Top-seeded Aurora Christian focused on Kewanee

Updated: October 24, 2011 9:19PM

Aurora Christian head coach Don Beebe saw enough from the Eagles’ first round opponent, Kewanee, over the weekend to cause palpable concern. There was the first-half dominance over Morrison, the 2009 Class 2A champs, before three second-half turnovers resulted in a loss. Then there was the near miss against Sterling Newman Central Catholic, the 2010 2A champions.

Then there is his team: Top seed in Class 3A with a Suburban Christian Conference Gold title and a sparkling 8-1 record.

He remembers how his talented squad struggled at times this year with being ready to play against a “lowlier” opponent.

“The last thing these kids need to think about or talk about is getting back to the state championship game,” Beebe cautioned. “Yes, that is the ultimate goal, and to win it. But their main goal should be thinking Kewanee right now.”

What will help in that focus are the five seniors who have been to the end game.

Mitch Holtz, Grayson Roberts and Kenny McCracken were freshmen on the Eagles’ 2008 Class 4A runner-up squad. Anthony Maddie and R.J. Morris were part of the 2009 5A runner-up team at Joliet Catholic.

“We all have — I wouldn’t say it’s an outward arrogance — it’s a quiet confidence that we have the talent and we put in the work that it takes to get there,” Holtz said. “But you still have to do it. It’s still a daily thing.”

Added Maddie: “I was really, really naïve at that time. I didn’t really understand what was going on. I wasn’t as big of a part of what we were doing as I am now. I’m watching film, I’m studying, understanding what the game plan is and why it is the way it is. It’s just a lot different from my sophomore year, the fact of how much more it means, how good this team is and just understanding it a little bit better.”

That knowledge — and growing from past disappointments — is what gives this team a harder edge than you’d expect from a top seed. It’s an honor the players say has instilled confidence, but it hasn’t fostered indolence.

“Being in the conference we’re in, you have earn everything you get – no matter who you’re playing,” Roberts said. “We also let that (rough stretch) drive us to now and we said we don’t want to lose anymore. We definitely know we have to earn it every week.”

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