With a new coach installing a new offense, Deerfield’s David Lusardi was ready to learn during the offseason.
Lusardi knew he was going to be the only returning starter on the Warriors’ offensive line this season.
“I had a meeting with the coach once a week for the entire second semester,” he said. “It was an hour learning the playbook to get all the knowledge in, which really helped a lot. I can now look at film and see plays and see them work.”
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Lusardi, a 5-foot-11, 220-pound senior who is one of only two captains for the Warriors (0-2), also moved from right guard to center. That opened his eyes even more.
“I feel like I learned a lot and I understand this game really well,” he said. “I’ve played it for so long, but now I’m able to pick apart things. I know where everyone on the offensive line is supposed to be and know everyone’s responsibilities. Last year, I never thought about the process the center has to do.”
Deerfield coach Brandon Geuder said Lusardi has proved to be a crucial player for a young and inexperienced team.
“He’s truly the leader of the O-line,” Geuder said. “He understands our blocking and is able to communicate adjustments we see depending on fronts and blitzes.”
Geuder, a Deerfield graduate who succeeded longtime coach Steve Winiecki, said Lusardi has grown into the role.
“In his sophomore and junior season, he was able to contribute a lot on the offensive line and was an all-purpose guy who jumped spots,” Geuder said. “That helped him learn our style and become really football smart. He now understands the full scope of our schemes and everyone’s responsibilities and how they fit together. His work clearly has paid dividends.”
Deerfield senior right guard/linebacker Sam Berman appreciates the way Lusardi shares that knowledge with teammates.
“He is a patient teacher who will show you what to do until you understand,” Berman said. “He’s also good at turning mistakes into learning moments, which builds our relationship. He doesn’t get mad. He encourages and is reassuring while also being fiery and having passion.”
Lusardi needs that energy because he rarely comes off the field. He’s also playing defensive end this season.
“The main thing that shocked me in Week 1 playing both ways was that you have to always give 100% on each play and how everything goes down throughout a game,” he said. “Playing only one side last year, I didn’t realize how much energy I had in a game.
“Now I’m putting everything out there, all the snaps on offense and a majority on defense. It’s really tiring on the body, but I still try to give each play my 110% effort.”
Geuder said Lusardi is making an impact in Deerfield’s 3-3 stack defense.
“He’s selfless when playing defensive line,” Geuder said. “He’s done a really nice job for us and gets really good pursuit and gets the guys going.
“On defense, you have to be relentless. He’s the sparkplug for the defensive side for us.”
Lusardi will do whatever he can for the Warriors.
“I’m the one the team looks up to and will fight for me, just like I’ll fight for them,” he said.
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter.