Aug. 12--Statistics don't properly measure Bryan Brokop and Justin Witt's value to the Lincoln-Way West football team.
Both understand that they most likely won't throw a pass, or finish with a single reception or carry during their senior season. Yet Brokop and Witt are clearly two of the leaders for the Warriors and will spearhead a powerful offensive line that has become a point of pride at Lincoln-Way West.
Brokop, a right guard, pledged an oral commitment to Nebraska last September. Witt, a right tackle, committed to North Carolina State in May. Brokop and Witt are the only returning starters on the offensive line.
"We love running the ball, especially with our big offensive line and with our awesome running back in Gabe Montalvo," Witt said. "It's nice being one of the best offensive lines in the state with me and Bryan, plus Nate Henry is a big help for us at left tackle."
The Warriors return six starters on offense, including junior left-handed quarterback Connor Lowman and Montalvo, who rushed for 1,432 yards last season. But Lincoln-Way West is still fighting for respect in its own area, with nearby Lincoln-Way East's continued dominance and Providence's winning another state title last season. The Warriors have quietly made the playoffs five straight seasons.
The Warriors have built their success on producing Division I offensive linemen, or "hogs," as Brokop calls them. Brokop, Witt and Henry, an emerging 6-foot-5, 310-pound junior, are the current wave defining the Warriors' program.
"We've been pretty fortunate on the offensive line in getting a lot of scholarships," Lincoln-Way West coach Dave Ernst said. "Traditionally, what we like to do is run the ball. You have to be good up front to do what we like to do, and we have the line to do it. In the future, if we don't have the line, we might have to go to other things, but not right now. That's where we've been fortunate."
Brokop said competition fuels his friendship with Witt and indirectly spills over to their teammates. At 6-foot-6 and 270 pounds, Witt is an inch taller, though five pounds lighter than Brokop.
"We're really competitive and always have been," Brokop said. "We're pretty close in height and weight that it is hard to judge. Even when it comes to strength, we push each other to get better and stronger.
"It's something special because now we are both Division I players and committed. We grew up together and been best friends since we were little. Growing up with your best friends on the line is special. We look up to each other and push each other harder than anybody."
Lowman, who passed for 1,436 yards last season, deftly handled the pressure of starting for an experienced team during his sophomore season. He helped guide the Warriors to a 9-2 record.
Montalvo, a senior, is primed for another monster season with Witt and Brokop blasting open holes. The Warriors open the season with three straight games against playoff qualifiers from last season.
"We have, I think, an all-state running back in backfield," Brokop said. "We might be underdogs coming into the first few games because we lost in the second round of the playoff last year, but we should be all right because our offensive line should be as good as the past few years, if not better."
Narang is a freelance reporter.
Lincoln-Way West
2014: 9-2 (6-1, first place Southwest Suburban Red).
Playoffs: 6A second round (L 34-27 to Richards).
Coach: Dave Ernst (27-8, 4th year at school).
Key player: Gabe Montalvo, Sr., RB.
