2014 record: 7-3 overall, 4-2 West Suburban Silver
2014 playoffs: Lost to Barrington 39-15 in the first round of Class 8A
Coach: John Hoerster, entering fifth season
Returning stats leaders
RB: Sr. Antonio Cannon, 112 Att, 806 Yds, 9 TD
DL: Sr. Allen Stallings, 35.5 tackles, 2 Scks, 7.5 TFL
LB: Sr. Sam Francis, 30.5 tackles, 4 TFL
LB: Sr. Jahmari Moore, 30 tackles
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Team outlook
The Huskies rebuild behind Cannon, one of the top running backs in the conference. At 5-foot-9, 180 pounds, Cannon is an elusive scatback, but the Huskies lack few other returning impact players on offense now that quarterback Lloyd Yates is at Northwestern and running back Kamal Bey is focusing on wrestling. Three-sport standout Jeremy Hunt, a junior, has beat out senior Keegan Smith to replace Yates, but is not a lock to continue starting beyond the opener. Smith is the new placekicker. Top defenders Stallings and Moore return to lead the defense, which is the strength of the team with sophomore Rolliann Sturkey back in the secondary.
Did you know?
Former state individual wrestling champion and two-way football player Kamal Bey has left school before his senior year to train full-time at the U.S. Olympic Center in Colorado Springs. Bey ranked fourth for OPRF in rushing and second in receiving last season. Against Lyons, he caught eight passes for 109 yards and was a starting linebacker.
Getting to know …
Cole Fields
The senior wide receiver suffered a season-ending injury in his third game last season after transferring from Mundelein. After breaking his left leg in the second quarter against Proviso East, he finished the season with three catches for 79 yards and one TD. Fields returns with a plate and five screws in his leg.
Q: What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?
A: Vanilla and cookie dough. I’ve liked it since I was a little kid and I’ve stuck with it ever since. I love the vanilla cookie dough malt at Oberweis.
Q: What is your favorite home-cooked meal?
A: My mom’s (Tracey) chicken alfredo. She makes a good carrot cake, too.
Q: Who has been the most influential person in your life?
A: My dad (Stan). He is 5-foot-11 and played center in college. He was always underestimated, but walked-on at Tulsa and got a scholarship.
Jay Heininger
Known as “Heiny” to all of his teammates, the 5-10, 220-pound senior will start at center after missing all of last season with a broken left arm. Heininger and junior guard Jacob Hale lead a rebuilt offensive line, which does not have a single returning starter from last season.
Q: What is your favorite electronic device?
A: My cell phone. I use the Snapchat app. Every teenager is on Snapchat now days.
Q: What’s your happiest memory?
A: In my sophomore year against Glenbard West, we beat them 55-20. My coach put me on the board and I got to hold up the numbers (to call plays from the sideline).
Q: What was your favorite toy as a child?
A: Our ball pit. We had one in the basement. It was a little thing, but I played with my sister Kendall. It was worth it.
Schedule
Friday, Aug. 28 VS. LINCOLN-WAY EAST 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 4 at Addison Trail 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 11 VS. MORTON 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 18 at Proviso West* 7:30 p.m.
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Friday, Sept. 25 VS. DOWNERS NORTH* 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 2 at York* 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 9 VS. GLENBARD WEST* 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 16 at Lyons* 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 23 VS. HINSDALE CENTRAL* 7:30 p.m.
HOME GAMES IN CAPS
*indicates West Surburban Silver conference game