Football preview: Wildcats having a ‘shootout’ to decide QB

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Senior quarterback Hutch Herchenback passes during practice. He's in competition for the starting job with junior Jack Deichl. | Rob Dicker~Sun-Times Media

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Updated: October 17, 2011 12:16AM

Attempting to replace the talented AJ Schurr figures to be a nearly impossible task. So, the quarterback candidates for 2011 will not be required to fill the shoes.

Schurr was a running and throwing machine for Libertyville High School last fall. Stepping into the void are senior Hutch Herchenbach (6-foot-0, 180 pounds) and junior Jack Deichl (6-5, 205).

“They’re not trying to do anything AJ did,” said Wildcats coach Randy Kuceyeski, whose club was 3-6 last year. “They’re just trying to do the things they can do.”

The Cats will run a slightly different offense this season. The “pistol” formation features a 3-yard shotgun snap, with both running backs behind the QB.

Choosing the starting QB will take time. Kuceyeski hinted the decision will not be made until after the club scrimmages on Aug. 20.

“Both of them are playing equal,” said Kuceyeski of Herchenbach and Deichl. “Right now, it’s a shootout.”

The other big storyline as Libertyville prepares to host Barrington at 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 26 is the Cats’ decision to honor all former LHS players who have served in the military. The team will wear special camouflage jerseys and honor all military players who attend the contest with a pregame ceremony.

“I got the idea from some colleges that have done it,” Kuceyeski said. “We’ll be one of the first high schools to do it.”

The school will be selling camouflage jerseys at the game. All proceeds from the fundraiser will go to the Wounded Warriors Project. If any military personnel need more information, please call Kuceyeski at (847) 327-7068.

Kuceyeski heads into his final season at Libertyville with a career mark of 128-53 (17 years). He plans to retire when the 2011 campaign concludes.

Moving the Sticks

A key figure in the running game will be Brian Swift (5-7, 175, Jr.). Swift made an immediate impact when inserted into the starting lineup in 2010.

“He runs low to the ground,” Kuceyeski said. “He’s a good little runner.”

The other candidates for playing time in the backfield are Joey Salata (5-10, 170, Jr.), Kevin Bruns (6-0, 185, Sr.), Max Ebert (5-11, 180, Sr.) and Anthony Valente (6-0, 175, Sr.).

“Our strength will be running the football,” Kuceyeski said. “We’ll complement that with some nice play-action passes.”

When the Cats put the ball in the air, the prime targets will include Sam Styler (6-3, 170, Sr.), Austin Williams (6-2, 175, Jr.)and Justin Guarnaccio (5-9, 145, Jr.).

“All three of those guys are athletic,” the coach said. “They’re all good playmakers and good receivers.”

In the trenches, the leader figures to be tackle Brandon Stanfel. The 6-5, 225-pound junior is the grandson of longtime Bears assistant coach Dick Stanfel.

“Brandon has really come on this summer,” Kuceyeski said. “He’s a force, and he plays with a very ‘bad’ attitude. He’ll be one of the outstanding linemen in the area.”

Other key players up front are center Nick Carlino (6-1, 235, Jr.), tackle Matsen Dziedzic (6-5, 230, Jr.) and tight end Luke Mathewson (6-4, 230, Sr.). The others battling for playing time include Lucas Weis (5-10, 205, Sr.) and Dillon Sandberg (6-1, 200, Sr.).

Making the Stops

Two playmakers on the defensive line are Mathewson (end) and Michael Parker (6-3, 215, Sr., tackle). The other Cats looking for a spot in the 4-3 scheme are Logan Klepac (6-0, 210, Jr.), Kevin Serkowski (6-0, 260, Sr.), Connor Egan (5-10, 205, Sr.), Sean Sneen (6-1, 285, Sr.) and Connor O’Donnell (5-10, 180, Sr.).

“We’re more physical than we’ve been in the past,” Kuceyeski noted.

The Cats will deploy either three or four linebackers. The inside candidates are Paul DeLuca (6-0, 190, Sr.), Stephen Skul (6-1, 180, Sr.) and Drew Krinitsky (6-1, 190, Jr.). On the outside, the rotation could inclue Bruns, Ebert and Lucas Carlson (6-0, 165, Sr.).

“Technique-wise, the linebackers are very good,” Kuceyeski said. “They’re not overly big, but they are very active.”

The defensive backfield will be led by A.J. Schmidt (5-11, 170, Jr.), Peter Corrigan (5-9, 170, Sr.) and Clay Cusek (5-9, 145, Sr.).

Special Forces

The placekicking chores will be shared by Williams and Reid Griffiths (6-1, 170, Jr.). Ebert is slated to be the punter.

The return game could be a strength, led by Styler, Logan Reiff (5-7, 145, Jr.), Guarnaccio and Williams.

“One of the best (return units) that we’ve had in a long time,” the coach said. “They’re exciting to watch.”