Benedictine (4-6 in 2001)
Benedictine hopes to rebound from last season's third place finish in the Illini-Badger Football Conference. The Eagles, after dropping their first three games, won four out of five games that included a three game winning streak. They closed out the season with two losses, to end the season 4-6 overall and 4-3 in conference.

The Eagles, under second-year head coach Mike Murray, have made some staffing changes that bring some excitement to the football program. Tom Mitchell, who joined the coaching staff in the spring, will serve as the Eagles defensive coordinator.

"We are excited about the addition of Coach Mitchell to our staff because of all that he brings to the table. His experience, contacts, and reputation in the Catholic League will be a tremendous asset in recruiting efforts. He brings a strong high school and college coaching background to our staff, which will help him take a strong defensive unit and make it stronger."

Offensively the Eagles are in better shape than they were last season. A couple of key points, like better knowledge of the players abilities and a spread I (one) offense staff, give them an advantage they did not have prior to the start of last season.

On the offensive line the Eagles will have to recover from the loss of Mike Nielson, a four-year starter and four-time first team All-Conference selection. Nielson provided stability and leadership, having started every game as the Eagles center and long snapper throughout his career.

The Eagles have two returning lineman in George Taylor and Bryan McMahan. Taylor, who has put on good size, will provide game experience after a solid performance last season. McMahan received valuable game experience last year, worked hard in the spring and will be a good leader to the offensive line corps.

Rick Lucero, a new addition to the Eagles in the spring, will bring size, strength and toughness to the offensive line.

For the newcomers to the squad, there will be the opportunity to earn valuable playing time up front.

At the wide receiver position, the Eagles lost one starter, Karl Richter, but return two quality athletes in Sebastian Singleton and Cory Junious. Richter provided flexibility to last year's offense by playing a number of receiving positions. He caught eight passes for 112 yards, including a career-long 35-yard reception.

Singleton, who started all 10 games during his sophomore campaign, was a second team All-Conference selection. He caught 40 passes for 691 yards and four touchdowns, for an average of 17.3 yards per catch.

Junious returns to the Eagles after missing the entire 2001 season with a lower leg injury.

Aaron Altenburg will join Singleton and Junious after playing two seasons on the Eagles baseball squad. The addition of Altenburg will add depth and talent to a strong receiving corp.

The Eagles return the second leading rusher in the IBFC with the return of Tandon Noplos. Noplos, who was a second team All-Conference selection, will carry a lot of the load this season as he comes off an impressive junior season in which he averaged 88.3 yards per game.

"I have a much better feel of what Tandon is capable of doing after watching him last year fit into a new offense. I'm excited about how we will be able to utilize his skills in the 2002 campaign."

Another returner, Adam Fischer, is expected to provide competition and depth at the running back position. Fischer will add strength to the Eagles off the field as well; his leadership on the team is invaluable because of his attitude and work ethic.

Tony Medina will get a look at the fullback/tight end position for the Eagles this fall after spending the 2001 season playing on the offensive line. Last season Medina wanted to find a way to help the team, and made significant contributions at outside guard. He will compete for a spot in the backfield, which will give the Eagles more size at the position.

At the quarterback position, Michael Robinson will make a permanent return after playing a variety of positions last season.

"I made some poor judgments last year on Michael. After watching him on film (before 2001) and seeing his athletic ability, I really wanted him to be a running back. During camp he continued to be the most productive quarterback. We left him there to start the season and our schemes didn't highlight his strengths. This year we will have the ability to package the offense around the things that he does best. We are looking forward to him having an explosive year."

Although he played a variety of positions, Robinson was an All-Conference honorable mention as a utility player. On the season he had 68 yards receiving, 128 yards rushing and threw for 466 yards.

The Eagles defensive unit comes off a very exciting 2001 season having led the IBFC in team total defense (250.9 yards per game) and team rushing defense (72.1 yards per game). This season's squad will have to adjust to the loss of five All-Conference players who all started for the Eagles. Something to look forward to is what Mitchell can bring to the Eagles defense.

"Mitchell will bring an aggressive style with him. As he fits it to the strengths of our players we are confident about the potential of the squad."

The defensive line will be without standout Michael Gardiner and Jeff Radomski. Gardiner was a three-time All-Conference selection, twice named the IBFC Most Valuable Defensive Lineman, holds two school records and was the first Eagle selected to play in the Aztec Bowl. Radomski was a two-year starter and two-time All-Conference selection. Last season the two combined for 183 tackles, 34 tackles for a loss of 149 yards and 14 sacks.

The Eagles do return a standout player, and preseason All-American in Pat Ryan. Ryan landed on D3football.com's Preseason All-American first team as a defensive lineman. Last season Ryan led the Eagles in sacks (16 for a 123 yard loss) and tackles for a loss (24 for 119 yards), while adding 90 tackles, two recovered fumbles and one interception. At the conclusion of the season Ryan was a D3football.com first team All-American, as well as being a second team All-Conference selection. Aside from his sheer athletic ability, Ryan will provide experience and leadership to the entire defensive unit.

