Prep football: Lincoln-Way East is looking for another big year

FRANKFORT – When you’re the only school in state history to compete in the IHSA football playoffs in each year of your existence, and have been to nine quarterfinals, four semifinals, two championship games and captured one title in 16 years as a program, big things are expected of you every season.

Such is the annual story at Lincoln-Way East, which returns several key players from last year’s 9-3 team that came up a bit short in the Class 8A quarterfinals against Maine South, which went on to win the state championship.

Although coach Rob Zvonar, who is 151-38 in his 16 seasons leading the Griffins, is cautious to look too far down the road, the veteran mentor believes that if his team improves like he thinks it can each week, then East could very well make another long playoff run.

Last season featured the distraction of combining programs, which was brought about by the closure of Lincoln-Way North, but things have returned to normal and the Griffins are looking forward to enjoying what looks to be another special season.

“This is a group that we’ve kind of had our eye on for a little while,” Zvonar said. “As a coach, you’re prepared to lead in any way that you have to, and sometimes it’s leading from the front, but this group has been a little unique where we have kind of led from the back, and it’s been extremely player-driven and senior-driven. A lot of things that you’d do as a coach, the kids are doing on their own, so that’s a lot of fun. We’re excited about this group and seen great things but talking about it in August doesn’t get it done in October and November.

“We always come into the season with guarded optimism but with high expectations and goals and this group is no different. We want to start out undefeated in your nonconference games, then compete to be conference champs and also to make a deep run in the playoffs. This group has tremendous maturity and has handled everything that we’ve thrown at them in stride since they’re self-motivated and driven. Between having a tremendous coaching staff and senior leadership, it’s been a real smooth and fun ride so far.”

Zvonar knows that his Griffins will be tested right away with nonleague contests against Crete-Monee and Maine South before beginning SouthWest Suburban Conference play with the likes of Lincoln-Way Central, Homewood-Flossmoor, Lockport and Bolingbrook.

“We’re looking to have a nice, successful season since everyone takes it step by step,” senior linebacker John Christensen said. “We’re not focusing on the long run since what we do day in and day out will get us to our goal and further better ourselves. We have a lot of team chemistry this year and have gotten a lot closer with the kids from North. And we have a lot of good players at each position since a lot of people have stepped up and the seniors have been doing well. We all go in to each day just trying to win each play and each rep.”

The Griffins return six regulars on each side of the football. On offense, those players include senior quarterback Brendan Morrissey (who was at tailback last season), senior tailback Ryan Scianna, senior wide receiver Mason Keenan, senior offensive lineman Jake Buhe and junior offensive linemen Dane Eggert and Anthony Sottosanto.

“A good thing about this team is that everyone loves competing with and against each other,” Morrissey said. “We all want to improve from the day before and when you want to keep getting better, you do get better. We pride ourselves in being like a family so the closer you are, the more you want to play well for each other. We just have to take it day by day and can’t look ahead. Our minds are in the right place and everyone has the same goals, so if we stay healthy and keep grinding every day, we can make it to where we want to be.”

The defense will be led by senior defensive end Devin O’Rourke, a three-year starter who will continue his education and career at Northwestern University. Other returning performers on the defense are senior defensive linemen Jaden Hacha and Ben Ravetto, senior linebacker John Christensen and senior defensive backs Dugan Bolsoni and Max Cesario.

“This group is really close and we’re always working out here together and I think that’s what separates us,” O’Rourke said. “There’s a lot of leadership and everybody is really close so everyone listens to each other and buys in. We’re always trying to improve each week but we know that there’s always a bigger picture. I really like our defense and as a group, we really mesh together and play as one. If we come in and work as hard as we can every day, then we’ll be alright. I can’t wait.”