DuPage County all-area football team
Jack Allen
Hinsdale Central
The co-offensive lineman of the year in the West Suburban Silver, Allen proved to be more valuable this year than in either of his two previous seasons. The 6-foot-2, 275-pound senior center and defensive lineman earned an all-state nod and a scholarship to Michigan State. “For three seasons he was tremendous,” coach Mike DiMatteo said.
Caleb Bednarz
WW South
Bednarz was a threat to score every time he took the field. The 5-foot-9, 150-pound senior safety snared 7 interceptions, returning two for touchdowns. The all-DuPage Valley Conference defensive back averaged 28 yards on kick returns and returned two punts for touchdowns. “He could have played anywhere,” coach Ron Muhitch said.
John Bloss
Wheaton North
Consistently matched up against an opponents' top receiver, Bloss didn't disappoint. The 5-foot-11, 170-pound two-year starter and all-DuPage Valley Conference cornerback picked off 9 passes. The senior knocked down another 9 passes and had 41 tackles. “It seemed like he had an interception just about every game,” coach Joe Wardynski said.
Nick Burrello
Glenbard West
Defenses held their breath when Burrello touched the ball. The 6-foot, 185-pound senior running back and receiver was named offensive MVP of the West Suburban Silver. Burrello rushed for 1,152 yards and 13 touchdowns while adding 14 catches for 253 yards and 3 scores. “When Nick got free, no one was going to catch him,” coach Chad Hetlet said.
Reece Butler
Wheaton North
In his second starting season Butler thrived in a short-passing scheme tailored for him. The 5-foot-10, 190-pound all-DuPage Valley Conference senior quarterback completed 68 percent of his 275 passes for 1,956 yards and 17 touchdowns while rushing for 505 yards and 6 scores. “Reece played at a high level right off the bat,” coach Joe Wardynski said.
Hayden Daniels
Naperville Central
A two-time all-DuPage Valley Conference selection, the 6-foot-4, 190-pound senior played quarterback, receiver, running back, defensive back, punted and returned punts. Twice All-Area, he'll walk on at Illinois after rushing for 331 yards, passing for 964 yards and accounting for 19 touchdowns. “Everything went through him on offense,” coach Mike Stine said.
Titus Davis
WW South
Perhaps no area player improved more from junior to senior year. The 6-foot-2, 175-pound receiver was a major big-play threat in the Tigers' potent offense who also returned 2 punts for touchdowns. In an all-DuPage Valley Conference season Davis caught 58 passes for 1,239 yards and 18 scores. “His growth has been unparalleled,” coach Ron Muhitch said.
Will Davis
WW South
A terror off the edge, Davis gave fits to linemen and quarterbacks as one of the area's premier pass rushers. The 6-foot-3, 200-pound senior defensive end piled up 49 tackles. More important, the all-state and all-DuPage Valley Conference honoree added 7.5 quarterback sacks. He forced and recovered 2 fumbles. “Will has a go button that doesn't stop,” coach Ron Muhitch said.
Doug Diedrick
Montini
Ivy League teams like this explosive linebacker, awarded Class 5A All-State and Academic All-State. The 5-foot-10, 215-pound senior two-year starter played all season with a torn ACL. Diedrick's 3 fumble recoveries led Montini, on top of 99 tackles, 7 pass breakups. Coach Chris Andriano said, “Pretty much the heart and soul of our defense.”
Pat Flavin
Benet
One of the state's top uncommitted senior recruits, Flavin has narrowed his college list to California, Illinois, Oregon and UCLA. The 6-foot-7, 245-pound left tackle was a three-year starter for Benet and a two-time all-East Suburban Catholic Conference pick who amassed 35 pancake blocks. “He's got all the tools to be a great lineman,” coach Pat New said.
Sean Fogarty
Glenbard North
Equally important on offense and defense, Fogarty came up with big plays at receiver and in the secondary. The 6-foot, 165-pound senior snared 5 interceptions splitting time at corner and safety and returned two for touchdowns. Fogarty also caught 26 passes for 299 yards. “He made himself into a great competitor,” coach Ryan Wilkens said.
Mark Hiben
Glenbard West
Hiben offered the ideal skill set as a receiver. The 6-foot-5, 195-pound senior earned all-West Suburban Silver honors with 54 catches for 1,116 yards and 14 touchdowns. Hiben set an IHSA record with 319 receiving yards against Lincoln-Way East. “Mark has the best hands I've ever seen on a high school kid,” coach Chad Hetlet said.
