By Steve Klemm
SHGFootball.com
August 14, 2008

Are you ready for some football, Cyclone Nation? The season is only about two weeks away and I know you fans out there are pumped.

I had the opportunity to speak with Coach Leonard about this year's team as well as several other topics of interest.  He was extremely pleased with the leadership of this year's seniors, the offseason preparation and training by the players, and the improvement of the underclassmen. He gave me some great insight into this year's team and all the various aspects that will surround the 2008 Cyclones. So let’s dive right in… 

The 2007 season started off with something the Cyclone program had not experienced in awhile: a loss.  But SHG would rebound from that tough opening loss to a very stellar Montini squad.  In fact, they would rattle off eight consecutive victories, including a thrilling 40-37 comeback win in Week 5 against Glenwood at The Palace.  Then came the playoffs.  The Cyclones found themselves in Class 6A and with arguably one of the toughest first-round draws for a top seed in all classes: Providence Catholic.  The physical Celtics sent SHG home early, the program's first opening round loss since 1991.  

My first set of questions for Coach Leonard was regarding that early end to the 2007.  Was the jump to Class 6A a significant one?  Did that tough first round loss motivate this year's group, particularly the seniors?

"There was probably a step-up to 6A, though I think we had a bad first round draw (with Providence)," Leonard stated.  "The top teams in 5A and 6A are similar, so there's not a lot of difference.  It's forcing us to improve...(the loss) was a great learning experience.

"This group of seniors don't like losing," he added.  "They tasted the success and state championships and they tasted the first round loss.  They have really been motivated to work hard...they don't like that taste of losing."

The next topic covered the offseason preparation and training of this year's team for the upcoming season.

“The kids have really worked hard in the weight room,” says Leonard. "I think this might be one of the strongest teams I've ever had."  He further stated that the dedication to strength training and conditioning was evident throughout all classes, from the seniors down to the incoming freshmen.  He also commented that he feels very good about the kids up front because of their offseason preparation.

Supplementing that offseason training and conditioning once again have been the numerous 7-on-7 tournaments that the Cyclones have participated in this summer. The team again traveled to Indiana, Notre Dame, and East Peoria to compete against some of the best teams in the state and region. But the highlight of the summer came at the end of July.  After capturing the regional Adidas 7-on-7 championship at Notre Dame in June, the Cyclones made their way to Atlanta, Georgia to compete against six of the nation's premier programs in the National Tournament.  The two-day tournament featured teams like Richland TX, Mesquite TX, Los Angeles Crenshaw, and Jupiter Christian FL. SHG finished with a very impressive 4-2 record, advancing to the semifinals before losing to the eventual champion Richland.   Overall, the Cyclones completed the 7-on-7 summer season with an incredible 35-3 record.  And just as in years past, SHG's spread offensive attack and pass defense will undoubtedly benefit from these events and the additional preparation they provide. 

How did Coach Leonard feel about their performance at the 7-on-7's, particularly the National Tournament in Atlanta?

"The passing game was just tremendous,” Leonard said. “Timmy (Dondanville) and Eric (Williamson) got in a lot of reps...they got to work on their throws and their timing.  And, no question, the defense got better.

"Atlanta was a great experience for the kids.  I think going 35-3 against some of the best competition from all over the country gave us tremendous confidence."  Leonard also mentioned how the tournaments have helped the players bond with each other.  "The team chemistry is great with this group."

The conversation then switched over to the schedule that looms ahead for the Cyclones. Once again, it will be two difficult games versus Montini Catholic and Cahokia that sandwich a conference schedule that includes a tough Week 2 road trip to Jacksonville, a big home game against Glenwood, and a conference finale against an upstart Springfield High team.

"I think we have the toughest two non-conference games in the league," Leonard stated.  "Game One will be a challenge. 

"The conference is going to be the same old.  Chatham is Chatham.  We expect them to be solid again.  Jacksonville...right now people have no idea how good they will be.  They were very impressive up at Notre Dame.  Those first two games (against Montini and Jacksonville) will be extremely tough."

Leonard added that Springfield should be up there, pointing to all the hype surrounding the Senator program.  "We hear that they will be good." 

Certainly, the conference race will be tight.  It seems that most who follow the Central State Eight can predict who the top four teams will be this season.  But predicting the order of those four teams is a much more difficult task.  Then you look at some of the other teams.  Southeast, under the leadership of coach Jeff Thomas, is obviously heading in the right direction.  Lincoln and Taylorville certainly have the talent to throw a wrench in the conference hierarchy this year.  And Lanphier?  Well, I'm not real sure what to expect with the Lions this season under new head coach Steve Buecker.  Summary: this should be a fun conference season.

The overall consensus is that the 2008 season has the potential to be a very special one.  The talent is there, the work ethic is there, and the team chemistry is there...all reasons for optimism.  But as always, Cyclone fans are content to take it one game at a time... 

Ladies and Gentleman, it's my pleasure to introduce your 2008 Cyclones...

Starting at quarterback once again is senior Tim Dondanville (6'3" 190 lbs).  Dondanville had a very successful 2007 season, throwing for 2,259 yards with 28 touchdowns and just four interceptions.  He boasts a strong and accurate throwing arm, good field vision, and above average speed, all reasons why several Ivy League schools have been showing interest in the senior signalcaller.  I expect Dondanville, who has been working hard on his mechanics and strength this offseason, to once again put up some big numbers in the SHG spread offense.  At backup quarterback will be junior Eric Williamson (6'0" 180 lbs), who has had a stellar summer at the various 7-on-7 tournaments. 

