Lyons Township High School senior center Cooper Komsthoeft was eager to join the varsity football lineup as a sophomore, even if it meant a new position on the offensive line.
“I was playing guard before then, but they asked me to play center and I wanted to be on the field,” Komsthoeft said.
Not far away was senior Tyler Chambers, another sophomore filling in where needed and now a fixture at left tackle. This season, the two are together more than ever as two-way contributors helping the Lions seek their fourth consecutive postseason berth. The season opener is at home Friday against Prospect, which won last year’s meeting 24-10.
As returning offensive line starters, 6-foot-1 Komsthoeft and 6-5, 290-pound Chambers will split time defensively at nose guard and play together with Komsthoeft at tackle.
“[We’re] really good friends. We both play volleyball, so our chemistry is through the roof. We know our offense so well. We never yell at each other and we’re always there for each other,” Chambers said. “One of our biggest goals is to win conference. And if we can go far in the playoffs, that would be a successful season.”
Lyons Township’s senior captain Cooper Komsthoeft blocks against Stevenson during the pre-season scrimmage Friday, August 23, 2024 in Western Springs. | Steve Johnston 
Lyons Township’s head coach Jon Beutjer talks to his team before they scrimmage against Stevenson Friday, August 23, 2024 in Western Springs. | Steve Johnston 
Lyons Township’s senior captain Tyler Chambers blocks against Stevenson during the pre-season scrimmage Friday, August 23, 2024 in Western Springs. | Steve Johnston
The 2023 Lions finished 7-4 and 4-2 in the West Suburban Conference Silver Division. They lost in the second round of the Class 8A playoffs to York 17-14 after equaling a program-best quarterfinals berth in 2022.
LTHS graduated many prominent players, including two-way lineman Eddie Tuerk, now at Illinois, and two-year starting quarterback Ryan Jackson, now at St. Thomas.
But these Lions also return 14 starters, seven on both sides of the ball, with many taking on greater or additional roles.
“I think the senior class has got a little bit of a chip on its shoulder,” LTHS coach Jon Beutjer said. “They think other people don’t think they can achieve a lot because we lost a lot of critical players. I think we’re playing some good football right now and we’ve got a lot of good players.”
Komsthoeft, Chambers and seniors Travis Stamm and Shane Harris are team captains. Stamm (Illinois State) and Chambers (Northern Illinois) already are Division I commits.
“[Captain] really means everything to me, being able to help lead guys to hopefully many victories,” said Komsthoeft, who is considering Division III football. “And also effectively help each guy be the best player they are while also myself getting better.”
In his fourth varsity season, Stamm could challenge multiple LTHS receiving records. In 2023, Stamm had 57 catches for 789 yards and five touchdowns.
“Every time he gets the ball, it feels like he’s going to score or make a huge, huge play,” Chambers said.
Junior left guard Jimmy Hillman is the third returning starter on the offensive line. Senior running back Danny Carroll rushed for 483 yards and 4 TDs and had 13 receptions for 87 yards.
Perhaps the biggest offensive key is the progress of senior quarterback Dominic Piscotti, last year’s backup.
“He’s worked really hard and invested in football and improved so much,” Beutjer said.
Other receivers include seniors Mack Long, Julian Padilla, Cam Clarke and Jack Grigus and junior Anthony Pearson. Seniors Will Tobin and Tucker King (8 catches, 137 yards, 2 TDs), a Cincinnati baseball recruit, junior Brady Rusk and sophomore Owen Matela will contribute at tight end or receiver.
Defensively, the Lions are experienced at linebacker with junior Patrick Cheney (44 tackles, 3 for loss), Harris (24 tackles, 4 for loss, 2 interceptions), Tobin (8 tackles, interception) and Grigus, who returned his interception 75 yards for a TD at Proviso West.
Junior Roman Sosnovyy (21 tackles, 4 for loss, interception) excelled on the defensive line as a sophomore. Chambers (7 tackles, fumble return), and Komsthoeft also will be joined by seniors Nicky Arquilla and Danny Kienzle. Seniors Ryan Gertsmeier (interception), Josh Gutierrez, Long, Stamm and Pearson lead secondary candidates.
The Lions’ first Silver title since 2010 remains a prominent goal. They shared third behind co-champions Glenbard West and York by beating Downers Grove North, last year’s 7A state runners-up.
“Last year’s team was in every game,” Beutjer said. “If we can match what we did last year, our defense bending in certain games but didn’t break, creating turnovers, control the ball on offense, get the ball to our playmakers, we can win a lot of games.”