Perhaps Vernon Hills senior Lex Sarantos can tackle anything.
Among the state’s leaders in tackles, the 6-foot-1, 200-pound linebacker has rallied the Cougars to three straight wins following a four-game losing streak.
“His leadership skills carry the team, and even when we were at our lowest, he never wavered,” Vernon Hills coach Bill Bellecomo said. “I had a talk with him because I know he’s a leader with the same ideals and perspective as we have as coaches, and when he’s relaying those same messages, that’s powerful. A coach’s voice can only go so far.”
Sarantos was determined to salvage the season.
“As a captain, if there’s anything we can do to make the team better, we have to try it,” he said. “I’m usually a lead-by-example guy, and if I do give a speech, it’s more defensive-oriented.
“When you’re 1-4, I probably had more one-on-one discussions with guys, trying to push everyone in the right direction and close those cracks.”
It appears those cracks have been sealed. Vernon Hills (4-4, 3-1) would become playoff-eligible with a Central Suburban North win against Niles North (3-5, 2-2) in the regular-season finale on Friday. The Cougars, who went 1-8 last season, last qualified for the playoffs in 2021.
Steering the team in that direction, Sarantos has remained positive.
“It’s good to give constructive criticism at times, and you’re already getting plenty of that from coaches when you’re 1-4, which makes sense,” he said. “But the last thing you need is guys doubting themselves, and I think people respond to teammates better when they’re picked up. You have to believe in your skills and know that you’re capable.”
That has never been an issue for Sarantos, who was an all-conference pick last season. Like many of the players on what may be the area’s shortest roster, Sarantos does double duty this season, also playing tight end. But linebacker is where he stands out.
Sarantos’ 110 tackles rank sixth in the state, according to MaxPreps, and only one other player has more than his 73 solo stops. He has saved his best for last, making a combined 39 1/2 tackles in the past two games.
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“He’s the guy who gets us all focused on the same goal,” Vernon Hills senior lineman Connor Brockway said. “He keeps everyone in check, and it’s almost a guarantee that we’ll get at least a couple of big plays from him that change the momentum of the game.”
Sarantos set a team record with 23 1/2 tackles during the Cougars’ 27-6 conference win over Niles West on Oct. 10.
“I didn’t even know until one or two days later,” he said of the record. “You don’t really count tackles during the game because there are so many swings of emotion. I knew I had a good amount, but it was cool to find out about it.”
Sarantos’ tackles help shorten opponents’ drives, which is important for Vernon Hills given its substantial number of two-way players. About 20 players total regularly suit up for the Cougars, who have had just 17 players active for two games.
“This year is so unique, and because we’re so small in numbers, we’re a tighter-knit family than most teams,” Sarantos said. “Everyone is more motivated to play for each other, whether it’s both ways or new positions.
“Sometimes right before games, I’ll look at our team and think, ‘Wow, do we really only have 18 or 19 players?’ But no one gets discouraged by it. We see it as a challenge.”
That underdog mentality suits Sarantos, who has begun to receive attention from college coaches. He has an offer from Wheaton.
“I feel like I’m capable of and could effectively play at even a higher level,” he said. “I know my skills, my talent and my leadership and what I’m able to do.
“I also understand that we went 1-8 last year and that doesn’t help attract attention. It’s definitely put a chip on my shoulder.”
Steve Reaven is a freelance reporter.