The running game will have several capable options out of the backfield.  Look for returning starter Gary Wilson (5'8" 185 lbs) to get the bulk of the carries.  In 2007, Wilson was the team's leading rusher, carrying 90 times for 733 yards and eight touchdowns.  The senior back possesses great speed, agility and vision, making him extremely dangerous in the open field.  But that won't be the only Wilson you'll see in the backfield.  Sophomore Greg Wilson (5'8" 185 lbs) will join his older brother with similar speed, agility and overall running style.  In addition to the Wilson brothers, junior Tyrone Lee (5'11" 190 lbs) will see a significant number of carries as well.  Lee will bring a more hard-nosed rushing style to balance out the Cyclone running attack.  At fullback, Darryl "Big D" McMath (5'9" 220 lbs) looks poised to showcase his blocking abilities and a bruising running style.

Coach Leonard commented about this year's receiving corp, stating that he isn't sure "if there's ever been a better group than the one this year."  If the summer 7-on-7 results are any indication, he's right.  Leading this year's "Golden Hands" receiving corp is senior John Lantz (6'3" 190 lbs), who led the Cyclones with 41 catches for 892 yards and 12 touchdowns a season ago.  Joining Lantz will be senior Dominic Walton (6'0" 200 lbs), senior Colton White (6'1" 190 lbs), senior Chris Cox (6'0" 185 lbs), senior Adrian Cave (5'8" 165 lbs), Greg Wilson, senior Ryan Hillestad (5'10" 175 lbs), senior Ross Romanelli (6'4" 180 lbs) along with juniors Zach Rockford (5'10" 160 lbs) and Sam Shearer (6'0" 165 lbs).  Whew!...let me catch my breath.  Without a question, this group is very talented and very deep, and should flourish in the pass-happy offense.

The starting tight end for the 2008 Cyclones will either be senior Jared Dodd (6'1" 205 lbs) or senior Jacob Wilmot (6'4" 210 lbs).  Both young men will bring capable hands as well as sound blocking abilities to the SHG offense.

The SHG offensive line returns two starters from 2007, senior Aaron Peterman (6'2" 250 lbs) and junior Matt Anderson (6'0" 230 lbs).  They will be joined on the frontline by junior Marlandez Harris (6'4" 255 lbs), senior Jeremy Bertoni (6'2" 240 lbs), junior John Root (6'0" 210 lbs), and either senior John Felchner (6'0" 220 lbs) or junior Ryan Crabtree (6'0" 210 lbs) at the center position.  Coach Leonard emphasized that this group is very strong and noted that all the offseason work in the weight room has paid off.  And with legendary coach John Sowinski leading the way, this unit should be very solid.

The Cyclones will run the 4-2-5 defense once again, with two strong safeties doubling as outside linebackers.  On the defensive line, seniors Dillon Thomas (6'2" 200 lbs) and Wilmot will start at the defensive end positions, with fellow senior Dan Schafer (5'10" 180 lbs) seeing some time as well.  Two-way starters Peterman and Anderson, along with senior Jon O'Daniel (6'5" 330 lbs) and junior Christian Jordan (5'10" 260 lbs) will clog up the middle at the tackle positions. 

The linebacker positions are somewhat of a question mark this season after losing Wisconsin's Leonard Hubbard and graduated starter Jack Duncan.  Trying to fill those shoes will be seniors Tommy Jennings (5'10" 185 lbs), Blake Pranger (6'0" 205 lbs) and Nick Varney (6'0" 190 lbs), as well as junior Sean Fitzgerald (6'0" 195 lbs).  While this unit may not have a lot of experience at the varsity level, look for them to quickly adjust and lead this year's SHG defense.  The outside linebacker/strong safety duties will be handled by Lee, Walton, senior Zach Boente (6'1" 200 lbs), and junior Nick Guzzardo (5'11" 195 lbs).

The defensive backfield has particularly benefitted from the various 7-on-7 tournaments this year, especially down at Atlanta.  This backfield returns 2007 starter Lantz as well as Cox, who saw considerable time last season.  At the free safety position, look for Jake Smith to see most of the playing time.

Taking over the kicking and punting duties this season will be a consensus all-state soccer player, senior Gus Bloink (6'3" 200 lbs).  Bloink brings a strong leg, good accuracy, and incredible athletic ability to the Cyclone team in 2008.

This year's team is talented...very talented.  The offense will be incredibly explosive, with great team speed and athleticism.  And while most of the explosiveness will center around the long ball, the ground game has the potential to be a dangerous aspect as well.  The defense is somewhat on the inexperienced side, but will only get better (and tougher to score against) by the week.  And it sounds like the coaching staff has a few tricks up their sleeve...which should make things even more interesting.  Without a doubt, the 2008 version of The Gold and Black Attack will be a very fun and exciting team to watch this season. So grab a seat and enjoy the ride...

The road to Champaign and title #3 begins August 30th at 6 p.m.  GO CYCS!

Interesting Stats: SHG will enter the 2008 season with an 8-game regular-season winning streak, and a 42-game conference winning streak.