Three games into his only season as varsity quarterback, Bartlett senior Dean Kotsovetis has already experienced two basic truths about the position.
The first is it’s best to start strong and finish stronger. The other is how a tight end can be the quarterback’s best friend.
Bartlett’s playoff chances depend in part on how fast Kotsovetis absorbs other aspects. A win at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Streamwood over South Elgin would go a long way toward moving the Hawks in this direction.
“Dean had no varsity experience, just some JV ball last year,” coach Eric Ilich said. “I saw enough in him to think he had a shot at being a quality varsity quarterback. And he’s done well so far for us.”
The 5-foot-10, 170-pound Kotsovetis and Bartlett’s offense absorbed lumps for six quarters.
Defense scored Bartlett’s only points in a 17-2 opening loss to Conant. Kotsovetis sparked the offense in the second half of a 28-13 loss to Lemont, and it carried over to last week’s 33-14 victory over West Chicago.
“First we came out scared,” Kotsovetis said. “We were impatient, wanted to try to get things moving and got frustrated in the first half.
“Now we need come out in the first half, not just the second. We want to start fast and finish faster.”
Kotsovetis is 57-of-90 for 585 yards with four touchdowns and three interceptions.
“I was nervous at first, but had faith and trusted the line could protect me and receivers to do their jobs,” Kotsovetis said.
Tight end Brandon Sinclair (16 catches, 240 yards) has emerged as a dependable target and complement to top receiver Austin Gates. Both were inexperienced, like Kotsovetis.
“Everyone knows Austin is the No. 1, so they’re leaving the tight end open,” Kotsovetis said. “Brandon’s a great blocker and is starting to break out more on deeper pass routes.
“He’s always open when he comes around back side on my rollouts.”
Ilich called the Kotsovetis-Sinclair connection a natural one.
“Those two guys probably have a lot to talk about because they’ve got a lot in common in our offense,” Ilich said. “There’s about 10 things going on each play and at their positions, a lot is expected between the ears for both.
“They’re both learning a lot of football.”
Season-ending injury: Burlington Central (2-1, 0-0) tests its quarterback depth Friday at Richmond-Burton (2-1, 0-1) in Kishwaukee River play after starter Johnny DiCostanzo was lost for the season due to a torn ACL.
“It’s a huge loss and I feel horrible for Johnny Football,” Burlington coach Brian Melvin said, using the player’s nickname.
DiCostanzo suffered the injury running the option during last week’s 38-7 win over Rockford Lutheran. Sophomore Jake Lenschow gained experience in that win, and the Rockets can also turn to wildcat quarterback Matt Ganziano.
At 6-2, 190, Lenschow is probably not the runner DiCostanzo is, but displayed a strong arm as a pocket passer.
“He led the sophomores to a conference title as a freshman,” Melvin said.
All-purpose tackler: St. Charles North’s Tobi Adedara has earned a reputation as a pass rusher, and has two sacks this season, but his ability to stop the run will be tested when the North Stars (2-1, 1-0) travel to St. Charles East (3-0, 1-0) on Friday in the Upstate Eight River.
Saints quarterback Clayton Isbell already has run for 501 yards.
Adedara, though, has been more than a pass rusher. The senior defensive end and Division I recruit leads the North Stars with 23 tackles.
“Tobi hit the weights, added some weight in offseason, and it’s made an impact on his game,” North Stars coach Rob Pomazak said.
Twitter @genechamberlai2
Mike Clark’s Chicago-area football rankings
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