2014 record: 5-5 overall, 3-3 West Suburban Silver
2014 playoffs: Lost to eventual state champion Stevenson 21-17 in the first round of Class 8A
Coach: Kurt Weinberg, entering seventh season
Returning stats leader
WR: Sr. Jimmy Saracco, 6 Rec, 138 Yds; 9 Carries, 97 Yds, 1 TD
Team outlook
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Weinberg has won at least five games in each of his seasons at Lyons, but the veteran coach may face his greatest challenge with only three returning starters, all on offense. The three returning starters are receiver Saracco and linemen Chase Nacker and Taylor Curlin. Weinberg is turning over the rebuilding process to 6-foot-3 sophomore quarterback Ben Bryant, who won the starting job over a senior. Bryant has size and a quick release. Junior Reggie Terrell is expected to take over for former running back star Leonard Ross (Miami, Ohio). Defensive line coach Bryan Bergman is the new defensive coordinator. The defense will be led by defensive back Kevin Minik and linebacker Matthew Phillipp.
Did you know?
The only time Lyons failed to reach the playoffs in the last 12 seasons was in 2008 when Lyons went 3-6 in former coach Jack Derning’s final season. Lyons puts its streak of six consecutive playoff appearances on the line this season.
Getting to know …
Taylor Curlin
Curlin joins Chase Nacker as the only returnees to Lyons’ offensive line. The 6-foot-5, 265-pound Western Springs resident makes the move from right tackle to left tackle this season and was named one of five captains.
Q: What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?
A: Coffee ice cream. I get it at Mariano’s. My mom (Louann) likes it. She pulled me into it.
Q: What is your favorite electronic device?
A: My phone. I have an iPhone. I use the apps for all my social networks — Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat.
Q: What chores are you responsible for at home?
A: I mow the lawn. I do all of it. I use an edger and the blower.
Jimmy Saracco
The younger brother of former Lyons volleyball standout Toni Saracco is creating his own legacy at Lyons as one of team’s top offensive players this season. The 5-10, 175-pound Countryside resident hopes to become a main target for new quarterback Ben Bryant.
Q: What was your favorite toy as a child?
A: I had Rescue Heroes action figures. I had a ton of them.
Q: If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: I’d love to go to Australia; I don’t know why. I like Australia, the outdoors, the outback. It’s laid back. It’s different from here. I’d like to see the Great Barrier Reef.
Q: Do you have pets?
A: We have two dogs, Grizzly and Moose. They are Bernese mountain dogs.
Schedule
Friday, Aug. 28 VS. WARREN 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 4 VS. MORTON 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 11 VS. PROVISO WEST* 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 18 at Leyden 7:30 p.m.
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Saturday, Sept. 26 VS. GLENBARD WEST* 1:30 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 2 at Downers North* 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 9 at Hinsdale Central* 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 16 VS OAK PARK* 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 23 at York* 7:30 p.m.
HOME GAMES IN CAPS
*indicates West Suburban Silver conference game