"Pat has worked extremely hard in the off-season to finish his college career at his very best. He is the type of person that sets a great example in the classroom and on campus, as well as on the playing field."

The defensive line also returns three athletes who will provide size, strength and speed in Kevin Ivers, Chris Brady and Pat Holliday. Ivers concluded the season with 38 total tackles, six tackles for a 22-yard loss, two sacks and one recovered fumble. Brady contributed 12 total tackles, three tackles for a 14-yard loss and one sack in four games before moving to the offensive line. Holliday, who after the 2000 season was a second team All-Conference selection, returns after a season off.

The Eagles will have a new look at the linebacker position as they replace three All-Conference players in Adam McCarthy (first team), Luke Stalets (second team) and Tom Shanahan (second team). McCarthy had 87 total tackles, seven tackles for a 42-yard loss, three sacks, four recovered fumbles and one interception. Stalets led the Eagles in total tackles (113) while adding 18 tackles for a 67-yard loss, three sacks and one recovered fumble. Shanahan added 92 total tackles, eight tackles for a 30-yard loss and five sacks.

"They were all great players for our program and provided the defense with tremendous leadership. Although they will be missed, they were great examples to our other linebackers who I feel will be ready to step in and carry on the tradition."

Mike Baumgartner had an exciting offseason in the weight room and will be a great leader on the field. Bill Gaydo, who received a team award for his work on the defensive scout team, and Dan Bartgen learned an awful lot last season and worked hard in preparation for this year.

Brandon Cade will make the move to linebacker after rushing for 228 yards last season as a fullback on the Eagles offense. The addition of Chris Johnson and the position change of Cade will provide great competition and depth for this talented group.

For the Eagles secondary, the Eagles have three returners leading the way in Robert Spiegel, Chris Wulff and Casey Cronin. Spiegel was a second team All-Conference selection due in part to his two interception returns for touchdowns in a game against Concordia (Ill.). On the season he had 50 total tackles and seven interceptions returned for 107 yards. Wulff, who concluded the season with 55 total tackles and four intereceptions, was an All-Conference honorable mention. Cronin was a big contributor as well with 51 total tackles, four tackles for a loss and four interceptions.

"We had some teams in this league who threw the ball every down, and these guys responded with a lot of big plays. They will have the opportunity to have another great season and play a big role in the ability of this team succeeding."

Other returners to the secondary will be Mike Shanahan and Kevin White who gained valuable experience last year and will be called upon to make valuable contributions to the 2002 squad.

The Eagles have a balance in the area of special teams. They will have to fill the void left by McCarthy, the Eagles punter, and Tony Silvio, who kicked for the Eagles last season, but return their two returnmen in Singleton and Wulff.

McCarthy was the Eagles starting punter all four seasons. Last season he averaged 34.5 yards per punt, with a long punt of 55 yards. Silvio kicked for the first time after starting four seasons for the Eagles soccer team. On the season, Silvio scored 14 points, including two field goals and eight PATs.

Singleton returned 22 punts for 260 yards (11.8 avg.) and 12 kickoffs for 237 yards (19.8 avg.) last season. He received All-Conference recognition for his special teams efforts. Wulff contributed eight punt returns for 119 yards (14.9 avg.).

Two newcomers, Erik Miller and Shawn Haslem, will take on the kicking duties for the Eagles.

MacMurray (9-2 in 2001)
After an undefeated conference season, and a first ever bid to the NCAA playoffs a year ago, one might ask what MacMurray plans to do for an encore. According to head coach Bob Frey, plenty. "Our goal is to win every game, one at a time."

Last season the Highlanders won every game during their Illini-Badger Football Conference schedule. With 12 returning starters and 35 returning letterwinners from the 2001 squad, the possibility of a repeat performance is not out of the question.

Senior Jonan Tiarks takes over the signal-calling duties this season after backing up Tim Peterson for the past three seasons. Peterson graduated last year as MacMurray's all-time leader in passing yards and touchdown passes. However, Frey feels that the experience of Tiarks will allow the Highlander offense to move forward without missing a beat. "I am confident Jonan has the knowledge of our offense and our philosophies. He is ready to step in and be our quarterback," says Frey.

Junior Jarod Tapia will provide plenty of experience and depth at the quarterback position along with a group of talented freshmen including Matt Shampine, Chad Bragg, and Derek Uffelman.

The backfield for the Highlanders returns their two leading rushers from a team that averaged over 230 yards per game on the ground last season. Senior Steve Ballinger was the workhorse for the MacMurray offense last season and ran his way into the record books by season's end. He amassed 1426 yard and found the end zone 23 times. Two times a year ago Ballinger scored a record five touchdowns in a game.

Junior Nehemiah Parker, the team's second leading rusher last season, and senior Gus McNair are also expected to carry the ball for MacMurray. McNair was a letterwinner in 2000. Junior Andrew Phillips will anchor the fullback position for the Mac backfield.

