Nov. 06--Playing football in November seemed implausible when Tim Zasada took over as Reavis' head coach in 2012.
The Rams had won only one game combined in the previous two seasons, and the paucity of a genuine feeder system left participation levels well below what's necessary for sustained success on the field.
But Zasada and his staff embarked on a mission that not only included persuading the talented incoming freshman class to sign on, but also beating the bushes at grammar and middle schools to endear themselves to potential future players.
"That first year was more about this being a marketing job instead of worrying about Xs and Os," Zasada said. "The community was probably right not to pay attention to us at the time. But you can't underestimate what a lot of hard work and tremendous support from the administration can do. Looking back, it's been pretty special."
Sure enough, the fruits of Zasada and his staff's labor are now being realized. Four- and five-win campaigns in 2012-13 led to last year's 8-3 record, which included the Rams' second playoff win in 26 years.
Reavis (9-1) has taken another step this fall. A three-way tie for the South Suburban Red crown (with Eisenhower and Richards) was the program's first conference title since 1983, and the Rams enter Saturday's Class 7A second-round matchup with Rockford Auburn averaging more than 45 points per game, including four games with more than 50 points and one with fewer than 30.
Dual-threat quarterback Isiah Alpuche took the reins as a sophomore and has grown in both his understanding of the Rams' offense and how to attack opposing defenses. He's even been given leeway to change certain calls at the line if he sees a defensive formation that can be exploited.
"We've got the kind of offense that can beat teams in a lot of different ways," said Alpuche, who accounted for seven touchdowns in last weekend's 57-49 first-round win over Rolling Meadows, including four passing, one rushing and a score apiece via fumble and kickoff returns. "We knew we had some mismatches to take advantage of and it worked in our favor."
Despite a steady uptick in participation and now a winning product on the field, Reavis still finds itself lacking depth, as evidenced by its eight two-way starters (seven of which are seniors).
"They're no good standing next to me on the sideline," Zasada said. "We can't afford to let them get any rest because they're our best players."
Besides Alpuche, the two-way starters include the team's two top rushers, Khalid Norvell and three-year starter Travis Liszewski, who have combined with Alpuche to run for more than 2,000 yards and 39 touchdowns. Also rarely coming off the field are linemen Vince Vertucci and captain James Rapacz, and the group's only junior, BranTrell Seymore, who topped 200 receiving yards in the playoff opener.
Zasada actually calls the eight "three-way starters" because they're also special teams mainstays as well.
"We don't even think about getting tired because it's all or nothing at this point," said Alpuche, who has passed for 1,511 yards and 19 touchdowns and intercepted three passes from his safety spot. "We're committed to giving it all on every play and every down."
Staying on the field for so long together has helped foment a strong commitment to each other as well. Staying alive for a few more weeks would exceed the collective pride that already exists among those who helped mold the Rams' transformation.
"We have a great family bond and that's what propels us; we don't play for ourselves, we play for each other," Rapacz said. "No one wants to lose, but above all we all want people to realize that Reavis isn't a team that's easily pushed around."
Steve Reaven is a freelance reporter for the Chicago Tribune.