Michael Ippolito
Neuqua Valley
A two-year starting defensive end as a junior, the 6-foot-3, 200-pound Ippolito ranked second at Neuqua with 75 tackles, 16 for loss. He led the Wildcats with 10 sacks, 9 quarterback hurries. An all-Upstate Eight Conference selection, Ippolito brings speed and height colleges like. “I'm very excited to have him back,” said coach Bryan Wells.
Eric Josupait
Waubonsie Valley
Josupait's 87-yard kickoff return against Brother Rice keyed the Warriors' first playoff win since 2001. The senior two-year starting receiver led Waubonsie with 44 receptions and 602 yards, scoring 5 touchdowns and 3 more on 278 yards rushing. Team MVP, Class 8A All-State, Academic All-State. Big play needed? “He was the guy,” coach Paul Murphy said.
Ryan Kent
York
In becoming the Dukes' single-season record-holder for rushing yardage, Kent was named the most valuable player in the West Suburban Silver. The 5-foot-9, 170-pound senior running back was a workhorse with 260 carries in 11 games, gaining 1,600 yards and scoring 20 touchdowns. “Every day he came with a great attitude,” coach Bill Lech said.
Rafe Kiely
Wheaton North
Boasting scholarship offers from Wyoming and Army, Kiely developed into a college-caliber offensive lineman this senior season. The powerful 6-foot-3, 300-pound all-DuPage Valley Conference tackle, a state qualifier in the shot put, became a technician with tremendous strength. “Rafe was a 300-pound kid with a mean streak,” coach Joe Wardynski said.
Nick Krejci
Naperville North
A two-year starter as a junior, Krejci continues to show his tremendous value to the Huskies. The 6-foot, 215-pounder began as a linebacker and defensive end before moving to offensive line last season. This year Krejci moved back to defensive end, where 6 of his 48 tackles were for loss. “He's a lunch-pail football player,” coach Sean Drendel said.
Matt LaCosse
Naperville North
The two-year starting quarterback earned all-DuPage Valley Conference honors this season by accounting for the bulk of Naperville North's offense. The 6-foot-7, 225-pound senior, committed to Minnesota, rushed for 1,218 yards and 14 touchdowns while throwing for 919 yards and 5 touchdowns. “He's got the heart of a lion,” coach Sean Drendel said.
Mike Laning
Glenbard West
The defensive most valuable player in the West Suburban Silver was a hammering tackler in the Hilltoppers' secondary. Twice named to the All-Area team, the 6-foot-1, 185-pound senior safety had 96 tackles, snared 5 interceptions and forced 5 fumbles. “He's like having another linebacker out there for us,” coach Chad Hetlet said.
Kai Libby
Wheaton Academy
Guts, balance and conditioning earned this three-year starter Suburban Christian Conference Gold Division offensive MVP. Team MVP too. The 170-pound senior's 836 yards rushing and 37 receptions helped compile 1,513 all-purpose yards, 18 touchdowns. Libby added 42 tackles. Coach Ben Wilson's three-phase back “could make a play from anywhere on the field, at any time.”
Nick Lifka
Naperville North
Lifka capped an amazing three-year career with his third straight all-DuPage Valley Conference selection and second honor as the DVC's defensive player of the year. Bound for Boston College, the 6-foot-2, 240-pound linebacker was a tackling machine, piling up 139 including 12 for loss. “As good a player as we've coached on defense,” coach Sean Drendel said.
Luke Luhrsen
WW South
Committed to Kansas, the 6-foot-5, 290-pound right tackle helped pave the way for an offense that averaged 400 yards a game. The all-DuPage Valley Conference senior had the size to overpower opponents, but his talented feet allowed Luhrsen to also display deceptive quickness. “Luke's probably the most athletic big man we've had,” coach Ron Muhitch said.
Scott McDowell
Hinsdale Central
Already a dominant offensive lineman, McDowell has only scratched the surface of his talent. The 6-foot-5, 290-pound senior tackle contributed on both sides of the ball while gaining a spot on the all-West Suburban Silver team. McDowell is committed to Illinois. “He's just begun to touch his potential,” coach Mike DiMatteo said.
