Notre Dame
Coach: Mike Hennessey, entering 30th season
2015 record: 8-2 (6-1 East Suburban Catholic), lost 17-14 to Marist in first round of Class 8A playoffs
Offense: The Dons’ attack features multiple sets within a spread offense, with four wideouts, a tight end and wing. Notre Dame scored 34.4 points per game last year and outscored its opponents by 156 points. While only senior center Anthony Saro and senior running back Eric Harper Jr. return, Hennessey said he is confident in his new offensive playmakers.
Defense: While the offense features fresh faces, the defense has familiar ones. The Dons will lean on the skill and knowledge of senior linebackers Lucas Polakow and Thomas Hackett to execute their multiple defensive looks. “They’re everything you want in a student-athlete, and I’ve entrusted the care of the defense in them,” said defensive coordinator Dan DeFranza. “It’s their defense. They own it.” While DeFranza will call the plays, he’s entrusting his senior linebackers with everything else on the field.
Strong side: Notre Dame lost twice to Marist last year — the Dons’ only defeats — but won’t face the RedHawks this regular season. While it’s difficult to predict if the Dons’ offense can replicate last year’s success, the pressure to do so will be eased by what should be an improved defense.
Weak side: Hennessey wants this year’s team to improve their time of possession, a burden that will fall on the broad shoulders of those in the trenches. “Our line up front needs to give us some holes to run through,” he said. “We’ve got a good stable of running backs, but we’re only going to be as good as our linemen.” DeFranza echoed that thought on the defensive side of the ball, emphasizing his new-look line’s need to stop the run and create a pass rush in order to find success.
Team tradition: Every Wednesday, the team finishes practice and is greeted by pasta dishes, a favorite tradition of Hackett’s. After victories, the team is also rewarded with cake. The more red velvet pastries in the locker room, the deeper the team’s playoff run should go.
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Quote: “You talk to a lot of colleges guys and they tell you, ‘You always miss being under the lights Friday nights,’ and it’s going be tough knowing it’s our last year.” Saro said. “It’s tough just talking about it, really.”
Lee Bosch is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Twitter @Pioneer_Press
2016 schedule
8/27, Thornton, 1:00
9/2, Benet, 7:30
9/9, NAZARETH*, 7:30
9/16, Joliet Catholic*, 7:30
9/23, ST. PATRICK*, 7:30
9/30, Carmel*, 7:30
10/7, MARIAN CATHOLIC*, 7:30
10/14, MARIAN CENTRAL*, 7:30
10/21, St. Viator*, 7:30
Home games in CAPS
* East Suburban Catholic game