If it’s just one thing, know this about Oswego’s Cruz Ibarra.
When it comes to directing an offense, the 6-foot-3, 190-pound senior quarterback is a very good driver.
Offensive coordinator Ben Kleinhans does not doubt it.
“Cruz is in his third year playing varsity and second as a starter with a lot of reps under his belt,” Kleinhans said. “I tell him, ‘You have to be the point guard. You have the keys. Just go out there and do it.'”
The point guard reference was not lost on Ibarra, who’s a two-time sectional qualifier in wrestling.
Last season, he totaled 995 yards passing for the Southwest Prairie West champion Panthers (6-4), whose ground game accounted for 64% of their offense, led by graduated running back Mark Melton with 1,004 yards.
“He was really good and we relied on him,” Ibarra said of Melton.
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But Ibarra also thinks the offense could be more balanced this season.
For Oswego, last season ended in disappointing fashion. The Panthers lost two straight games at the end, dropping a decision to Yorkville in the regular-season finale after wrapping up the conference title.
That hurt Oswego’s seeding in the Class 8A playoffs, where the Panthers lost to Glenbard West in the first round.
Ibarra was promoted to varsity as a sophomore in 2020 during the pandemic-shortened spring season after starter Cole Pradel was injured. Ibarra split time with Julian Toma.
Ibarra became the starter in the second game last fall.
“A lot of people say I’m a big quarterback, strong-armed,” Ibarra said. “I mainly like to stay in the pocket. I can also move a little bit. Wrestling has helped me out a lot with my footwork and conditioning.”
Oswego coach Brian Cooney has noticed.
“He can do some really good things and is working on his consistency and presnap reads,” Cooney said. “But name me a quarterback who isn’t doing that.
“When he’s on, he has a quick release and can definitely throw it deep.”
Michigan recruit Deakon Tonielli, a 6-6 tight end who can also be split wide, provides a security blanket of sorts for Ibarra in leading an Oswego receiving corps featuring seniors Jordan Katzenbach and Nick Scott.
Last season, Tonielli caught 32 passes for 385 yards, while Katzenbach had 20 catches for 219 yards and Scott, who also will see time at running back, added 13 catches for 132 yards.
“I can always look to him and trust him because he’s tall and has long arms,” Ibarra said of Tonielli. “You can’t really miss high unless you overthrow him by a lot.”
Kleinhans, the former Metea Valley coach who’s in his fourth season on Cooney’s staff and the third calling plays, understands.
“Tight ends don’t come around like that very often,” Kleinhans said. “Guys who can run like a wideout, are big, have that much wingspan and can jump and can block.
“There’s a reason why (Tonielli) had the offers he had. He’s a special talent. You couldn’t ask for a better security blanket, knowing he’s there. He can be covered and still be open.”
Ibarra also wants to take it to the next level.
“To be honest, football is what I’d like to be playing in college,” he said.
Ibarra has one scholarship offer from Roosevelt — so far.
“I’m going to make it possible, that’s for sure,” he said.
Kleinhans pointed out that Ibarra continues to improve.
“His physical skill set is very high,” Kleinhans said. “He’s big, strong, can run and has as good of an arm as you’ll see as far as flat out throwing the ball.
“Now, he’s developed some touch with it. Before, it was fastballs all the time. There’s days out here where the ball doesn’t hit the ground — when he’s really on and our receivers are going good.”
Due to Oswego’s 2021 finish and the overall strength of the Southwest Prairie West, Ibarra believes the Panthers find themselves in the unusual role of being underdogs.
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“I’d definitely say people are doubting us,” he said.
He doesn’t, saying the team looks forward to proving people wrong.
Team: Oswego.
2021 record: 6-4.
Offensive leaders: Jordan Katzenbach, senior, wide receiver; Achilles Obert, senior, offensive line; Nick Scott, senior, running back; Deakon Tonielli, senior, tight end/wide receiver.
Defensive leaders: Braedon Hellinger, senior, linebacker; Chase Oostman, senior, linebacker; Taiden Thomas, junior, defensive end.
X-factor: Jeremiah Cain, sophomore, wide receiver/defensive back.