High school football: Riverside Brookfield looks to build off conference title, playoff run

SENIOR SAYS Q&A

RIVERSIDE – Filip Sofeski is the equivalent to a Swiss Army Knife – succeeding in every position that he is put in by the RB coaching staff. Originally a defensive standout, Sofeski also slotted in last year on the offensive line, tight end and fullback, helping the high-powered bulldogs offense to a quarterfinals appearance in the 6A playoffs. He recently spoke with Suburban Life editor Alex Soulier about the upcoming season.

Soulier: Last season was the most successful year for a Riverside Brookfield football team in you've been with the program. What did you learn from your junior season?

Sofeski: I learned that no matter how up or down you are in a game, you always need to keep pushing, because you never know what's going to happen.

Soulier: Is there a game or moment from last season that you will always remember?

Sofeski: In our second-round playoff game against Grayslake, the firs possession for the offense didn't go so well, but in our second series we learned from our mistakes, drove down the field and scored a touchdown. It gave us a lot of momentum and we ended up winning that game 21-14.

Soulier: What do you expect to see from the offense this season?

Sofeski: I expect to see a lot of touchdowns. You're going to see a lot of guys pulling in the same directions – blocks being taken, people doing their jobs, plays being made and points being scored. It's all about staying disciplined and focused.

Soulier: What have you guys been able to accomplish during the summer?

Sofeski: Putting in the time in the weight room is really important for us because we are not the biggest team in Illinois. But what we lack in size, we make up for in speed. So we have also been doing a lot to improve our conditioning, agility and quickness.

Soulier: Have you set any personal or team goals?

Sofeski: After this season, I just want to be able to look back without any regrets. That means giving it my all and leaving everything on the field.

Soulier: Is there a game you're really looking forward to this year?

Sofeski: Morton is always a fun game to look forward to. They are a neighboring school, and we know a bunch of guys on the team.

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WHAT TO WATCH FOR

CULTURE CHANGE: Entering his fifth year as RB's head coach, Brendan Curtin credits last year's breakout season to the culture change he's spearheaded in the program. Last year's senior class was the first that he's been able to mentor since eighth grade, and it paid dividends in the win column. "It was the first group that was with me and for four years. We were able to see it through from start to finish." - Curtin

QB COMPETITION: The graduation of last season's starting QB, Ryan Swift, leaves an opening under center. The Bulldogs held an open competition this summer between senior Keenan Scott and junior Hunter Hughes, and Curtain has yet to name a starter. "They both bring a lot to the table. Keenan has a tremendous work ethic and is very driven. Hunter has a very live arm and is extremely poised." - Curtin

FAST, VERSATILE WEAPONS: The Bulldogs' uptempo offense and overall team speed will keep defenses on their heels. Receivers Ja'Moni Wise and Jhalen Williams have the ability to take the top off the defense, while tight end Michael Wilson will look to stretch the seam. "We have a lot of versatile weapons and speed on the perimeter. We are hoping to create a lot of mismatches with our team speed." - Curtin

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TOP RETURNERS

Zach Mieczkowski sr. WR/DB

Jamari Wise sr. WR/LB

Jhalen Williams sr. WR/DB

Joe Rehder Swallow sr. RB/LB

Filip Sofeski sr. OL/LB

Michael Wilson sr. TE/DE

KEY NEWCOMERS

Stefan Giminski jr. WR/DB

Keenan Scott sr. QB/LB

Hunter Hughes jr. QB/DB

Nicolas Del Nodal jr. RB/DB

Anthony Walsh jr. OL/LB

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WEEK 1 MATCHUP

Who: Morton at Riverside Brookfield

When: 7:15 p.m. Aug. 26

Where: 160 Ridgewood Road, Riverside

2015 Records: Riverside Brookfield 10-3; Morton 3-6

​Outlook: The Bulldogs will be looking for at third straight Week 1 victory over Morton when the two lock up Aug. 26. Last season, RB edged their rival 19-18 thanks to three touchdowns from receiver Dean Zigulich. In 2014, Riverside Brookfield shutout Morton 22-0.