By Steve Spiewak
MaxPreps.com
Lincoln-Way East, Illinois' defending Class 8A champions, returns with a team even more potent than the one that defeated Maine South 30-24 in overtime at the University of Illinois last season.
Led by a strong senior triumvirate of offensive lineman Adam Gettis (6-4, 250), defensive tackle D.J. Pirkle (6-1, 260), and linebacker Jon Oloffson (6-2, 225), the Griffins won't be sneaking up on anybody in 2006 as they will enter the season nationally-ranked by various media outlets.
The team will also be playing on a new turf field this year. A national ranking combined with a brand new playing surface has heightened the anticipation heading into 2006 for the Frankfort, Ill., school.
"I can't wait to play on the turf," Gettis said. "I also can't wait to see what competition we have this year."
Head coach Rob Zvonar's squad has displayed its eagerness throughout the offseason. The team has been preparing since January for the upcoming season, and hopes that its dedication will pay off by repeating as state champions. Zvonar has attempted to keep the workouts exciting - keeping the players motivated to excel.
With increased expectations comes increased publicity. Last year, Lincoln-Way East won a state championship while flying under the radar to some degree. This year, however, the team starts the season with a championship under its belt and a national ranking to its credit. That hasn't changed the players' attitudes.
"We don't want to get big-headed. It's a different feel (playing with more recognition), but we have the same mentality," Gettis said.
While the Griffins mentality has not changed, the team has now become a target for all the schools on its schedule. The players know that each of their opponents will have Lincoln-Way East circled on the schedule.
Standing in the team's way is Bolingbrook, who returns standout running back Dale Martin - a potential problem for the Lincoln Way East defense if he gets into the open field. Longtime rival Lincoln-Way Central is another club the Griffins cannot afford to overlook.
In addition to their core of senior standouts, the Griffins will rely on junior halfback Dan Cebula (5-9, 175). Cebula turned some heads with a strong sophomore campaign, and the team will look for him to anchor an explosive offense. He has already received some attention from Division I-A schools, and could become an even hotter commodity with a big 2006 campaign.
Gettis, Pirkle, and Olofsson should all be playing on Saturdays next year. Olofsson, a hard-hitting linebacker, had over 90 tackles last season, while Pirkle is an explosive defensive tackle that solidifies the defensive line.
The Griffins lack the name recognition of schools like Joliet Catholic, a perennial national power, and Mount Carmel, with NFL alumni like Donovan McNabb and Simeon Rice. But Lincoln-Way East is poised to be the top team in Illinois this season.
The trio of Division I-A-caliber seniors, an exciting junior running back, and a solid supporting cast provide Lincoln-Way East with plenty reasons for optimism.
The Griffins open the season on Sept. 1 against Providence.