Pioneer Press previews the 2016 Oak Park-River Forest football season.
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Coach: John Hoerster, entering sixth season
2015 record: 9-2 (5-1 West Suburban Silver), lost 41-26 to Palatine in second round of Class 8A playoffs
Offense: The Huskies return three solid linemen in Sharmore Clarke, Ethan Lemons and Jacob Hale. They’ll enable senior quarterback Jeremy Hunt and the Huskies’ skill players to pace an offense aiming to play option football out of the spread.
Defense: OPRF’s 3-3-5 defense has a heart, and his name is Rolliann Sturkey, who moves to middle linebacker in his third varsity season. “He is physical, he can run and he’s one of our most dynamic players,” Hoerster said. “He’s a special player on any team.”
Strong side: Hoerster said he thinks the Huskies’ secondary should stand out in 2016. Senior cornerback Keyon Blankenbaker agrees: “We have experience and chemistry,” he said. “Our defense is going to be good, and we’re fast back there.”
Weak side: The Huskies have big holes to fill in the backfield, where a group of inexperienced running backs will try to make an early impression. “Our first game will be their first time carrying the ball at the varsity level,” Hoerster said. “They have ability and potential, and now we need to see it in Week 1.”
Team tradition: Every year as the summer ends, the Huskies’ seniors gather at Hoerster’s home for an annual barbecue, “as a thank you to them and as a way to connect with them before the season starts,” Hoerster said. “I do the grilling, and I can tell you that they can eat an awful lot of food.”
Quote: “We’re looking forward to playing (defending 7A state champion) Glenbard West, and Hinsdale Central is always a good game,” Blankenbaker said. “But really, we’re looking forward to playing anybody that’s going to give us a good test.”
2016 Schedule
Aug. 26, SIMEON, 7 p.m.
Sept. 2, Addison Trail, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 9, MORTON, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 16, PROVISO WEST*, 6 p.m.
Sept. 23, Downers Grove North*, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 30, YORK*, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 8, Glenbard West*, 1:30 p.m.
Oct. 14, LYONS*, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 21, Hinsdale Central*, 7:30 p.m.
HOME GAMES IN BOLD
* West Suburban Silver game
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Gary Larsen is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Twitter @Pioneer_Press