Crystal Lake Football Teams Off to Great Start

was the last football team standing in Crystal Lake a year ago. The Wolves avenged a September loss to neighbor and turned the tables in the second week of the playoffs by topping unbeaten South 37-10.

The Wolves made no friends in Woodstock last year by beating both that town's football teams by the combined score of 124-0.

South's successful season included an 11-game winning streak. The Gators scored more than 40 points on four occasions and hit 28 on the nose three times.

eight-win season included one two-game losing streak to two teams that combined to go 23-3. A win over 6A champion Cary-Grove on opening day was impressive. After a thrilling playoff win over Antioch, the Tigers season ended with a loss to 12-game winner Kaneland.

New Season: The big news in FVC play is that the Wolves jumped divisions. Gone are the Woodstocks and Grayslakes. In their places come Cary-Grove and South.

More to come on that later. In the meantime, the Wolves started fast on Friday night by pasting a Glenbard South team 55-12. Some familiar faces are back from last year. There is tight end Nick Margiotta, running back Jordan Getzelman and wide receiver Sean Valentine.

At Central: Coach Matt Fralick seems to be building a program. That win over Antioch was only the second playoff victory in the past 31 years.

The Tigers opened the season with a 28-6 win over home-standing Huntley.

CLC will try to get mileage out of running back Gage Harrah this season. In addition, Fralick is expecting big seasons out of linebackers Anders Freund and Evan Althoff. The offense should get help from running back Matt MacAlpine and tight end Kyle Logan. It seems Chris Zatak can play on both the offensive and defensive lines.

At South: The Gators had another day to prepare for the season. A road trip to Dalton on Saturday did not take away from the fun as South opened with an impressive 41-6 romp over Thornridge.

The Gators are trying to win back-to-back conference titles for the first time in school history. Coach Chuck Ahsmann's club does bring back some talent from that 11-win season. Senior linebacker Steve Forner notched 53 tackles a year ago. He'll be paired with fellow linebacker Joe Coriaci who was not only an All-Conference player but an Academic All-Stater as well.

A third linebacker, Reese Dziedzic, is another player to watch. The South defense should also benefit from the help of Nick Amren and Brendan Chrystal. Defensive lineman Josh Beveridge helps out with his 6-feet, 240 size.

"We return almost our entire defense,'' Ahsmann said. "We feel we will be able to compete with the best in our conference and advance in the state tournament."

The South offense has an excellent center in Ed Atkinson (6-3, 245 pounds). Jake Byron will help on the offense line. He is 6-0, 240.

Denton Delgado is one pass catcher the team has. The Gators are also strong in the kicking department. Brad Walovitch made five field goals last year including a 42-yarder. He rang up 82 points a year ago.

Next Week: The big game in town on Friday night takes place at Crystal Lake Central (7:15 p.m.). South is coming. Yes, Crystal Lake South vs. Crystal Lake Central.

Prairie Ridge is home and will be a big favorite when NSC Lake Division foe Mundelein visits.