Pioneer Press previews the 2016 York football season.
Coach: Matt Monken, entering third season
2015 record: 4-5 (2-4 West Suburban Silver), did not advance to playoffs
Offense: Junior quarterback Charles Pakenas will be behind center for the Dukes’ veer-style offense, which also brings back junior running back Grant Melion and senior wide receiver Michael Riley. The offensive line returns four players with senior Johnny Chrisman at center and 6-foot-7 senior Chuck Walsh moving from tackle to guard. “He’s so much more comfortable there for us,” Monken said of Walsh. “He’s gonna make a big impact.”
Defense: The Dukes will have a lot of new faces on the other side of the ball. Senior Luke Sacksteder will return to play strong safety and senior defensive end Chris McCoy will be up front to lead the Dukes’ 4-3 defense.
Strong side: York’s offense is experienced and should be in rhythm at the start of the season. The Dukes will get a good test in their home opener Week 1 against New Trier, which defeated York 28-14 last season. How they fare against the Trevians may indicate whether the Dukes are ready to take the next step after two straight 4-5 seasons.
Weak side: While the defensive players moving up from the sophomore team are already experienced with Monken’s scheme, adapting to varsity competition will be an adjustment for many. Monken said finding the right mix of players on defense will be critical. “We feel like we have a great group, and we’re ahead of where we were last year,” he said.
Team tradition: At home games, the football players meet with the band, cheerleaders and poms before walking from the school to the football field together, which is on the other side of St. Charles Road. Fans and students greet them as they march onto the field. “It’s about community, and it’s about family,” Monken said. “It says that you’re all together in this.”
Quote: “We’re not quite where we want to be, but we’re closing the gap and we’ve made some real progress the last few years,” Monken said.
2016 Schedule
Aug. 26, NEW TRIER, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 2, Leyden, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 9, GLENBARD WEST*, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 16, Hinsdale Central*, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 23, WILLOWBROOK, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 30, Oak Park-River Forest*, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 7, PROVISO WEST*, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 14, DOWNERS GROVE NORTH*, 7:30 p.m.
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Oct. 21, Lyons*, 7:30 p.m.
HOME GAMES IN BOLD
* West Suburban Silver game
Chris Vavra is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Twitter @Pioneer_Press