Nov. 14--Football
'Throwback'? That's Lemont's Flynn Nagel
There are receivers who make a catch and prefer to tiptoe out of bounds to avoid making contact with a defender.
Don't put Lemont's Flynn Nagel in that group.
Nagel, a senior, is not content simply making a catch. He relishes the opportunity to maximize the potential of a reception and possibly turning a small gain into a crowd-pleaser.
If that means inflicting some pain on a defender or two along the way, so be it.
"I think that has a lot to do with growing up with four older brothers," Nagel said. "Most people don't look at the (receiver) position as being physical. But I'm not the type of player to run out of bounds. If I make a catch and can make a move to get past one defender, I'm going to lower my shoulder to get the most yards I can.
"I like to put some pain on people."
- Pat Disabato
For Naperville Central lineman Alex Coates, the field is all downhill
As a competitive alpine skier, Naperville Central junior Alex Coates speeds down the slopes, making sharp turns to pass between poles throughout his descent and hustling toward the finish line while being timed against his competitors.
As an offensive lineman, Coates does whatever it takes to ensure running back Kevin Clifford has space to run or that quarterback Conor Joyce has enough time for a pass play to develop.
To be successful on the slopes, Coates must have endurance, coordination, agility, balance, flexibility and, of course, strength.
The same can be said on the football field, and it has shown this season as Coates, a first-year starter, was recently named the DuPage Valley Conference's Outstanding Offensive Lineman.
"He's worked extremely hard, as have all the linemen," Naperville Central coach Mike Stine said. "He brings an intensity to practice, is extremely athletic and has speed, quickness and toughness, and I would think he'd have to be tough to downhill ski."
- Chris Walker
8A: Simeon at Naperville Central football playoff preview
Outlook: Simeon hasn't lost since August. That loss was to St. Rita, a team that lost to Brother Rice, whom the Redhawks beat in the first round. Another common opponent was Wheaton North, with both teams winning close games. Naperville Central has played its best football in the second half during the playoffs, but the Redhawks need to start stronger if they're going to keep winning now that the quarterfinals are here.
- Chris Walker
6A preview: Hinsdale South at St. Francis
Sixth-seeded St. Francis (9-2) will host 10th-seeded Hinsdale South (9-2) at 1 p.m. on Saturday in the quarterfinal round of the Class 6A football playoffs. Here's what you should look forward to this weekend.
- George Wilcox
Oak Lawn football ready to take new direction
In 2015, for the fourth time in 10 seasons, Oak Lawn will have a new man running its football program.
Sean Lucas, who just completed his fourth season with a 3-6 record, has resigned, sending the Spartans' coaching merry-go-round in motion -- again.
"We hope to find a coach who wants to be a career head coach here," said Kevin McKeown, in his second year as Oak Lawn's athletic director. "We want somebody who can really connect with the kids and can make it a great experience to play football here."
I know, Spartans fans. You've heard this song and dance before from past athletic directors. Other than hiring Art Panka, who led Oak Lawn to the playoffs four consecutive seasons (2003 through '06), there have been far more misses than hits in regard to successful coaches.
- Pat Disabato
Boys basketball
West Aurora's Roland Griffin to play college basketball for ISU
For his love of the game, West Aurora basketball standout Roland Griffin knows who deserves his thanks, his mom Fay.
A former collegiate player herself at St. Mary's University in Winona, Minn., Fay Griffin didn't push her son to the sport, but she certainly helped facilitate his love for it. A self-proclaimed gym rat, she admits she was delighted when a 4-year-old Roland ran into their home and excitedly told her there was a basketball court in their development and he wanted to go play.
An emotional Fay Griffin, tears welling in her eyes, watched Wednesday as Roland signed his national letter of intent to attend Illinois State University next fall on a basketball scholarship.
Also there was veteran coach Gordie Kerkman and members of his staff.
"People expect a lot from you," Kerkman told Griffin at the ceremony held in the office of West Athletic Director Jason Buckley. "Obviously, we expect a lot from you. Remember, you've got one more year of high school left.
"But it's a great honor for you and I think you're going to a very good school."
- Rick Armstrong
Girls volleyball
Benet sticking to business at state volleyball finals
Some observers called Benet's supersectional win over Mother McAuley last Saturday "the best high school volleyball match they'd ever seen."
Benet coach Brad Baker has another word for it. "History."
"Saturday's match, we're done with it," Baker said. "It's a new day and we're starting over."
Not looking back at what was widely considered the unofficial state championship match, nor looking ahead to a third state title in four years, Benet has its sights squarely set on Friday's Class 4A semifinal match with Normal Community.
Benet (39-1) and Normal Community (35-4) meet at 7:30 p.m. at Redbird Arena, followed by the second semifinal between Libertyville and Loyola. The Class 4A final is scheduled for 8:55 p.m. Saturday.
"There was a lot of focus on that McAuley match, and that was a hump we had to get through," Benet senior middle Rachael Fara said. "But we're not done. We have to take it one match at a time. Stay focused, stay humble and keep working."
- Joshua Welge
