Aug. 25--Let's get this settled up front: This is not the reincarnation of the defending state champion Stevenson Patriots football team. In fact, this year's squad doesn't look much like last year's at all.
The only returning defensive starter will be taking most of his reps at running back. The new quarterback was a receiver last fall. The offensive line has the most returning starters of any unit, but one of the guards is now a linebacker.
But there is no panic in Lincolnshire, no longing for days gone by, nor days to come. That's not part of "the process."
So what's the process?
"Our process is to get better every day," coach Bill McNamara said. "Every day they put on a football uniform for the Stevenson Patriots, they are to become better football players. If they continue to get better every day, by the end of the year, we're going to be a pretty darn good football team."
The process started when the sophomores joined the varsity ranks during the summer and worked their way through two-a-days. It continues daily at practice in preparation for a trip to Palatine in Week 1. And if things go right, the Patriots are confident the process could continue all the way to Week 14.
More about that in another three months or so.
"You can't look into the future because you might never get there," said senior quarterback Jack Sorenson, who played QB through his sophomore season before transitioning to receiver last fall.
"We're very underrated. I think we're going to surprise a lot of teams. I'm excited to show the state what we've got."
Tyler Vincent took snaps at running back and linebacker last fall but will concentrate on offense this year. His father, Rodney Vincent, played running back at Brown, and a number of Ivy League schools have expressed interest in Tyler.
Cade Gilbert (6-2, 275) anchors an offensive line that's a bit smaller than the industry standard. Sorenson will rely heavily on the line in the tough North Suburban Lake, especially against Libertyville defensive end Ben Kimpler. Sorenson and Kimpler will be teammates at Miami (Ohio), where Sorenson will play receiver.
"Playing wideout, (Sorenson) touched the ball maybe 10 times a game," McNamara said. "He needs to touch the ball every play on offense. He's a dynamic player, he's explosive, and he needs to touch the ball."
Mike Maskalunas, another candidate for Ivy League or Division I ball, will switch from an offensive lineman to linebacker. The 6-foot-3, 210-pound senior will lead a young defense that embodies the next-man-up mentality.
"Everyone's talking about the senior class, and we had a tremendous senior class last year, but we also have some guys stepping up this year," Vincent said. "We're not going to fall off. We're going to be right back where we were."
No. 6 Stevenson Patriots
2014: 14-0 (6-0, 1st in North Suburban Lake), beat Homewood-Flossmoor 31-25 in 8A final.
Coach: Bill McNamara (52-10, in sixth year at Stevenson).
Playoff history: 27 appearances, 1 state title.
He's back: Cade Gilbert, Sr., 6-2, 275, OL; Henry Marchese, Jr., 6-3, 180, WR (137 receiving yards, 3 TDs); Mike Maskalunas, Sr., 6-3, 210, OL/LB; Jack Sorenson, Sr., 6-1, 185, QB (61 catches, 883 receiving yards, 1 TD); Tyler Vincent, Sr., 5-10, 185, RB/LB (49 carries, 217 yards, 9 rush TDs; 388 receiving yards).
He's new: Connor Crawley, Sr., 5-9, 165, RB/DB; Spencer Cadiz, Sr., 5-11, 185, WR/LB.
Big name: Sorenson is committed to Miami (Ohio) as a receiver. Vincent has Ivy League interest.
Big game: Homewood-Flossmoor, Sept. 4. 8A title-game rematch in Lincolnshire could set the tone for the season.
Big question: Will the revamped defense hold up under pressure?
Breakdown: Stevenson has a target on its back, but a truckload of new personnel makes the Patriots a moving target. A conference title and postseason run are within reach.
Fast fact: Stevenson last missed the playoffs and posted a losing record in 1988.
