Lyons Township wide receiver/kick returner Matthew Harris made quite a name for himself last season when he returned three kickoffs for touchdowns. Harris’ breakout sophomore campaign reflected the Lions’ overall performance, which began in relative obscurity only to explode for a school-record 10 wins and Class 8A State Quarterfinals appearance. Needless to say, both Harris and LT football are on everybody’s radar this fall.
“I like the fact our players are ‘all in’ regarding their commitment to our program,” LT coach Kurt Weinberg said. “Our guys really committed to getting better over the summer. They worked out five hours a day; we had 25 contact days, and virtually 100 percent attendance from our players.”
In addition to the Lions’ obvious commitment to intangibles like work ethic and intensity, physical talent is abundant particularly at the skill positions. Harris leads an explosive core of wideouts, including Evan Booth, Connor Wasz, Jamari Burks and returning starter Rennick Thompson.
“I think we can cause some tough matchups for other teams,” Weinberg said. “All of our wide receivers can flat out run.”
Senior running back Jaime Jones, who rushed for 866 yards and 11 touchdowns last season, is one of the premier backs in the loaded West Suburban (Silver) Conference. Junior Connor Onion takes over at quarterback for Brian Kelley.
“I’ve been really impressed with Connor’s professionalism,” Weinberg said. “He’s not shy about being a leader and speaks his mind when it’s appropriate. He’s a smart, tough kid with a strong arm.”
Lyons lost all of its starting offensive linemen to graduation, so right tackle Grant Fosberg (6-4, 270), right guard Anthony Simonelli (6-1, 220), center Tim DeLacey (6-1, 210), left guard Jason Plagens (5-10, 240), and left tackle Nicholas Demes (6-3, 240) comprise the Lions’ new front wall.
Defensively, the Lions boast a premier secondary in Matt Thomas, Will Konstant and Harris. Victor Conforti, Burks, Wasz and Booth also will see playing time as part of a deep defensive backfield. Billy Cramsie and Pat Kelley are the Lions’ outside linebackers, while Robert Mitchell and Dylante Pleasant are vying for the starting role at middle linebacker. Returning starter Corey Jefko anchors a defensive line including Adam Rodgers, Jimmy Mitchell, Cody Kutay and Tony Banda. Weinberg feels Mitchell and Rodgers can form a very stout middle of the line.
Glenbard West is the preseason conference favorite with York and LT in hot pursuit. Proviso West is a dangerous sleeper, while Oak Park and Hinsdale Central welcome in new head coaches.
“I’m sure Glenbard West has us circled on the calendar after last year,” said Weinberg, whose team defeated the Hilltoppers 31-13 last season. “They are the favorite, but everybody can play in our league.”