Aug. 22--Is this the year for Libertyville?
That's a loaded question for fourth-year coach Mike Jones, whose focus rarely stretches beyond the next 10 minutes of practice. Thinking ahead to the state playoffs is almost blasphemous.
Three teams in the North Suburban Lake qualified for the state quarterfinals last season, including undefeated Class 8A champion Stevenson. Conference play won't be much easier this year.
But with 48 seniors on a roster that returns starters at almost every position, Libertyville has reason to believe 2015 is the year of the Wildcat.
Jones, however, reiterates it's never about just one year.
"We were maybe a little ahead of schedule last year, but I don't look at it that way," he said. "We just try to get the most we can out of the group we have. Next year, we'll have another group, and the same thing. I don't think I look at it like all my eggs are in one basket. We'll see what happens."
Libertyville is fresh off a 7A semifinal appearance that seemed unlikely when the Wildcats finished 3-3 in conference play. Consecutive September losses to Warren and Lake Forest revealed holes in the defense, but the same unit held seven opponents to 10 points or fewer.
Quarterback Riley Lees racked up more than 1,400 passing yards and another 1,800 rushing to buoy a potent offense that solved every defense -- except that of Stevenson and 7A semifinal opponent Cary-Grove.
The next step for Libertyville is competing with the state's top-tier teams, beginning with Stevenson in Week 5. Jones hopes an intense practice regimen will translate to intensity on Friday nights. Practices are divided into five- and 10-minute intervals, with a buzzer signaling the end of each drill and the start of a new one. That leaves little down time in a two-hour session that can encompass up to 24 drills.
And returning 15 starters, including all but one offensive lineman, is a good foundation on which to build.
"We've been able to progress in practice faster in terms of the degree of difficulty we're throwing at them," Jones said. "Last year, it was kind of walk-before-you-run. At this point in the year, we've given them a lot more to think about, and they've done a much better job of picking it up."
The Wildcats' thinnest spot is at linebacker, but seniors Riley Buncic and Ryan Maher are expected to boost the unit. Six-foot-6, 235-pound senior defensive end Ben Kimpler returns to anchor the front seven.
On offense, Libertyville will rely on the spread offense to create space for Lees to work his magic. The dual-threat quarterback has the arm strength and speed to cause havoc inside or outside of the pocket.
Libertyville's lone state title came in 2004, and last season's run was the Wildcats' deepest into the playoffs since their undefeated season 11 years ago. That bodes well, but nothing is guaranteed in a tough conference.
"Every week it's a battle," Lees said of conference play. "The biggest pro is when you get into the playoffs, you face the toughest teams in the state and you're ready for anyone you play against. It's tough week-in, week-out playing tough opponents, but it's good for you when you think about it."
No. 12 Libertyville Wildcats
2014: 9-4 (3-3, 3rd in North Suburban Lake), lost to Cary-Grove 41-7 in 7A semifinal.
Coach: Mike Jones (21-12 in 3 years at Libertyville).
Playoff history: 21 appearances, 1 state title.
He's back: Walker Hare, Sr., 6-0, 215, C; Ben Kimpler, Sr., 6-6, 235, DL (68 tackles, 9.5 sacks); Riley Lees, Sr., 6-1, 190, QB (3,281 total yards); Brian Murphy, Sr., 5-10, 170, DB (65 tackles, 3 INT); Sean O'Malley, Sr., 6-1, 260, OL.
He's new: Skyler Blacker, Jr., 6-1, 280, DL; Riley Buncic, Sr., 6-2, 215, LB.
Big name: Lees is a Northwestern recruit as a receiver. Kimpler committed to Miami (Ohio).
Big game: Stevenson, Sept. 25. The Wildcats will need to be at their best on the road.
Big question: Can Lees help Libertyville make the jump from good to great?
Breakdown: Getting to the playoffs shouldn't be an issue, but Libertyville struggled against elite teams last fall. A tough conference slate should prepare the Wildcats for November.
Fast fact: Of the team's 48 seniors, 41 are four-year players within the Libertyville program.
