Prep football: Lincoln-Way Central looks to build on 2016 success

NEW LENOX – With a large number of returning players from last year’s team that won more games and advanced further in the playoffs than any team since 2005, prospects look very encouraging this season for Lincoln-Way Central’s football program.

Coach Jeremy Cordell has liked what he’s seen from his Knights so far during their offseason preparation and there’s plenty of optimism that the 7-4 record and second-round appearance in the postseason that was achieved a year ago can be improved upon this fall.

“The most important thing for us is our culture, it’s what we do on a daily basis,” said Cordell, who is his third season leading the Knights. “It’s about the process of winning every day and winning every rep that we have in practice. We want to take it one step at a time and do the little things right, that’s what matters and will help us to win ball games. Just doing it together as a football family is what we’re going to stress every day.

“We talk constantly in our program of doing your one-eleventh and taking pride in your job. And not only doing that for yourself but also for your brother that’s next to you. Across the board, these guys are very coachable. They’re great kids who want to succeed, and now it’s taking those experiences that they’ve had and learning from those. We’re looking to take the next step. We had some good results last year and have to continue to build upon that.”

The Knights will play only four teams that they faced a year ago, starting with Indiana’s Lake Central in the season and home opener Aug. 25. They’ll also face Thornwood, Lockport and Sandburg this season, with the other five opponents being new additions.

Included in that last group are a game at Lincoln-Way West on Sept. 1 and a home contest with Lincoln-Way East on Sept. 22. Games with Stagg and Thornton complete play in the SouthWest Suburban Conference.

“We’re going to build a lot off of last year since we have a lot of juniors back,” senior receiver/running back Matt Pollack said. “With them all coming back this year, it’s going to be good for us, since we’ll have a lot of experience. What’s going to make us a special group is how close all of us are and how we’re all brothers and work together for the same goal.”

“Obviously the main goal would be to play for a state championship, so that’s what we’ll work for every day in practice. I feel like if everyone does their one-eleventh, then we can do anything that we work for. I like our chemistry and how we’re all brothers and are close.”

A year ago, the Knights rolled past Reavis in their playoff opener, the first postseason win since 2005, before losing to Rolling Meadows in the second round. Their program now hopes to do something that was last accomplished in the final year of one Lincoln-Way, in 2000, which is to at least reach the quarterfinals.

“Coming off the second-round playoff loss, we’re really looking forward to making it farther,” senior outside linebacker Peyton Nigro said. “Our goal is ‘Mission NIU’, which is where the state championship is held this year. All coach Cordell has wanted is for us to go as hard as we can because he doesn’t want to see the same thing happen this season.

“Every day our bond keeps getting bigger and bigger and that’s one of the most important characteristics that our team has. Our chemistry is outstanding and it’s going to keep helping us to move forward. No matter what the score is or what’s going on, we’ll never give up.”

With five 2016 playoff teams on the schedule, including two district rivals, improving on last season won’t be easy, but the Knights are prepared to meet the challenge.

“This year we’re going to be hungrier because of our playoff loss,” senior running back Mike Morgan said. “We’re going to bounce back this year and be pretty good because of all the returning juniors who were starters last year. Our expectations are higher so it’s going to be a challenge this year but I think we’ll be able to handle it pretty well.

“We’ve bonded together pretty well. Last year, coach Cordell did a great job of bringing us together. The biggest part is the bond, that’s what gets you far in the playoffs. A lot of these guys are fun to be around and we have a great time together at practice. That’s big for us.”