Devon Morgan
Waubonsie Valley
A Class 8A All-State honorable mention, the defensive end was Upstate Eight Conference Valley Division defensive MVP runner-up. The 6-foot-3, 215-pound senior outquicked double-teams for 56 tackles, a team-high 6 sacks, 9 hurries, 4 fumble recoveries. He also ran for 321 yards, 4 touchdowns. “A good team leader and a good student,” coach Paul Murphy added.
Evin Natick
Glenbard North
Natick earned All-Area honors as a running back last year, but this senior season he expanded his role as a starter at linebacker. The 5-foot-8, 190-pounder still gained 478 rushing yards and scored 10 touchdowns in addition to 2 receiving touchdowns, but Natick also provided invaluable defensive play. “He did it all for us,” coach Ryan Wilkens said.
Connor Nelligan
Benet
Nelligan contributed in all phases while earning all-East Suburban Catholic Conference honors as a two-year starter. The 6-foot-2, 180-pound senior receiver and safety caught 42 passes for 574 yards and 9 touchdowns. Nelligan also threw for a touchdown and ran for another. Defensively, he had 46 tackles and an interception. “He was our big-play guy,” coach Pat New said.
Soern Osborne
Naperville North
The two-year starting right guard consistently graded out as the Huskies' top offensive lineman. At 6-foot-1 and 265 pounds, Osborne thrived even though the offense switched to a different blocking scheme this season. The result was 2,900 rushing yards. “When we needed yardage, he's the one we wanted to run behind,” coach Sean Drendel said.
Reilly O'Toole
WW South
The Daily Herald DuPage County All-Area 2010 football captain capped a stellar career by winning a second straight Class 7A title. The 6-foot-3, 210-pound senior quarterback completed 75 percent of his passes for 3,187 yards and 42 touchdowns against only 3 interceptions. “Reilly made us the dynamic team that we became,” coach Ron Muhitch said.
Joe Paparone
York
Paparone was a pure impact player in the secondary. The 5-foot-10, 165-pound all-West Suburban Silver senior cornerback made 39 tackles, including 4 for loss, and forced 2 fumbles. The two-year starter blocked 3 extra points, grabbed a team-high 5 interceptions and scored 2 defensive touchdowns. “He's just a great athlete,” coach Bill Lech said.
Jack Porter
St. Francis
This tireless 6-foot-4, 220-pound powerhouse earned Class 5A All-State at offensive guard and defensive line. A senior two-year starter, all-conference in the Suburban Christian Blue Division, Porter made 49 tackles and used 4.85 speed to kick out on sweeps. What characterized him most, coach Greg Purnell said, “was his attitude and leading by example.”
Matt Randolph
Naperville Central
In his first varsity season Randolph became a critical member of the offense as a playmaker who rarely found himself tackled behind the line of scrimmage. The 6-foot-1, 195-pound junior all-DuPage Valley Conference running back gained 902 rushing yards and scored 8 touchdowns. “He's got a chance to be a pretty special back for us,” coach Mike Stine said.
T.J. Rhattigan
Neuqua Valley
Class 8A all-state and the Upstate Eight Conference Valley Division defensive MVP, the 5-foot-11, 190-pound linebacker's 139 tackles set a program record. Six forced fumbles and 220 tackles are Neuqua's career records. Rhattigan's instincts and 4.5 speed produced 24 tackles against Mt. Carmel. Coach Bryan Wells said, “I think he's the best linebacker we've ever had.”
Robert Rivera
Immaculate Conception
The 6-foot-1, 280-pound senior started three seasons at offensive guard. The Suburban Christian Conference Gold Division lineman of the year in 2009 and 2010, Rivera was a devastating run blocker. He paired strength with mobility, plowing ahead or leading on trap plays. Coach Mike Alberts said, “He's a 280-pound man with very nimble and quick feet.”
Matt Rogers
WW South
The Tigers' devastating offense wouldn't have been nearly as powerful if not for Rogers and his ability to bring balance with the run game. The 5-foot-11, 185-pound senior running back rushed for 1,269 yards and 22 touchdowns in an all-DuPage Valley Conference effort. “Matt just plays with a really fierce competitiveness,” coach Ron Muhitch said.
