2014 record: 4-5 overall, 3-2 Central Suburban North
2014 playoffs: N/A
Coach: Bob Pieper, entering 12th consecutive season (16th overall)
Returning stat leaders
QB: Sr. Nick Karis, 17-for-40 (42.5 percent), 132 Yds, 3.3 Yds/Att; 62 Rush Att, 436 Yds, 7.0 Avg, 4 TD
RB: Sr. John Clark, 123 Att, 1,046 Yds, 8.5 Avg, 15 TD
WR: Sr. Mitch Schermerhorn, 22 Rec, 373 Yds, 17.0 Avg, 3 TD
Defense: Sr. Dimitrije Milutinovic’, DL, 53 tackles, 2 TFL, 2.0 Sck
Team outlook
Injuries were a big reason why the Spartans missed the state playoffs last season, according to Pieper. With experience back, especially on offense, and a sophomore team that went 8-1 a year ago, the Spartans appear likely to contend for a spot in the postseason. Clark returns to the backfield to lead the offense, while junior quarterback Kevin Burnside should provide a big boost to go with Karis. Milutinovic’, a lineman, will be an anchor on both sides of the ball. Additionally, senior defensive back Keegan Samuelson, senior linebacker Patrick Strickland, senior linebacker Milad Hosseini and Schermerhorn, who played linebacker, all were major contributors to the defense a year ago.
Did you know?
According to Pieper, Clark added 10 pounds to his frame and made himself a faster runner. He also spent time improving his pass-catching ability. That will allow the Spartans to spread him around the field, making him a more dynamic playmaker, Pieper said.
Getting to know …
Nick Karis
The senior quarterback split time last season with Danny Ahern, who has since graduated. Karis primarily was used for running plays, while Ahern was more of a passer. Karis said he’s dedicated himself to becoming a better thrower this year.
Q: What is it like coming from a family with nine brothers and sisters?
A: You definitely have to get tougher quicker. It’s survival of the fittest, especially at the dinner table, which can get out of control. We just had a family trip to Lake Geneva this summer and seconds after the pizza hit the table it was gone. You can’t be the soft one in the family. But I love everything about being from a large family.
Q: Do you have a favorite photo?
A: I have a picture on my Facebook, my profile photo. It’s of me and John Clark in the backfield. I also have one of me talking in the huddle that I like a lot. It’s of me doing something I love to do.
Q: What is your favorite home-cooked meal?
A: My mom, who is really Italian, makes a really, really good breaded steak and homemade pizza. The only thing she doesn’t make on the pizza is the dough. I like sausage and peppers or tomato and basil on mine.
Kevin Burnside
Burnside, a junior, started at quarterback on the freshman A team in 2013 and on the sophomore team that finished 8-1 last year. Pieper said Burnside has been in a competition with Karis for playing time this fall. It’s possible the Spartans will employ a platoon system like they did a year ago.
Q: If you could play another fall sport, which one would it be?
A: Probably golf. I played a decent amount this summer. I used to run cross country in eighth grade at St. Norbert and liked running long distances. Soccer was never really my sport. In the time I played park district soccer, I never scored one goal.
Q: Did you have a favorite toy growing up?
A: Definitely Thomas the Tank Engine. I don’t remember a lot about it, but I know I liked it a lot.
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Q: Which player, if could pick one, are you closest to on the football team?
A: Probably [junior] James Mercouris. I’ve known him since kindergarten, and he was my running back in eighth grade and last year. We feel comfortable playing next to one another.
Schedule
Friday, Aug. 28 VS. WHEELING 7 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 4 at Grant 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 11 VS. EVANSTON 7 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 19 at Waukegan 1:30 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 25 at Highland Park * 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 2 VS. MAINE EAST * 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 9 at Deerfield * 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 16 at Niles North * 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 23 VS. MAINE WEST * 7 p.m.
HOME GAMES IN CAPS
* indicates a Central Suburban North conference game
Twitter: @harnesspreps