A lot was expected of Vernon Hills junior Anthony Martorano after his first varsity season.
As the 2022 regular season winds down, it has become apparent that Martorano’s level of production, often in roles that were unforeseen only weeks ago, has exceeded even the most optimistic projections.
“He’s so good at everything he does, we can’t afford to have him off the field,” Vernon Hills coach Bill Bellecomo said. “We ask a lot of him, but it doesn’t seem to affect him.”
The most recent responsibility added to Martorano’s plate, necessitated by a teammate’s injury, was primary ball carrier.
Martorano didn’t flinch, moving from his usual spot at receiver to turn 15 carries into 152 yards, including 23- and 25-yard touchdown runs, in the Cougars’ first win, a 42-0 Central Suburban North victory against Niles North on Oct. 7.
“It was a really cool experience because I got to see the game in a different way,” he said. “I like how you have to scan the whole field looking at all 11 guys.”
Varied offensive duties haven’t hampered Martorano’s production at outside linebacker, the only position he played last season. He made his fourth career interception against Niles North and returned it 35 yards for a touchdown. It was the result of good pressure on the quarterback and Martorano using his instincts to be in the right spot to make a big play.
“My place in this defense is unique because I’ve been less in the box, almost like a strong safety,” he said. “The quarterback was trying to avoid the sack, and the pass came up short, right into my hands.”
The Cougars (1-6, 1-2) have struggled this season, and Martorano will be a big part of any rebound in 2023. Where he will line up then doesn’t matter to him.
“I wouldn’t put one singular position by my name,” he said. “Wherever the coaches think I’ll excel at any given time, that’s where I’ll go. I just love the game.”
Lutz on a roll: Like any kicker, Carmel junior Ashton Lutz is keenly aware that he spends much less time on the field than his teammates.
Lutz also knows how important any of his brief appearances can be.
“Every game is different, but it’s very easy for us to decide a game,” Lutz said of himself, the long snapper and the holder on placements. “That makes it pretty unique and puts a lot of pressure on us, knowing that you have to convert when called on.”
Lutz’s number was called for field-goal attempts a career-high four times in a 19-7 nonconference win against Marmion on Oct. 7. He was perfect, connecting from 29, 30, 31 and 36 yards.
Lutz has made seven of 10 field-goal attempts and all 20 of his extra-point attempts this season. He hasn’t missed inside 36 yards, and he’ll enter Carmel’s game at Marist on Friday having made five straight field goals. He also has four touchbacks and has converted one onside kick.
“When he’s locked in like that, you see what kind of weapon he can be,” Carmel coach Jason McKie said. “He’s definitely got a lot of leg, but he practices all the time. He goes to kicking camps and always stays after practice.”
Lutz’s devotion to his craft, bolstered through his work with kicking specialist Denny Porter and special teams coach Adam Hoge, is the unlikely byproduct of a simple request a friend made during their freshman year to kick for the junior varsity team.
Kicking was second nature for Lutz after years playing soccer, but that spring was his first time kicking a football.
Lutz took to his new sport quickly, and he routinely practices six times a week and doesn’t stop during the offseason. To complement his powerful right leg, he continues to refine his technique.
“Consistency — there’s what we’re working toward,” he said. “Every kicker has a different routine, but you want to make sure you do the same thing every time. If that repetition isn’t there, it can really throw you off.”
Tidbits: Wauconda and Grayslake North are on a collision course for a regular-season finale on Oct. 21 that likely will determine the Northern Lake County Conference champion. Connor Vanselow continues to produce at a torrid clip for Wauconda (7-0, 5-0), rushing for 197 yards and five touchdowns in a 54-7 win against Lakes last week. Wauconda’s defense has 15 takeaways through seven games. … For Grayslake North (6-1, 4-1), quarterback Jake Donohue set the school record for both career passing yards (4,948) and completions (353) during a 56-14 win against North Chicago last week. Six of Donohue’s teammates scored touchdowns, including Michael Jefferson with an 87-yard kickoff return. … Grayslake Central’s Kaiden Miller is giving his school’s record book a workout. He tied the all-time mark for most points scored (248) during the Rams’ 65-8 win against Round Lake last week and increased his record number of career touchdown catches to 17.
Steve Reaven is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.