Will Sayer
Naperville Central
Twice all-DuPage Valley Conference unanimously this senior season Sayer controlled the Redhawks' defense from his inside linebacker position. The 6-foot-1, 215-pound plugger had 91 tackles, including 54 solos, forced 2 fumbles, broke up 3 passes and tallied 4 sacks. “For two years he was a guy you could count on,” coach Mike Stine said.
Jeff Schmittgens
Benet
The two-year starter primarily played defensive end, but Schmittgens added a critical element to Benet's offensive line at right tackle. The 6-foot-3, 245-pound senior all-East Suburban Catholic Conference pick had 38 tackles and 2 sacks. Nine pancakes were among his offensive highlights. “He created a lot of problems for linemen,” coach Pat New said.
Tommy Schutt
Glenbard West
The defensive lineman of the year in the West Suburban Silver also earned a spot on the all-state team. Notre Dame and most of the Big Ten highlight the scholarship offers for one of the top recruits of the state's junior class. The 6-foot-3, 285-pounder had 64 tackles, including 14 for loss and 12 sacks. “He gobbled up blockers,” coach Chad Hetlet said.
Nick Skuteris
York
Since starting as a freshman, Skuteris has been a major contributor to York's defense and offense. The 6-foot-1, 250-pound junior has played defensive line and fullback, but this season he shined at linebacker and was an all-West Suburban Silver pick. “When you combine great feet, strength and instincts, you've got something special,” coach Bill Lech said.
Trent Snyder
Neuqua Valley
Neuqua's offensive MVP ran for 1,418 yards, third in program history. Fifteen touchdowns included 4 to beat playoff foe Downers Grove South. The 5-foot-9, 170-pound senior topped 200 yards against Naperville Central and St. Charles North. Snyder brought balance, vision, footwork. “He was able to make guys miss and continue north and south,” coach Bryan Wells said.
Zach Taylor
Downers Grove South
Taylor was one of only three offensive starters not to miss a game for the Mustangs. The 6-foot-2, 250-pound senior was a two-year starter at right tackle and the highest-graded lineman. Taylor was selected as the West Suburban Gold's offensive lineman of the year. “He didn't just block you, he wanted to bury you,” coach John Belskis said.
Jordan Walsh
Glenbard West
The third-year starter was named to the all-state team as the West Suburban Silver offensive lineman of the year. Committed to Iowa, the 6-foot-4, 290-pound senior tackle steamrolled opponents for 50 pancake blocks. His leadership skills were just as important. “He's an unbelievable person and teammate,” coach Chad Hetlet said.
Alex Walters
Montini
The 6-foot, 205-pound, senior middle linebacker was a field general, earning Class 5A Academic All-State plus honorable-mention all-state. Brains, brawn and 4.65 speed secured a team-high 129 tackles with 4 interceptions. Second in Suburban Christian Conference Blue Division defensive MVP voting. Coach Chris Andriano said, “He sees the field and he studies the game.”
Beau Warden
Glenbard West
After breaking his leg in the playoffs last year, Warden made up for lost time in his second starting season. The 6-foot-1, 215-pound senior linebacker garnered all-West Suburban Silver honors with 119 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 9 sacks, 3 forced fumbles and 2 interceptions. “He's got some of the best instincts I've seen,” coach Chad Hetlet said.
Jordan Westerkamp
Montini
Illinois won't be alone offering this 6-foot-1, 185-pounder. The junior receiver earned Class 5A All-State and Suburban Christian Conference Blue Division co-player of the year. Physical prowess produced 89 receptions, 1,631 yards, 21 receptions program records formerly held by his father, Bob. Coach Chris Andriano said, “This is a complete football player at wide receiver.”
Matt Westerkamp
Montini
Spread offenses rely on the quarterback. Westerkamp was spot on. Honorable-mention Class 5A All-State and Suburban Christian Conference Blue Division offensive player of the year, the 6-foot-2, 190-pound senior completed 66 percent of his passes for 2,799 yards, 30 touchdowns. Jordan's cousin also ran for 12 touchdowns. “Very poised, very smart,” coach Chris Andriano said.
Josh Williams
Downers Grove South
Despite missing multiple regular-season games the last two years Williams has put up impressive numbers. This year the 5-foot-9, 170-pound junior running back rushed for 1,300 yards while being named all-state and the West Suburban Gold's most valuable player. “He can either make you miss or else he'll just go through you,” coach John Belskis said.
