions, sixth-year coach Cal Cummins hopes the Sabres are a little better prepared for the unforeseen.

“Overall with our general approach and attitude, the kids have been exceptional,” he said. “This group works extremely hard, and that fact that we have the right number of kids at the right positions has been a big help. Now we’re competing against ourselves in practice at a higher level, which is going to help. Being able to challenge yourself Monday through Thursday in practice shows up in Friday’s results.”

Leading the way on offense are three-year starting seniors Dalton Lundeen (6-foot-2, 180), who threw for more than 1,000 yards last season at quarterback, and Alex Morrow (5-10, 187), who amassed more than 700 yards and seven touchdowns in five games before injuries derailed him for the year.

Juniors Blake Holder (6-2, 175) and Austin Mugnai return at wide receiver, as do junior fullback Vince Williams (6-1, 203) and senior tight end Ryan Cook (6-1, 168). Two-way junior A.J. Mitchell (5-10, 248) will anchor the offensive line.

On defense, junior Kushtrim Berisha will be back at linebacker. Forced into the lineup because of injuries last season, Berisha led the Sabres in tackles the last two games of the campaign. Senior Jared Garcia (5-10, 195) is back on the defensive line.

And of course Streamwood will lean on some varsity newcomers, including junior Deji Giwa and Steve Brown, who have impressed at WR and DB in 7-of-7 drills this summer. Juniors Mike Murawski and Trent McCaw should give some needed size on the lines on both sides and the linebacking corps. Streamwood is also hoping to have senior Peter Samosa (6-2, 214) back on the line if he can heal from a foot tendon injury.

That should be a lift just where the Sabres need it.

“We have a lot of the personnel here to have success,” Cummins said. “The key will be the line on both sides. If that group can play some solid football, we have some good skill players around them with experience.

“That’s invaluable,” Cummins added. “Especially as you start the season, having that varsity mentality and knowing what it takes. These young kids have really pushed themselves in the weight room, and now they’re playing the game with a lot of confidence.”

STREAMWOOD SABRES

2010 season: 2-7 | Coach: Cal Cummins (6-39 in 6th season at Streamwood; 115-100 career)

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