Frey feels that this backfield may be one of the strongest during his tenure. "This could be one of the most talented backfields we have had here. We have great depth and all of them are quality football players."

Despite the loss of three of the four top receivers from last year, Frey feels that his receiving corps is as athletic and talented as it has been in recent years. "We may be more athletic than we were last season at the receiver position," he says.

Senior Terry Davies, who was the team's leading receiver last year, will see time at both wide receiver and tight end this year. He will be joined at wide receiver by a trio of sophomores including Billy Reardon, Anthony Ballerino, and Marcus Camp. A talented crop of newcomers, led by Ryan Eberhart, could also provide depth.

One of the best competitions during camp will be at tight end where four players could make a bid for playing time. Davies will work in with the tight end group this season; a move that Frey feels could benefit the whole offense. "We're moving Terry to tight end this season which makes us much more athletic offensively," he says.

Sophomore Rusty Dailey is expected to be in the rotation at the start of the season aling with freshman Tyler Musgrave.

"All three of these could guys will fight for playing time and could all see considerable action for us this season," says Frey.

After a sensational season a year ago, the offensive line was hit hard by graduation. Three all-conference performers, Curtis Fisher, Dan Gashaw, and Greg Winget, are all gone from last season's roster. Junior Jesus Hernandez (5-10, 265 lbs.) will return and anchor the line at left tackle. Senior Jason Mulvaney (6-2, 255) is expected to take over for Fisher at the center position.

The remaining three spots on the line could be rounded out by any of four guys. Juniors Jeremiah Byers (6-1, 265) and Rob Burris (6-4, 295), along with sophomore Brandon Flanigan (6-2, 275) are expected to contribute. Maurice Smith, a 6-3, 315 pounder from Miami, could also make an immediate impact in the Highlanders' offense.

The progress and maturity of the offensive line could play a key role in the early success for Mac this season. "It's not easy to replace three all-conference linemen in one year," says Frey. "In order for us to be successful this group will have to grow up early in the season."

Three returnees on the defensive line anchor the MacMurray defense, which allowed less than 16 points per game last year. All-conference performer Allen West, returns after leading the team with 11 sacks in 2001. West, a senior, led the defensive line with 57 tackles last year. Senior Sean King and junior Pat Bray also return on the line. Both appeared in every game last season for the MacMurray defense.

"We have three very good defensive linemen returning for us this year," says Frey. "A group of talented young guys will challenge for the remaining spot on the defensive line."

The Highlanders' two leading tacklers from last year's playoff run return at linebacker. Senior Dan Hernandez led the team in tackles with 92 and garnered all-conference honors. Senior Jon Robinson was also selected as one of the league's best after turning in 71 tackles in 2001.

Sophomores Josh Cummings and Jesse Windham will compete for the remaining starting position at linebacker.

"Our entire defense is a very athletic group as a whole and that athleticism is apparent when you watch our linebackers," says coach Frey. "This is a good group of experienced guys who will anchor the defense."

Two of four starters return in the MacMurray secondary, along with a talented group ready to step and fill starting roles. Junior Jake Kinsey comes off of 48-tackle performance and will start at one cornerback. Senior John Hambelton returns at safety, where he broke up eleven passes and intercepted one last year.

Frey will have a deep and talented group to choose from when finding replacements for the graduated Jeff Chapman and Justin Rhoades. "We have a group of talented players who can step in and fill the roles vacated by Jeff and Justin," says Frey.

Sophomores Jared Grant, Woodrow Montgomery, and Quinton Tardy all saw playing time last year as freshman and should be in the mix in the defensive backfield this year. Sophomores Orlando Hughes and Jeremy Jackson, along with freshman Jeff Gaston could also see considerable action.

Frey will have to replace two all-conference performers in the kicking game this fall with the graduation of place kicker Mike Rogan and punter Matt Neal.

However, freshmen Chris Crowe and Steve Lowe have shown promise in early workouts. "I am extremely pleased with these two young men. They are above and beyond what we could have expected from our kicking game after graduating two of the league's best," says Frey.

Frey knows that duplicating the 7-0 record in the Illini-Badger Football Conference and playoff appearance will not be an easy task, despite a talented core of returning players. "We lost a lot of seniors last season but come back with another large group of guys in their final year," says Frey. "If this group of seniors can duplicate the leadership shown by last year's we should be a good football team."

After opening the season with Manchester, MacMurray will travel to perennial Division III power Washington U. in week two. Following their IBFC schedule, the Highlanders will finish the regular season with a non-conference game at Blackburn on Nov. 16.

Frey feels the will have to come to play every weekend. "I think our strength of schedule is very similar to last year," says Frey. "Washington University always has an outstanding football team."

However, after steamrolling the IBFC last season, the MacMurray coach knows it won't be easy to do this season. "It is always harder to defend a title than to win the first," says Frey, who has captured five conference titles during his tenure. "We will go out every week with a bull's-eye on our backs and if we learn to handle that pressure we should be a very good football team."

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