Montrell Williams
Wheaton North
Williams helped the defense immensely by moving to the interior of the defensive line. The 6-foot-1, 245-pound senior tackle was a fiery leader who was named the co-defensive lineman of the year in the DuPage Valley Conference. Ten of Williams' 70 tackles were for loss and 6 were sacks. “Montrell's got a lot of good football ahead of him,” coach Joe Wardynski said.
Paul Wisniewski
Glenbard North
The DuPage Valley Conference's offensive lineman of the year holds offers from Western Illinois and Wyoming. The 6-foot-4, 290-pound senior tackle was a three-year starter who was a sophomore tight end. The Panthers' lone returning lineman anchored the unit that churned 2,100 rushing yards. “He was a great offensive leader,” coach Ryan Wilkens said.
Alex Wynn
Glenbard North
A three-year starter at defensive tackle, Wynn earned co-defensive lineman of the year honors in the DuPage Valley Conference. The 6-foot-2, 260-pound senior showed tremendous athleticism and mobility while notching 33 tackles, including 3.5 tackles for loss and a sack. “He really came into his own as a senior this year,” coach Ryan Wilkens said.
Jordan Young
Neuqua Valley
The 6-foot-3, 305-pound left tackle helped compile 2,559 yards rushing, second in Neuqua's history. Young's size, speed, strength and footwork excite many colleges, said coach Bryan Wells, who went the senior's way when yardage got tough. All-Upstate Eight Conference Valley Division, Young is “that type of player who jumps off the film at you,” Wells said.
Honorable mention
Terrance Allen (Lisle, jr., DL), Nick Borre (Lake Park, sr., OL-DL), Pat Boyle (Benet, sr., LB), David Byerley (York, jr., WR), Anthony Catanese (Addison Trail, jr., WR-DB), Kyle Cerchio (Naperville Central, sr., DL); Sparty Chino (WW South, sr., DL), Tommy Decker (Wheaton Academy, sr., QB), Anthony DiMonte (Naperville North, sr., OL), Dorian Eddins (Lake Park, sr., DL), Conner Edwards (Downers North, sr., DL), Ross Ferraro (Montini, sr., DL), Richard Finley (Wheaton North, sr., WR), Pat Foley (Hinsdale Central, sr., LB), Jose Godinez (Immaculate Conception, sr., RB-LB), Demetrius Gray (Waubonsie Valley, jr., WR), Alex Hagemaster (Metea Valley, so., WR), E.J. Howe (Benet, sr., RB), Phil Jackson (Glenbard North, jr., RB), Jakobi Johnson (Waubonsie Valley, sr., DB), Kendall Johnson (Glenbard West, so., RB-WR), Ryan Johnson (Hinsdale South, sr., DB), Adam Kadlec (Fenton, jr., DB); Shaniel Katariwala (Wheaton North, sr., WR), Kevin Kent (Addison Trail, jr., LB), Joel Lange (Neuqua Valley, sr., OL), Ian Lewandowski (Naperville Central, jr., QB-RB-WR), Alex Malandro (Neuqua Valley, sr., DB), Zack Marshall (Glenbard West, sr., DL), Dan McLean (Willowbrook, sr., DB), Anthony Messina (Addison Trail, jr., RB-LB), Bob Miller (St. Francis, sr., RB-LB), Mike Monterrubio (WW South, sr., LB), Leif Munson (Neuqua Valley, sr., DL), Brian Nicolls (Waubonsie Valley, sr., OL), Justin Norwood (Downers South, sr., DL), Colin O'Donnell (St. Francis, sr., DB-RB), Freddy Palma (Downers North, sr., RB), Nick Pfeiffer (St. Francis, sr., OL), Dan Pinkerton (Naperville North, sr., DB), Kevin Priebe (Glenbard East, sr., WR), Wes Sanders (Glenbard South, jr., RB), Trevor Schmit (Wheaton North, sr., LB), Matt Szajnowski (Fenton, sr., LB-TE), Anthony Taylor (Montini, jr., WR), Donovan Rowsey (Metea Valley, so., LB), Zech Tredenick (Montini, sr., DL), Anthony Ventrella (Lisle, sr., RB-DB), Trey Waldman (Waubonsie Valley, sr., DB), Matt Zajac (West Chicago, sr., DB).